As Uganda prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia, one name on the squad list has drawn special attention—Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu. At 30 years old, the England-born striker has finally committed to representing the Uganda Cranes after years of weighing his international options.
Born in Harrow, England, to a Nigerian mother and a Ugandan father, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu had the rare privilege of being eligible to play for three countries—England, Nigeria, and Uganda. While his talent saw him rise through the ranks in England, including a stint at Reading Academy, his heart has now led him to wear the Ugandan jersey.
Head coach Paul Joseph Put named Ikpeazu in the provisional 28-man squad, and the striker arrived in Kampala on Sunday before linking up with the team at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi. Training kicks off today, with the forward in line to make his much-anticipated debut at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Currently playing for Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone, Ikpeazu joins the Cranes in top form. Just last week, he scored the winning goal in a league clash against Ross County—an emphatic reminder of his strength and presence up front. St. Johnstone celebrated his call-up with a message: “Congratulations, Uche!”
Ikpeazu is no stranger to professional football. His career has spanned multiple clubs across England and Scotland, including Watford, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, Blackpool, Cambridge United, and Heart of Midlothian. Known for his physicality, urgency, and maturity, he brings a wealth of experience that could add firepower to Uganda’s attack.
Though he has been called up to the Cranes before, Ikpeazu has never made a competitive appearance. That could finally change in the upcoming qualifiers, as Uganda looks to secure vital points on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
