Five-time African champions Cameroon have been dealt a major setback ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final in Morocco, with André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting both sustaining injuries during training.
The Indomitable Lions are set to face DR Congo in the second semi-final on Thursday (today), and the absence of the two key players could heavily impact their performance. Should Cameroon advance, they will meet the winner of the Gabon vs. Nigeria fixture in Sunday’s final.
The news comes amid earlier controversy surrounding the announcement of Cameroon’s 28-man squad, with head coach Marc Brys now likely forced to make last-minute adjustments.
According to team reports, Anguissa suffered a muscular injury during an intense training session, which also saw Choupo-Moting pick up a knock. Both players are expected to undergo further medical assessments, but their participation in the playoffs remains doubtful.
Nine African nations have already secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. One of the four remaining teams in the playoff series will earn a spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament scheduled for March 2026.
Cameroon secured their playoff berth after a goalless draw with Angola on the final day of qualifying, a result that saw them finish second in Group D, behind history-making Cabo Verde and ahead of Libya, four points adrift of the group leaders.
