Uganda Cranes out to build momentum as World Cup race tightens

Uganda Cranes return to the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole this evening at 7:00 pm, aiming to build on their emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers reach round eight.

That result lifted Uganda to 12 points in Group G, level with Mozambique and just three points behind Guinea, though leaders Algeria remain six points clear at the summit. With the battle for the playoff spot heating up, victory over Somalia is non-negotiable for the Cranes.

Somalia arrive as clear underdogs, sitting bottom of the group with a single point from seven games. Their 3-0 defeat to Guinea at Namboole on Friday extended a dismal run that has seen them concede 14 goals while scoring only three. Uganda, meanwhile, boast a perfect record against Somalia, winning all seven of their previous encounters.

Cranes captain Khalid Aucho has urged caution, warning his teammates not to take the contest lightly despite Somalia’s struggles. “Derbies in this region can be unpredictable. We must stay focused and avoid complacency,” he said.

Elsewhere in the group, Algeria face Guinea in Morocco in a clash that could reshape the qualification race. A Guinea win would blow the group wide open, especially if both Uganda and Mozambique also pick up victories tonight.

Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the second-placed team could still find a way through the playoffs. For Somalia, already out of contention, pride and the chance to derail Uganda’s campaign remain their biggest incentives