2026 World Cup Qualifiers : Peaks And Valleys!

The Group D qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped up on October 13, 2025, with Cameroon falling short of direct qualification to the USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup. Instead, they earned a spot in the continental playoffs as one of the four best second-placed teams. This outcome is widely viewed as below the potential of the Cameroonian squad in a group they were expected to dominate. In 10 matches, Cameroon won five, drew four, and lost one amassing 19 points. Offensively, they showed flashes of strength, scoring 17 goals and conceding only five, finishing with the best goal difference (+12) in the group. However, their inability to perform when it counted most cost them direct qualification. As they prepare for the November playoffs, identifying the key highs and lows of their campaign is vital.

Highs
In the early stages of the qualifiers, Cameroon displayed encouraging signs, especially upfront. Their emphatic 3-0 victory over Mauritius in November 2023 in their opening match of the qualifiers set an optimistic tone and affirmed their status as group leaders at key points during the campaign. The 17 goals scored and five conceded all through the qualifiers are signs of a proficient attack and defense. Only one defeat in 10 matches is also a good feat. Again, the introduction of young talents such as Mohamadou Nagida, Danny Namaso, and Karl Etta Eyong, etc adds fresh hope for the future, suggesting that the team could soon have capable replacements for aging veterans nearing retirement. 

Lows
Yet, the campaign was marred by significant lows, primarily stemming from an unconducive environment off the pitch. Infighting among football stakeholders created instability that spilled over into the team’s performances. In fact, since Marc Brys took charge, the team environment has been anything but steady. One of the most damaging moments was the draw against Eswatini, which handed a crucial advantage to Cabo Verde.  
But beyond administrative discord, the players themselves were often guilty of a lack of bravery and discipline. Careless errors in midfield and defense, along with a complacent attitude in crucial matches; particularly the loss to Cabo Verde on matchday eight, and the final-day draw against Angola, exposed a team that lacked focus and the characteristic Cameroonian fighting spirit. The team appeared as though they assumed qualification was already sec...