Cameroon will be the first of Africa's superpowers to take part in the return of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Wednesday when the Indomitable Lions face Eswatini in Mbombela, South Africa.
The Group D clash will be an opportunity for Cameroon to strengthen their hold at the top of the group as the campaign reaches the midway point. The 1990 World Cup quarterfinalists currently lead Libya and Cape Verde by a solitary point while Angola are also only two points behind.
Group D Table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Cameroon | 8 |
Libya | 7 |
Cape Verde | 7 |
Angola | 6 |
Mauritius | 4 |
Eswatini | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
Despite tension off the pitch between Cameroonian federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto'o and head coach Marc Brys, hired by the government instead of FECAFOOT, the Lions continue to perform well on the pitch. Brys has four wins and two draws in six matches, an undefeated record.
The Cameroonian team touched down in South Africa on Monday and have held one last training session on the pitch of the Mbombela Stadium where the match will take place. Star midfielder Frank Zambo Anguissa will miss the first match due to injury while Yvan Neyou will be a game time decision after suffering a minor injury for Spanish La Liga club Leganes.
While the first match is expected to be comfortable win before Cameroon hosts Libya in the crucial second match, Eswatini are known to be a well organized team who can make life difficult for more regarded teams. Brys, for his part, refused to address his fractured relationship with FECAFOOT president Eto'o and despite working conditions that are not idea, is keeping the focus on his team and getting the necessary results.
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