Uganda concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign with a 2–1 loss to Algeria on Tuesday night. The result saw the Cranes finish second in Group G with 18 points—level with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference—while Algeria topped the group with 25 points to advance to the next round.
Steven Mukwala gave Uganda an early lead in the 6th minute, and the Cranes held firm until halftime. However, two second-half penalties turned the game in Algeria’s favour, sealing the win for the hosts.
Head coach Paul Put commended his players for their resilience and expressed pride in their performance despite the defeat.
“It was a very tough game. We played against a very good team. But it’s hard to lose like this with two penalties—especially the second one, where I believe the goalkeeper should have been protected. It was a difficult match, and we were all surprised,” said Put.
“For the first penalty, I cannot judge until I see the footage. It has been a long trip for us, and the boys gave everything. We even had the best chance to score a second goal, which could have ended the game in our favour. I’m proud of their effort.”
Put noted that finishing second with 18 points was a commendable achievement and outlined the team’s next steps.
“Now we have to prepare for AFCON. We’ll play two friendly matches in November to assess the players before starting full preparations in early December. There isn’t much time left, but we’ll focus on the upcoming international fixtures.”
With their World Cup journey concluded, Uganda now shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, where they will look to build on the momentum from their impressive qualification run.
