By 
The stage is set, the challenge is immense, and the mission is clear—Uganda’s U17 National Team, The Uganda Cubs is heading back to Morocco determined to prove 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 placed in a daunting Group B alongside continental heavyweights Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and DR Congo. Dubbed the tournament’s “Group of Death,” the pool promises high-intensity clashes from the very first whistle.
The tournament will run from 13th May to 2nd June 2026 in Morocco, where the hosts also enter as the reigning U-17 AFCON champions.
But for a side that has already shaken the global stage, these giants represent opportunity rather than fear.
Uganda arrives at the tournament riding on the wave of a breakthrough 2025 campaign—one that redefined the country’s place in youth football. The “Cubs” made history in Morocco, showing resilience and character against top opposition.
After suffering a heavy 5–0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening match, Uganda responded in style with a commanding 3–0 win over Tanzania. A narrow 2–1 loss to Zambia followed, but the young side held their nerve when it mattered most, edging The Gambia 2–1 in a high-stakes playoff to secure a historic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
That achievement alone would have marked a milestone—but the Cubs went even further.
At the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Uganda captured global attention with a fearless run. Drawn in a tough group, they stunned former champions France with a famous 1–0 victory. The momentum continued into the knockout stage, where they eliminated African rivals Senegal by the same scoreline to reach the Round of 16.
Their remarkable journey eventually ended in a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Burkina Faso, but by then, Uganda had already announced itself as a rising force in world football.
Now, the focus shifts back to Africa.
At stake is more than just continental pride—the top 10 teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar as Africa’s representatives.
To get there, Uganda must navigate a path through some of the continent’s most formidable sides.
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