2026 World Cup (Q) - Cameroon: Rigobert Song reopens the competition for places

Cameroon national football team head coach Rigobert Song has opted for a bold selection policy ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The new approach centres on reigniting competition for places within the squad and promoting promising young talents. The upcoming matches against Mauritius and Libya, scheduled for Douala and Benghazi respectively on 17 and 21 November, will be the testing ground for this strategy.

A revamped defence

Since Fai Collins' injury, the right-back position in the Cameroon side has been a problem. Hopes placed in Enzo Tchato quickly faded, while Olivier Mbaizo has never quite convinced. With that in mind, Rigobert Song has chosen to leave out both players and give a chance to a newcomer. Junior Tchamadeu, 19, currently at Stoke City in England, is the new hope in that position. With a growing reputation in England, Tchamadeu (10 appearances in all competitions this season) will bring freshness and versatility to the defence.

Read more: Cameroon - Song: “Friendlies? I wasn't told to win them”

At left-back, the untouchable Nouhou Tolo could soon see his place under threat. Léon Bell Bell, who joins from Magdeburg in the German second division, has received his first call-up. Blessed with impressive qualities in this role, Bell Bell will add a new dimension to the Cameroon defence with his sharpness.

A midfield in transition

In midfield, Martin Hongla remains absent, and Pierre Kunde Malong has been left out for this double-header. In their place, the return of Yvan Neyou is worth noting. Neyou, who plays in Liga 2 with Leganes, is enjoying a season on the rise. He has played 14 league games, with 11 wins. The former Saint-Étienne man offers a solid alternative in Cameroon's midfield. Kunde Malong may therefore regret his lack of efficiency.

Choupo-Moting has reason to worry

In attack, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, currently at Bayern Munich, has seen his playing time decline. Song has therefore chosen to give a chance to Faris Moumbagna, the Bodo/Glimt striker, who is currently Cameroon's top scorer in Europe. With 15 league goals and 3 in the Norwegian Cup, Moumbagna has shown he can score consistently. He has made 9 appearances in the Europa Conference League, scoring 4 goals.

Another senior player, Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, has also lost his place to Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. The former Besiktas player is rebuilding his career at Damac FC in Saudi Arabia. He now has the chance to reclaim his place in the national team, which he has not featured in since the 2022 World Cup.

With this new selection policy, Rigobert Song clearly intends to reignite competition within the Cameroon national team while giving a chance to promising young talents. These upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup promise to be a major test of this fresh approach. Indomitable Lions supporters are certainly eager to see these new faces in action on the pitch.

Rigobert Song's squad

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy, Fabrice Ondoa, André Onana

Defenders: Darlin Yongwa, Christopher Wooh, Nouhou Tolo, Léon Bell Bell, Oumar Gonzales, Junior Tchamadeu, Harold Moukoudi, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Jérôme Ngom

Midfielders: Zambo Anguissa, Ben Elliott, Olivier Ntcham, Olivier Kemen, Yvan Neyou

Forwards: Karl Toko Ekambi, Faris Moumbagna, Bryan Mbeumo, Clinton Njie, Vincent Aboubakar, Frank Magri, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou

Arthur WANDJI