By Ronnie Wabomba
NATIONAL/SPORTS
Uganda’s 2–0 win over Somalia at Mandela National Stadium on Monday was more than just another victory, it was a crucial step in keeping alive the Cranes’ slim hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match started brightly, with Allan Okello converting a penalty in the 6th minute before Jude Ssemugabi doubled the lead in the 39th, sealing a comfortable result. Yet, the bigger story unfolded elsewhere, where Guinea held Algeria to a goalless draw. That outcome tightened the race in Group G, leaving Algeria on 19 points, Uganda on 15, Mozambique also on 15 but behind on goal difference, Guinea on 11, Botswana on 9, and Somalia with 1.
With only two matches left in the qualifiers — away to Botswana on 6 October and away to Algeria on 13 October — Uganda’s path is clear but challenging. To qualify directly, the Cranes must win both games and hope Algeria, who visits Somalia and host Uganda in their next games, slip up. Failing that, finishing among the four best runners-up could still offer a lifeline via the African play-offs, where one team advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a potential extra African spot.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Botswana trip is a must-win to set up a potential group decider against Algeria. Dropped points would almost certainly end the dream.
For now, the victory over Somalia provides belief, momentum, and mathematical hope. But in the high-stakes world of World Cup qualifiers, the Cranes know the hardest work is still ahead if they are to make history by qualifying the world’s biggest football tournament- the world cup for the first time in history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and it will be hosted jointly by three countries in North America: the United States, Canada, and Mexico
