Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, saw a historic moment slip away on Wednesday as they fell 2-1 to Canada in their debut at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
James Bogere gave Uganda the perfect start, netting in the 25th minute after a slick pass from midfielder Brian Jjara, sending fans into jubilation and marking Uganda’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
However, the Cubs’ dream victory unraveled in the final moments. Elijah Rocho leveled the score in the 88th minute, and in added time, Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win for Canada.
Despite the loss, Uganda made history as the first national side from the country to feature at a FIFA World Cup tournament. The defeat leaves them at the bottom of Group K alongside Canada, as they now prepare to face France and Chile in their next fixtures.
