Uganda will host a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifier between Somalia and Guinea at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on September 5, 2025, after Somalia’s football federation requested assistance due to a lack of FIFA-approved stadiums in their home country.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed this development on Wednesday, stating that the decision reflects regional cooperation and the importance of supporting football development across the continent.
“Somalia requested us to host that match because they don’t have a stadium approved by FIFA and CAF. We agreed to host them on the same day Uganda faces Mozambique in the second match at the stadium,”
— FUFA CEO Edgar Watson told Xinhua.
This means Namboole will host two Group G matches on the same day, offering fans a double-header of high-stakes World Cup qualifying action.
Current Group G Standings
As of Matchday 6:
Team Points Matches Played
Algeria 15 6
Uganda 9 6
Botswana 8 6
Guinea 7 6
Somalia 1 6
Mozambique (standings not confirmed)
Somalia, who have struggled throughout the qualifiers, are bottom of the group with just one point from six matches, while Guinea sit in fifth place with seven points. Uganda, who will also play at Namboole that day, remain hopeful with nine points and a strong home support advantage.
Ongoing security challenges and infrastructure issues have meant that Somalia has been unable to host international fixtures for years. With no stadium currently meeting FIFA and CAF standards, the Somali Football Federation has been reliant on neutral venues across Africa for its “home” matches.
Hosting the match in Uganda underscores regional solidarity, and FUFA’s cooperation ensures Somali players and fans get a venue that meets international standards.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will feature an expanded format with nine African teams qualifying directly. This raises the stakes in the qualifiers, especially for teams like Uganda and Guinea, who are still mathematically in the race.
Uganda has never qualified for a senior men’s or women’s FIFA World Cup, and their campaign this year has rekindled hope among fans. Hosting two qualifiers on the same day could also boost local morale and ticket sales.
The double-header at Namboole Stadium promises to be a significant day in East African football. With both Somalia and Uganda playing for pride and progression, fans can expect passion, drama, and high-stakes competition on September 5.
