Christ Batola misses the target in another attack by France. The move ended with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, very close to the right post, but it went slightly wide. The assist came from Abdoulaye Camara with a cross into the box.
The game has been quite disjointed between both teams, with no flow to the play and neither side creating any chances to score, so there has been little excitement in the stadium so far. There has not been much action in the last few minutes.
Pierre Mounguengue misses the target in another French attack. The move ended with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, very close to the right post, but it went slightly wide. A great run by the French, but no goal.
A very even match in which both teams are on the attack and looking to open the scoring, but they are proving ineffective when it comes to finishing their moves despite getting close to their opponents’ goals. The Africans are winning and now dictating the terms.
The pace of the game has slowed down, as has the intensity with which France started. Now Uganda is controlling the ball, and France is unable to finish its attacking plays against a visiting team that is looking to improve its game for this World Cup match.
The first goal of the match has arrived! James Bogere scores the first goal of the match for Uganda, resolving a messy play in the box and sending the ball into the back of the net with admirable skill. It’s just what this match needed. Uganda leads 1-0.
The game has been quite disjointed between both teams, with no flow to the play and neither side creating any chances to score, so there has been little excitement in the stadium so far. There has not been much action in the last few minutes.
Abubakar Walusimbi takes a good shot from mid-range, powerfully striking the ball with his right foot and sending it over the goal defended by the French goalkeeper. Uganda attempted to score in one of the first plays of the match.
A very even match in which both teams are on the attack and looking to open the scoring, but they are proving ineffective when it comes to finishing their moves despite getting close to the opposition’s goal. A goalless draw in the opening minutes of the game.
A good opportunity arose to get the tall players into the box, but France decided to play short, and when they finally sent in the cross, Uganda cleared it without any problems. The European team has yet to score from a significant chance in the first half.
Uganda U-17: Waibi, Torach, Nsereko Mukisa, Oyirwoth, Sengooba, Jjara, Walusimbi, Magala, Nkoola, Bogere, Okello.
Cambios: Mazige, Mukwanga, Bagenda, Lukenge Ntege, Asiimwe, Kamurungi, Owino, Ssozi, Baggio Lucky Magogo.
France U-17: Jourdren, Mbemba Nlandu, Nassoko, Ounissi, Mohamed, Ameline, Camara, Munongo, Mounguengue, Batola, Himbert.
Cambios: Chabot, Marie-Rose, Batbedat, Bohui, Lomet, Leccese, Lesueur, Diarrassouba, Lisimba Telusson, Valero.
Ultimately, regardless of the result, this match represents two visions of the future of soccer. Uganda symbolizes the expansion of African talent and growing investment in youth development, while France embodies the continuity of a successful model that has been feeding world soccer with stars for decades. At the Aspire Zone, two opposing but equally inspiring realities will collide: the hope of a debutant looking to make its mark and the ambition of a powerhouse seeking to lift the trophy once again. It will be a match that combines history, excitement, and the unmistakable flavor of youth soccer at its finest.
Mentally, Uganda arrives without pressure, motivated by a group that knows that every minute in this tournament is an opportunity to show themselves to the world. Some of its players are already being scouted by Belgian and Swiss clubs looking for African talent in training. France, on the other hand, does carry the responsibility of being the favorite, which could be a double-edged sword if it fails to score early. The French coach has insisted that “no game is easy in a youth World Cup” and that the key will be to stay focused from the start.
Another aspect to consider is the physical and tactical contrast between the two teams. Uganda stands out for its strength and endurance, the result of intense physical training, while France focuses on technique and possession. This clash of styles could define the pace of the match: if the Ugandans manage to cut off France’s passing lanes and take advantage of the spaces behind the defense, they could cause problems for a team that is used to dominating through ball control. Vannuchi, aware of this risk, has worked hard on pressing after losing possession and on quick breaks down the wings, especially with Doukouré and Amougou.
