Cameroon name three debutants for 2026 World Cup qualifier

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has named three newcomers in his 24-man squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Mauritius and Libya.

19-year-old Stoke City left-back Junior Tchamadeu earned his first call-up alongside FK Bodo Glimt striker Faris Pemi Moumbagna, 23, and 27-year-old left-back Leon Bell Bell.

The trio were surprise inclusions when Song announced his selection on Tuesday for the matches on 17 and 21 November.

Key players like Vincent Aboubakar, Andre Onana and Zambo Anguissa were all included as Cameroon aim to book their spot at the 2026 finals.

But there was no place for Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the Indomitable Lions squad.

On the other hand, the comeback of players such as Ivan Neyou and Georges Kevin Nkoudou has raised expectations for these fixtures.

By calling up fresh faces like Tchamadeu, Song has made it clear established names will need to keep performing to retain their places.

The coach guided Cameroon to a creditable showing on their return to the World Cup in Qatar, where they exited in the group stage.

Now the Central African nation hopes to continue its return to football’s top table by sealing qualification for the next edition in three years’ time.

Cameroon have been played in the Group D of the qualifiers where they face Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius

Only the nine group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico – and one team will enter the FIFA play-off tournament

Cafonline