Category: Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes agonizingly suffered defeat at the hands of Guinea as the two Nations faced off on Friday.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match played at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco, the hosts secured a 2-1 win.

Uganda Cranes felt hard done after a remarkable performance, only to concede at the death of the clock.

This was the first game for new Put Paul Joseph who was recently appointed on a two-year deal.

He started Salim Omar Magoola in goal with Kenneth Semakula, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi and Halidi Lwaliwa completing the backline.

Skipper Khalid Aucho started in midfield alongside Bobosi Byaruhanga and Travis Mutyaba.

The front three included Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa and Rogers Kassim Mato.

Guinea took the lead through Aguibou Camara in the 10th minute.

However, Uganda Cranes remained composed and matched Guinea pound for pound for the biggest part of the game.

At the half hour mark, Fahad Bayo was well positioned to score from close range and level matters.

Mato won a free kick on the left and Byaruhanga was given the responsibility to deliver inside the box.

His good delivery was first met by Lwaliwa’s head, directing the ball into Bayo’s path and the latter made no mistake to fire home.

At the start of the second half, Uganda made two changes introducing Yunus Sentamu and Timothy Awany to replace Milton Karisa and Byaruhanga respectively.

There were further changes with Bayo and Travis Mutyaba replaced by Richard Basangwa and Bright Anukani.

With four minutes added on, Guinea got the winner in the last minute off a free kick by Seydouba Cisse that went straight into the back of the net.

Uganda will return to action on Tuesday against Somalia in the second game of the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Uganda Cranes are in Group G alongside Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.

Uganda’s Starting XI

Salim Omar Magoola, Kenneth Semakula, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato

Substitutes
Isima Watenga, Jack Komakech, Timothy Awany, Elvis Bwomono, Rogers Torach, Ibrahim Juma, Ramz Kawooya, William Kizito Luwagga, Yunus Sentamu, Denis Omedi, Bright Anukani, Richard Basangwa

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Group F
Matchday One
17th November 2023
Guinea vs Uganda
Stade Berkane Du Municipal

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put Paul Joseph and captain Khalid Aucho have expressed readiness as Uganda prepares to face Guinea on Friday at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco.

This will be the first matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and coincidentally the first game of the Uganda Cranes under the stewardship of coach Put.

Despite being with the team for a few days, the gaffer believes his charges are ready for the game against Guinea.

“We have tried to achieve a lot of things in the limited time I have been with the team and I’m impressed with the attitude and discipline of the players,” he stated.

“A committed group works together and I believe will portrayed on the pitch for us to get a good result.”

Asked about what he knows about Guinea, coach Put indicated they are a good team but his charges are ready to give their best.

“I know they have a good team with quality players some and majority player in Europe but I have the trust in my players to pull off a great performance.” He said.

Captain Aucho also shares similar sentiments and confident that the players will go into the game with full commitment.

“It is always an honour for us to play for the National Team and as players we are ready for tomorrow’s game. The coaches have done their part to prepare us, the ball is in our coat to deliver on pitch and I know everyone will give their best for us to secure maximum points.”

After Friday’s game, Uganda will return to action on Tuesday next week against Somalia.

The Crested Cranes are in Group G alongside Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.

Winger William Kizito Luwagga is delighted to get back to the national team fold after a long time.

The pacy forward was key as Uganda Cranes qualified to the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations editions in Gabon and Egypt respectively.

He could not hide his delight about making a cut to the final squad that will feature in the upcoming 2026 FIFA Wold Cup Qualifiers against Guinea and Somalia.

“It is always a pleasure to come back to the National Team. I’m always ready and working hard to represent my country. So I’m delighted to be here and try to help my country to do well,” he started.

With the Uganda Cranes undergoing transition, Luwagga believes he has to play an exemplary role to some of the youngsters on the team.

“I need to be an example to the young players on the team. I have not played with most of them but this is an opportunity for me to share knowledge with them and also learn from them. We definitely have a good team and as players we only have to step up and do what is required of us.”

