Head Coach Paul Put has named a 26-man Uganda Cranes squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, featuring pivotal away matches against Botswana and Algeria in October.

The squad welcomes back U.S.-based midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots) and Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution).

Coach Put has made several changes from the team that faced Mozambique and Somalia at Namboole Stadium. Joel Mutakubwa, Elvis Bwomono, Karim Watambala, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and John Paul Dembe were all omitted from the latest selection.

Local players will depart on Sunday morning, joining the foreign-based stars at a later stage.

Currently, Uganda sits second in Group G with 15 points—four behind leaders Algeria and level on points with Mozambique—with only two matches remaining. The stakes could not be higher: group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to playoffs to compete for a place in the inter-confederation playoff.

“We have to do everything possible because in football, you never know. We believe we can finish second,” said Coach Put, acknowledging the challenging road ahead.

Goalkeepers

Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders

Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders

Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan),Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)