The stage is ready, the problem is immense, and the mission is evident—Uganda’s U17 Nationwide Group, The Uganda Cubs is heading again to Morocco decided to show that their historic 2025 run was no fluke.
Following the official draw for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2026, Uganda has been positioned in a frightening Group B alongside continental heavyweights Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and DR Congo. Dubbed the match’s “Group of Dying,” the pool guarantees high-intensity clashes from the very first whistle.
The match will run from thirteenth Might to 2nd June 2026 in Morocco, the place the hosts additionally enter because the reigning U-17 AFCON champions.
However for a aspect that has already shaken the worldwide stage, these giants characterize alternative quite than concern.
Uganda arrives on the match using on the wave of a breakthrough 2025 marketing campaign—one which redefined the nation’s place in youth soccer. The “Cubs” made historical past in Morocco, displaying resilience and character towards high opposition.
After struggling a heavy 5–0 defeat to hosts Morocco of their opening match, Uganda responded in fashion with a commanding 3–0 win over Tanzania. A slender 2–1 loss to Zambia adopted, however the younger aspect held their nerve when it mattered most, edging The Gambia 2–1 in a high-stakes playoff to safe a historic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
That achievement alone would have marked a milestone—however the Cubs went even additional.
On the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Uganda captured international consideration with a fearless run. Drawn in a troublesome group, they shocked former champions France with a well-known 1–0 victory. The momentum continued into the knockout stage, the place they eradicated African rivals Senegal by the identical scoreline to succeed in the Spherical of 16.
Their outstanding journey finally resulted in a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Burkina Faso, however by then, Uganda had already introduced itself as a rising power in world soccer.
Now, the main target shifts again to Africa.
At stake is extra than simply continental pleasure—the highest 10 groups on the match will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar as Africa’s representatives.
To get there, Uganda should navigate a path by means of among the continent’s most formidable sides.
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