Luwagga called on fans to rally behind the team and support them ahead of the two forthcoming games.

“ To the fans, I ask you to rally behind us and we promise you to do our best and make you proud.” He said.

Uganda will face Guinea on 17th November 2023 at Stade du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco before facing Somalia four days later at the same venue.

The Uganda Cranes are in Group G alongside Somalia, Guinea, Algeria, Botswana and Mozambique.

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put Paul Joseph has confirmed the final squad that will play the two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Somalia and Guinea.

The coach has confirmed a list of 27 players with the local based players and officials expected to depart for Morocco on Sunday at 10PM aboard Uganda Airlines.

Uganda will face Guinea on 17th November 2023 at Stade De Municipal in Berkene before taking on Somalia at the same venue four days later.

Besides Timothy Awany, Luwagga Kizito and Ibrahim Juma, the rest of the foreign based players will link up with the team in Berkane, Morocco from their respective clubs.

FUFA Executive Committee Member Rasoul Ariga is the Leader of Delegation.

Players

Officials

Leader of Delegation- Rasoul Ariga

Head Coach – Put Paul Joseph

Assistant Coach- Sam Ssimbwa Bamweyana

Goalkeeping Coach- Gery Osste

Performance Manager – Sven De Wilde

Fitness Coach – Mathieu Denis

National Teams Officer – Paul Mukatabala

Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa

Team Rehabilitation- Arno Parmentier

Team Physiotherapist- Ivan Ssewanyana

Team Doctor – Emmanuel Nakabago

Video Analyst – Jelle Sevenhant

Equipment Manager 1 – Samuel Mulondo

Equipment Manager 2 – Ayub Balyejjusa

Media Officer – Alex Kasirye

Phillip Namayo – FUFA Tv

Andrew Onwang – FUFA Delegate

Ismail Kalanda – FUFA Delegate

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put Paul Joseph has summoned a provisional squad of 36 players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Uganda will face Guinea and Somalia on 17th and 21st November respectively.

It should be noted that both games will be played in Morocco with Uganda being the visiting team.

The final team will travel to Berkene, Morocco on 12th November.

Uganda is in Group G alongside Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Nafian Legason Alionzi (Mekelakeya SC, Ethiopia), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Isima Bin Rashid Abdul Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders
Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono Okello (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo CD Leganes, Spain), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Bevis Kristofer Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Najib Fesali (URA FC, Uganda), Denis Timothy Awany (SC Ashdod, Israel), Benjamin Nyakoojo (Kitara FC, Uganda), Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Allan Oyirwoth (AMUS College, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Isma Mugulusi (Unattached), Joseph Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Umaru Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Ramsy Kawooya(Express FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Fred Amaku (Maroons FC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Rogers Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jaockim Ojera (Rayon Sports FC, Rwanda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Travis Mutyaba (FC Dynamo Tbilisi, Georgia)

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put Paul Joseph has appointed Sam Ssimbwa Bamweyena as his assistant.

The decision was made after the Belgian tactician was officially unveiled as the new Uganda Cranes head coach.

Ssimbwa, a CAF A Certified coach will start his role with immediate effect according to FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.

“FUFA has duly accepted the appointment of Sam Ssimbwa by Uganda Cranes Head Coach and he will start serving in his new role with immediate effect,” he confirmed.

“The other Ugandan officials who will serve as part of the backroom staff shall be announced in due course.”

Coach Put was unveiled on Thursday at FUFA Complex on a two-year deal.

The coach comes with other personalities that will constitute his backroom.

Sven De Wilde- Performance Manager

Mathieu Denis- Physical Fitness Coach

Gery Osste- Goalkeeping Coach

Martin Michiel- Physiotherapist

Jelle Sevenhant- Video analyst

The newly appointed technical team will start their tenure with two FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Guinea and Somalia on 17th and 21st November 2023 respectively.

