Uganda make history with win over France as Qatar 2025 group stage concludes

Doha, Qatar: Uganda made history with a 1 0 win over last edition s finalists France, claiming their first ever FIFA U 17 World Cup victory and a spot...

Doha, Qatar: Uganda made history with a 1-0 win over last edition’s finalists France, claiming their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup victory and a spot in the Round of 32 at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex yesterday.

Despite the defeat, France advanced as Group K winners on a better goal difference with all four teams tied on points on the final day of group stage.

Uganda finished behind Canada but progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

James Bogere was the star for Uganda, scoring a clinical strike into the top-left corner in the 18th minute. Arafat Nkoola came close when his effort hit the crossbar, but Bogere’s goal proved enough to take the debutants to the Round of 32.

“This is our first time here and we are out of the group, we beat France. Man... this means a lot. France came second in the last tournament. They had the pedigree, but we had the character. We came here, we played our way and we won,” said Uganda coach Brian Ssenyondo.