Cape Verde, Cameroon in final-day showdown for 2026 World Cup spot
Cape Verde and Cameroon will battle it out on Monday for the final automatic qualification spot from Group D as the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ approach a dramatic climax.
The Blue Sharks missed the chance to secure their ticket after drawing 3-3 in Libya, allowing Cameroon to keep their hopes alive following a 2-0 win over Mauritius.
Despite the setback, Cape Verde remain in control of their own destiny — a win at home to Eswatini will be enough to confirm their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Cameroon, meanwhile, sit two points behind and must beat Angola in Yaoundé while hoping Cape Verde drop points.
Blue Sharks let victory slip in Tripoli thriller
Cape Verde’s trip to Libya proved far more dramatic than expected. An early own goal from Pico gave the hosts the lead before Telmo Arcanjo equalised with a superb header. Ezzeddin El Maremi then restored Libya’s advantage, curling in a spectacular free-kick to make it 3–1.
However, a late rally from Cape Verde turned the contest around. Lopes Cabral pulled one back after a goalkeeping error, and Willy Semedo scrambled home the equaliser eight minutes from time to rescue a vital point.
The result leaves Cape Verde top of Group D on 20 points, two clear of Cameroon, with Libya (15) out of contention despite their impressive display.
Cameroon keep pace with victory in Mauritius
At the Côte d'Or National Sports Complex in Saint-Pierre, Cameroon overcame a stubborn Mauritius side to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nicolas Ngamaleu opened the scoring early in the second half when Carlos Baleba’s long pass forced a defensive error from Jordan Francois.
Substitute Bryan Mbeumo sealed the result in stoppage time after his first effort was parried, making it 2–0.
Cameroon’s win ensures the Indomitable Lions take the qualification fight to the final day.
Angola and Guinea-Bissau bow out
Elsewhere, Angola’s qualification hopes ended after a 2–2 draw with Eswatini.
Two goals from Justice Figuareido put the hosts ahead before Jonathan Buatu and Ary Papel scored late headers to salvage a point for Angola.
In Group A, Guinea-Bissau’s campaign came to an end following a 1–0 defeat to Ethiopia, who claimed their first win in the group.
Ramkel Jemes Gang headed home the decisive goal midway through the first half.
Final-day fixtures
Cape Verde will host Eswatini in Praia, while Cameroon face Angola in Yaoundé. Libya travel to Mauritius in the group’s remaining fixture.
With only the group winners qualifying automatically, Cape Verde’s fate is in their own hands — but Cameroon will be ready to pounce if the Blue Sharks stumble.