FUFA has on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mr. Put Paul Joseph as the head coach of the Uganda Cranes on a two-year renewable contract.

The coach was officially unveiled to the media at FUFA Complex by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who was in the company of FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.

FUFA President indicated there was a process that was followed before zeroing down to Put.

“FUFA rolled out an application process and we got over 150 coaches including two Ugandans who applied for the job. After thorough analysis, the FUFA Executive zeroed down on Mr. Put Paul Joseph who we believe will do a good job,” he said.

The FUFA President also revealed that unlike the previous times when the Federation appointed the backroom staff, this time, the coach has been given the greenlight to appoint his technical staff.

“This time, we have allowed the coach to appoint his own backroom staff and he is already coming with five other people from Belgium. However, there will be Ugandans who will work as part of the backroom staff in the areas of medical, coaching and management.” He stated.

Coach Put will work with the following people as part of his backroom staff;

Sven De Wilde- Performance Manager

Mathieu Denis- Physical Fitness Coach

Gery Osste- Goalkeeping Coach

Martin Michiel- Physiotherapist

Jelle Sevenhant- Video analyst

The Ugandan personnel who will be part of the backroom staff will be communicated later and shall report to camp as and when International engagements are lined up.

In his remarks, the Belgian tactician stated he is ready for the task ahead and cannot wait to get started.

“I first of all want to thank FUFA for the trust and confidence in giving me this job. I believe my knowledge about African football will help me to do a good job with the Uganda Cranes,” he started before adding.

“I have been following the Uganda Cranes especially the recent AFCON Qualifier match against Niger and the two friendly games against Mali and Zambia. Give me time, give me the confidence. You will see a different national team.”

Put, 67, has been the head coach of several national teams in Africa including Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Kenya and Congo.

In 2013, Put guided Burkina Faso to the final of Africa Cup of Nations but lost to Nigeria.

His first task with Uganda Cranes will come this month with the team facing Guinea and Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

FUFA will on Thursday morning hold a special Press Conference in regard to the Senior Men’s National Team, the Uganda Cranes.

According to FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein, the press briefing will be addressed by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.

It should be noted that Uganda Cranes will have two FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches in the month of November.

The Team will face both Guinea and Somalia in Morocco.

Uganda Cranes Interim Head Coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama has named the final team that will take on Mali and Zambia in the forthcoming International friendly games.

The coach named a team of 24 players, following four days of rigorous training at East High, Kisasi.

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The contingent will depart Uganda on Tuesday morning (2am) aboard Ethiopian Airways.

It should be noted that the game against Mali will be played on Friday, 13th October at Stade du Mars in Bamako.

The team will thereafter connect to Dubai, United Arab Emirates where Uganda Cranes will play against Zambia on Tuesday, 17th October 2023 at Hamriya Stadium.

Besides defenders Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and Halidi Lwaliwa who will travel with the contingent from Uganda, the rest of the foreign based players will join the team from their respective clubs.

FUFA Executive Committee Member and former Uganda Cranes player Dan Obote is the Leader of Delegation.

Final squad for the two international friendly games

Goalkeepers
Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Hapoel Tel Aviv FC, Israel), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga FC, Tanzania), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Laban Tibiita (URA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Lawrence Tezikya (BUL FC, Uganda), Rogers Kassim Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey)

Officials

Leader of Delegation – Dan Obote

National Teams Officer – Paul Mukatabala

Interim Head Coach – Morley Byekwaso Ochama

Interim Assistant Coach – Fred Muhumuza

Interim Goalkeeping Coach – Stephen Billy Kiggundu

Interim Fitness Coach – Felix Ayobo

Team Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana

Team Doctor – Emmanuel Nakabago

Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa

Equipment Manager 1- Samuel Mulondo

Equipment Manager 2 – Ayub Balyejjusa

Media Officer – Joel Muyita

FUFA Delegate – Hassan Kakaire Kirunda

FUFA Delegate – Roberts Kiwanuka

FUFA Staff – Jimmy Ssebbale

FUFA has named a Uganda Cranes Technical Team of four people for an interim period of one month running from 3rd -31st October 2023.

