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Uganda Cubs have learnt their opponent for the FIFA U17 World Cup qualification play-off following the conclusion of the group stage at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in .
Uganda, who finished third in Group B, will face the Black Starlets of Ghana in a decisive clash scheduled for Saturday. The winner will secure one of the remaining African slots at the FIFA U17 World Cup set to be staged in Qatar later this year.
Africa was allocated 10 places at the tournament. Eight teams booked automatic qualification by reaching the quarter-finals of the U17 AFCON, while the remaining two spots are being decided through play-offs involving the four third-placed teams from the group stage.
Uganda head into the encounter determined to continue their impressive youth football rise, having already featured at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup. That experience has strengthened the current squad’s belief as they aim for back-to-back appearances on the global stage.
Ghana booked their play-off place after finishing level on points, goals scored, and goals conceded with Algeria in Group D. However, Algeria advanced as runners-up after winning the drawing of lots, pushing the Black Starlets into the qualification route.
Uganda will also draw inspiration from last year’s dramatic playoff success, where they came from behind to defeat Gambia 2–1 to secure qualification to the World Cup.
With a second consecutive World Cup appearance on the line, the Cubs will be aiming to produce another memorable performance and keep their dream alive on the continental stage.
