Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick has been included in Uganda Cranes’ provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.
Head coach Paul Put unveiled the squad on Monday at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) headquarters in Mengo.
Sibbick previously featured for Uganda in a friendly against Ghana in March 2024, and his latest call-up underscores the coaching staff’s faith in his abilities.
His inclusion will bolster Uganda’s defence as they seek to tighten their backline against formidable opposition.
The 24-year-old versatile defender, who can play both as a centre-back and right-back, has been a key figure for Wigan Athletic in England’s lower leagues.
His pace, physicality, and composure in possession make him a valuable asset to the Cranes as they look to improve their defensive solidity.
The two critical matches and dates.
- March 20, 2025 – Mozambique vs. Uganda (Cairo International Stadium, Egypt)
- March 25, 2025 – Uganda vs. Guinea (Kampala, Uganda)
These matches are crucial for Uganda, who currently sit fifth in Group G with six points, level with Botswana and Guinea.
Group leaders Algeria have nine points, and only the group winner will earn a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Sibbick joins a solid defensive unit that includes Bevis Mugabi (Anorthosis Famagusta), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC).
His experience in English football could give him an edge in securing a starting spot.
Meanwhile, the squad also sees the return of Muhammad Shaban, who last played for Uganda in September 2024 during the AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville.
The forward, who scored Uganda’s winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Botswana, will be eager to make an impact once again.
With only the group winners securing direct qualification, Uganda must collect maximum points in their remaining fixtures to stay in contention.
The four best runners-up across all groups will enter a mini-tournament, with the winner advancing to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Offs.
Full Provisional squad
GOALKEEPERS
- Watenga Isima – Golden Arrows FC
- Alionzi Nafian – Defence Forces FC
- Mutakubwa Joel – BUL FC
DEFENDERS
- Bwomono Elvis – St. Mirren FC
- Kizito Gavin – KCCA FC
- Mugabi Bevis – Anorthosis Famagusta FC
- Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod
- Sibbick Toby – Wigan Athletic FC
- Torach Rogers – Vipers SC
- Kayondo Abdu Aziz – FC Slovan Liberec
- Muleme Isaac – FK Viktoria Zizkov
MIDFIELDERS
- Ssekiganda Ronald – SC Villa
- Semakula Kenneth – Club Africaine
- Aucho Khalid – Young Africans
- Ssebagala Enock – NEC FC
- Watambala Abdu Karim – Vipers SC
- Okello Allan – Vipers SC
- Mutyaba Travis – Girondins Bordeaux
FORWARDS
- Omedi Denis – APR FC
- Kiwanuha Hakim – APR FC
- Ssemugabi Jude – Kitara FC
- Mato Rogers – FK Vardar
- Mukwala Steven – Simba SC
- Muhammad Shaban – Al Anwar Al Abyar SC
- Kabuye Calvin – Mjällby AIF
- Kakande Patrick – SC Villa