In terms of history, this will be the first official match between Uganda and France in any FIFA category. Uganda has only faced European teams in U-20 or U-23 friendlies, but never in a youth World Cup. France, on the other hand, has a long history in this competition, with eight appearances and two titles (2001 and 2019). In its last appearance, in 2023, it reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Brazil. The background shows a difference in experience, although surprises are not uncommon in youth tournaments: in 2017, for example, Mali and Ghana reached the semifinals, knocking out European powerhouses.
France comes into the tournament in high spirits after finishing as runners-up in the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where they lost only to Germany in the final. During that campaign, the French team scored 17 goals in six games and showed admirable tactical versatility. Their defense, led by Lamine Faye (Stade Rennais), is one of the most solid in the championship, while in midfield, Marseille’s Noah Bessa stands out with his great recovery ability and clean passing. France not only has talent, but also a development structure that allows it to constantly nurture its youth teams.
Uganda arrives in good spirits after its warm-up friendlies. In its last match before the tournament, it drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan U-17 and showed a very solid defense, led by center back Ivan Lubega, one of the most promising players in Ugandan soccer. In attack, the Mutyaba–Mugisha duo has been key: the former brings composure and vision, while the latter moves well into space and makes the most of his physical power. Magera has insisted on a 4-2-3-1 system with compact lines and medium pressure, betting on surprise counterattacks.
France, on the other hand, arrives as the favorite. Winner of the Under-17 World Cup in 2001 and 2019, the French team has one of the most prolific youth academies on the planet. Under the leadership of Jean-Luc Vannuchi, the French team combines technique, speed, and constant pressure that suffocates its opponents. Among its standout players are Mathis Amougou of Paris Saint-Germain, an elegant midfielder with great vision; Kélian Doukouré of Lyon, an unbalancing winger; and Eliott N’Diaye, a striker for AS Monaco and top scorer in the recent Under-17 European Championship, where France reached the final.
For Uganda, this participation is already a historic achievement. It is the first time that the East African country has competed in a U-17 World Cup, and it is doing so with a generation that has surprised everyone with its discipline, tactical order, and ambition. Coached by Jackson Magera, the Ugandans arrive with a mix of local talent and determination. Their captain, Travis Mutyaba, is the brains of the team: a midfielder with good touch and leadership who organizes the game and sets the pace. Alongside him, young players such as Hakim Ssenyonjo and Abdul Mugisha bring energy and power.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 continues to deliver great stories in Qatar, and one of the most eagerly awaited will take place on November 11 at Aspire Zone – Pitch 3, where Uganda will face France in a clash full of contrasts. On one side, the excitement and energy of a team making its debut in the tournament; on the other, the hierarchy of a team with history and titles in this category.
In a few moments, we will share the starting lineups for the Uganda vs. France match live, as well as the latest information coming out of the stadium. Don’t miss a single detail of the Uganda vs. France match live with commentary from VAVEL.
The match between Uganda and France, corresponding to matchday 3 of Group K of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, will be broadcast live on: fuboTV, Telemundo Deportes, FOX One, and Fox Sports 2 in the USA.
If you want to watch it via streaming, your best option is FIFA+.
If you want to follow the game online, VAVEL is your best option.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup is an international soccer tournament organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), in which national teams made up of players under the age of 17 compete. It is one of the most important youth competitions in the world, bringing together the future stars of soccer and serving as a showcase for young talents who dream of making it to the big leagues.
The format of the U-17 World Cup is similar to that of the senior World Cup: teams are divided into groups, play an initial phase, and the best advance to the knockout rounds until reaching the grand final. In addition, the tournament is often an opportunity to test innovations in the rules or technology of soccer, as was the case with the use of VAR in recent editions.
The tournament is held every two years and features teams from every continent, which qualify through youth championships organized by each confederation (such as UEFA, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF). Throughout history, countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico have stood out for their strong performances in this category, being the most successful in the history of the competition.