Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango insists that the dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup can be achieved in 2026.
Onyango has been handed the role of ambassador for the newly launched Cranes Kabbo campaign between FUFA and Nile Special.
This is aimed at generating funds to support the Cranes in their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“It is a privilege to play at the World Cup but unfortunately some of us never did,” Onyango said at the launching ceremony held at FUFA House in Mengo on Friday.
“But, I will be realistic with everyone that we were not that much focused on qualifying for the World Cup during our time.”
“Yes, we would play the qualifiers but the dedication was limited to a certain level because maybe the hopes were low.”
“But, I think it is high time we all focused on qualifying for the World Cup as a country.”
“The best thing is that this time around the World Cup slots for the African countries have increased so let’s try and go for it, and I believe we can make it,” he noted.
For the Cranes Kabbo, UGX 50/= on each Nile Special beer bottle consumed will go to the Cranes fund.
An estimated sum of UGX 400 million is initially targeted which can even increase depending on the consumption of the product.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the last time the competition will have 32 participants.
With the effect from the 2026 edition, 48 national teams will take part in the World’s greatest football showpiece.
Slot allocation
On March 30, 2017, the Bureau of the FIFA Council (composed of the FIFA president and the presidents of each of the six confederations) proposed a slot allocation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The recommendation was submitted for ratification by the FIFA Council.
On May 9, two days before the 67th FIFA Congress, the FIFA Council approved the slot allocation in a meeting in Manama, Bahrain.
It includes an intercontinental playoff tournament involving six teams to decide the last two FIFA World Cup spots, making it a 1⁄3 spot in the finals for a place in the intercontinental playoffs.
