CAF finally grants Namboole stadium green light to host international matches

FUFA has been given permission by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to hold international matches at the recently renovated Mandela National Stadium.

The news coincides with Uganda Cranes’ preparations to play host to Botswana and Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, which take place next month.

The FUFA declared through its official media channels that Namboole will host the upcoming games.

“CAF has granted FUFA permission to host International Matches at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole). This therefore implies that Uganda Cranes will host the up coming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria in June at Namboole.” Reads a statement from FUFA.

Due to the sluggish progress of the renovations at Namboole, football enthusiasts have expressed anxiety.

The Uganda Cranes were forced to play their home games in other nations throughout the last four years while the venue underwent renovations.


The Uganda Cranes last played at Mandela National Stadium in 2019, winning 2-0 against Malawi behind goals from Emmanuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo.
As part of test events before CAF gives the go-ahead, FUFA organized a double header in the Uganda Premier League on May 1st. This was two weeks ago.


In back-to-back home games, the Uganda Cranes will welcome Algeria on June 9 and Botswana on June 3.