The newly appointed Uganda Cranes’ head coach, Paul Put, is gearing up to embark on his coaching journey with a challenging start as the team faces Guinea and Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers later this month.
The Cranes, placed in Group G, are scheduled to kick off their campaign against Guinea on November 17th, followed by a match against Somalia just four days later. Both crucial games will take place in Morocco.
In addition to these formidable opponents, the Cranes will also have to contend with Algeria, Botswana, and Mozambique in Group B, making their qualification journey a demanding one.
Paul Put, a 67-year-old Belgian with extensive experience in African football, was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Cranes on Thursday, November 2nd. He steps into the role following the dismissal of Milutin Micho Sredojevic in September due to a series of disappointing results.
Paul Put’s coaching resume includes stints with national teams such as Burkina Faso, Congo Brazzaville, and the Gambia, as well as managing several prominent clubs across the African continent. His wealth of experience and expertise in African football will be invaluable as he takes charge of the Uganda Cranes.
A significant and historic challenge lies ahead for Put and the Cranes. Uganda has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals. However, with the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the USA and Canada, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination within the team and its supporters. Paul Put will be at the helm, aiming to lead the Cranes to the World Cup and make history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals will see an expanded format with 48 participating teams, offering more opportunities for African nations. Africa has been allocated nine automatic slots for this edition, a significant increase from the five slots available in the previous World Cup finals, when the tournament had 32 participants.
As Uganda sets its sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the nation and its fans are eagerly anticipating a new era under the guidance of Paul Put, with hopes of witnessing their beloved Cranes make their mark on the global football stage.
