Uganda National U-17 national team (The Cubs) will face Ghana (Black Starlets) in the playoffs to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The Cubs finished third in Group B and take on Ghana in Saturday’s clash.
On the other hand, Ghana booked their playoff place after finishing level with Algeria in Group D on points, goals scored, and goals conceded. However, Algeria advanced as runners-up after winning the drawing of lots, pushing the Black Starlets into the qualification route.
The winner between Uganda and Ghana 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.
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 historic World Cup in Qatar.
