Uganda Cubs face France in do-or-die FIFA U17 World Cup clash

U17 FIFA World Cup

Group K

Today, 3:30pm

Uganda v France

Chile v Canada

The Uganda Cubs are staring at a defining moment today when they take on European giants France in a decisive group K encounter at the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar where victory will secure them a spot in the knockout round.

With just one point from two matches, Uganda occupy third place in the group standings, three points behind joint leaders France and Canada, who both have four points.

Chile, who also have one point, face Canada in the group’s other decisive fixture. All four teams remain in contention for qualification, making today’s matches true do-or-die battles.

For the Cubs, today’s encounter represents their sternest test yet. Uganda began their World Cup debut campaign with a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Canada after conceding two late goals, before battling to a late 1-1 draw with Chile last Saturday. The result kept their hopes alive, but only a win against France will guarantee a place in the round of 32, either as group winners, runners-up, or among the eight best third-placed teams.

One major concern for Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has been his team’s vulnerability in defending set pieces. All three goals conceded so far have come from dead-ball situations, two against Canada (a corner and a penalty) and one against Chile from a free kick.

That weakness will be heavily tested against France, a side that thrives on set plays. In their 2-0 victory over Chile, France’s Christ Batola scored from a direct free kick before Remi Himbert added a second from a corner delivered by Emmanuel Mbemba, whose precise crosses caused endless problems for the South Americans. Ssenyondo’s charges will need to maintain discipline and avoid conceding unnecessary free kicks and corners near their box.

However, despite their strength in set pieces, France have shown moments of vulnerability in open play, often looking shaky under sustained pressure from Canada and Chile. Uganda will need to capitalise on those weaknesses through the attacking prowess of James Bogere, Abubakali Walusimbi, Isma Magala, and Richard Okello, who have all shown glimpses of creativity and directness in the final third.

To stand a chance of staying alive in the tournament, the Cubs must put up a balanced display, tighten the defence, sharp in attack, and composed in midfield. Every department must operate with precision and discipline, as this match could define their historic campaign.

Meanwhile, 18 teams including Portugal, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Zambia, Austria, USA, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Japan, Senegal, Croatia, South Africa, Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, Korea Republic, and North Korea have already sealed their places in the round of 32 of the 48-team competition.