The four people are:

Morley Byekwaso Ochama – Interim Head Coach

Fred Muhumuza – Interim Assistant Coach

Stephen Billy Kiggundu – Interim Goalkeeping Coach

Felix Ayobo – Interim Fitness Coach

The quartet will take charge of Uganda Cranes during the International break this month where the team will play two games against Mali on 13th October in Bamako and Zambia in Dubai, UAE on 17th October 2023.

Uganda Cranes squad for the two international games will also be named today by the interim technical team.

Uganda Cranes wrapped up the qualification campaign to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a win over Niger in Morocco.

In the game played on Thursday at the Grand Stade Marrakech, Uganda defeated Niger 2-0.

Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and Joseph Ochaya scored a goal each in the first half to guide the Cranes to victory.

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Kayondo opened the scores in the 17th minute with his cross from the left ending into the back of the net.

In the 39th minute, Ochaya was well stationed to flick home Milton Karisa’s initial effort to double Uganda’s advantage.

Despite earning the much needed win, results from the other group F game couldn’t help Uganda qualify.

Algeria and Tanzania played out a goalless draw which meant the latter finished second on eight points, one ahead of Uganda.

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Uganda’s Starting XI
Salim Omar Magoola, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Faruku Miya, Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa, Joseph Ochaya

Uganda Cranes contingent safely arrived in Morocco on Sunday ahead of the crunch fixture against Niger on Thursday this week at the Grand Stade Marrakech.

Uganda will face Niger in the final group game of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers with hopes of securing a slot at the final tournament.

On Monday, the 16 players who are already in camp got to work, starting with a gym session at Hotel Ibis with training on the pitch expected later on in the day.

Six players namely; Salim Omar Magoola, Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Bevis Mugabi, Ibrahim Kasule, Rogers Mato and Frank Ssebufu are expected to join the team later today.

Here are some of the images from the gym session:

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Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has confirmed the final squad that will travel to Morocco for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match against Niger.

A squad comprised of 23 players has been confirmed by the coach and will travel to Morocco on Saturday at 4PM (local time) aboard Emirates airlines.

The coach believes the team selected will be able to execute the task at hand.

‘After days of preparations in Kampala, I believe we are at the best level to go and compete against Niger. We already have two foreign players Taddeo Lwanga and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo that have been training with us while the rest will join us in Marrakech.’ He said.

It should be noted that the game against Niger is the final group game for the Uganda Cranes in the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.

Niger will host Uganda at the Grand Stade Marrakech on Thursday, 7th September 2023.

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Uganda Cranes travelling squad

Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga, Salim Omar Magoola, Nafian Alionzi

Defenders
Kenneth Semakula, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Isaac Muleme, Halidi Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Musa Ramathan, Joseph Ochaya

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Laban Tibiita, Faruku Miya, Ibrahim Kasule, Moses Waiswa

Forwards
Rogers Mato, Fahad Bayo, Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebufu

Officials

Leader of Delegation- Rogers Mulindwa

Head Coach – Milutin Sredojevic

Assistant Coach – Moses Basena

Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba

Fitness Coach – Arthur Kyesimira

Performance Coach – Franck Plaine

Video Analyst – Behilil Moussa Elhadj

Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa

National Teams Officer/ Advance Party – Paul Mukatabala

Team Doctor- Emmanuel Nakabago

Team Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana

Equipment Manager – Samuel Mulondo

Equipment Manager – Ayub Balyejjusa

Team Media Officer – Stephen Mayamba

FUFA Tv – Ezrah Balaba

FUFA Tv – Umar Ssegane

FUFA Staff – Jarvis Ahumuza

FUFA Delegate – Jamal Ngobi

FUFA Delegate – Walter Okello

This week, the Uganda Cranes have begun preparations for the crucial final AFCON 2023 qualifier match against Niger in Marrakech, Morocco, next week on 07/09/2023.

