Divine Mukasa could soon have a major decision to make regarding his international future, with reports suggesting that Uganda are keen to persuade the highly-rated attacking midfielder to switch his allegiance ahead of AFCON 2027, a tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Mukasa, who has represented England at youth level, and was recently promoted to the U-21 team remains eligible to play for Uganda through his family heritage.
Reports indicate discussions between the player’s camp and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) have been positive, although no final decision has yet been reached.
For Uganda, securing a talent of Mukasa’s quality would be a significant coup as they prepare for a historic home Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament, scheduled to run from 19th June to 17th July 2027, would provide Mukasa with the opportunity to play on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
From a West Ham perspective, there would be little immediate cause for concern. AFCON 2027 will take place after Mukasa’s current loan spell, with the midfielder expected to have returned to parent club Manchester City by then. As a result, the tournament itself would not impact any crucial matches for the Hammers.
However, an international switch could still have short term implications. Regular call-ups for Uganda would bring long-distance travel for qualifiers and international friendlies. While most of these fixtures take place during international windows, the additional travel and recovery demands can affect player freshness and preparation around domestic matches, something that could potentially create headaches for Nuno Espírito Santo.
Crunch decision looms for Mukasa regarding dual international eligibility
For Mukasa, the decision extends far beyond simply choosing a national team. Remaining with England would be competitive yet he is highly rated by Tuchel and the England set up, suggesting that he may be considered in the future. Opting for Uganda, meanwhile, could offer an easier route to regular senior international football and the chance to become one of the stars of a home AFCON in 2027.
With Uganda actively targeting additional talent as part of their long-term AFCON project, Mukasa fits the profile of exactly the type of player they want to build around. The opportunity is there, but so too is the challenge of turning down England’s pathway.
In this international tug of war, the highly regarded teenager has the next call.