Primarily working with the majority of locally based players, Coach Milutin Sredojević (Micho) has ensured that the players switch on their beast mode and are in the best shape as they vie for places on the final squad that will travel to Morocco. The foreign-based players will join them to finalize preparations ahead of Thursday’s encounter.

On Wednesday, the team played the first of its practice matches against SC Villa, which ended in a one-all draw at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

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The team is scheduled to depart for Morocco on Saturday afternoon.

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Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has revealed that next month’s AFCON qualifier with Niger should produce the best product on the final day of the campaign. Sredojevic has named a squad of 33 players to start preparations for the fixture. FUFA Communications caught up with the coach and shared his thoughts.

Two parts of the group in the campaign

First of all, I need to say before even starting this qualifier we knew there were two parts in this group; one is Algeria the run-away leaders and the second one is Tanzania and Niger. Now Niger is out of contention due to points and us (Uganda) and Tanzania are perfectly still in. We have a perfect chance that if we win against Niger, we qualify for the AFCON.

The campaign needs a good product on the final day

It is all about the final product. It is a campaign that we entered in an enormous risk with a transitional squad that has nine players from the finalists of AFCON U20 in Mauritania, 2021 with only few senior players and four survivors from the team of 2019 when we played AFCON, that is Emma Okwi, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya and Joseph Ochaya. (Salim Jamal was also in Egypt for the AFCON 2019 Finals).

From the 33 players summoned for the AFCON Qualifier against Niger, we shall select 23 players who are in the best competitive shape for the match on 7 th September 2023 in Morocco. It will be exactly 10 years since we played in the same stadium against Senegal in World Cup qualifiers. Now we are going with a different intention to play in the AFCON.

The return of senior players

Bevis Mugabi is back, Timothy Awany has returned, Isaac Mulume and Joseph Ochaya are also in. We have new inclusions consisting of the New York Red Bulls duo Kasule Ibrahim and Sebufu Frank and the rest of the players that we have in Uganda in a competitive way. We shall go all out in attack. The intention is to win.

🎥 Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic on players who have returned to the squad pic.twitter.com/8tw1x76b6N

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) August 15, 2023

Buganda Regional tour, international friendly lined up

The locally based players excluding those currently occupied with club activities will play a regional tour match in Luwero on 19th August 2023 and then return to their clubs. The selected local-based players will then return to the camp on 28th August 2023 for Uganda Crane’s duty against Niger. On September 2nd, we are looking forward to an international friendly match for the local based players to test them.

📹 Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic on the Cranes Preparation Programme pic.twitter.com/bwhpT5edUn

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) August 15, 2023

Uganda Cranes to play Niger in Morocco

The team will assemble in Marrakech, Morocco on September 3rd and 4th. There will be three training sessions on the 4th, 5th and 6th of September. Behind us are two months of hard work to ensure that the players are in the best shape. The young players have to follow the senior players while the senior players have to show leadership to the young.

Uganda Cranes have been pitted in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Africa in the draws conducted on Thursday on the sidelines of the 45th CAF Congress in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Uganda was placed in Pot 3 prior to the draws and the lots made by former Nigerian midfielder Jay Jay Okocha confirmed the Group where the Cranes will play as G.

The same group has Algeria who coincidentally are Uganda’s opponents in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The other teams in the same Group include Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana and Somalia.

It should be noted that a total of 54 countries have been drawn into nine groups, each composed of six teams.

The winner of each group will directly qualify to the World Cup, while the four best group runners-up will participate in play-offs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see participation of teams increase from the current 32 to 48 which also consequently leads the increase in number of teams from CAF (Africa) from 5 to 9 or possibly 10 depending on the outcome of the intercontinental playoffs.