Cameroon managed to clinch a dramatic qualification to the 2022 World Cup. Algeria’s goal in the 119th minute of their qualifier meant that Cameroon needed to score one of their own to secure a spot in the group stage. Toko Ekambi found the back of the net in the 124th minute and Song’s men can now dream of making the knockout stages, something they managed just once, back in 1990.
Cameroon will bring experience and energy following their playoff win against Algeria to qualify for the World Cup.
World Cup veterans Cameroon booked a return to the finals for the first time since 2014 with a dramatic aggregate winner-take-all victory over Algeria in late March.
The Indomitable Lions will be making an eighth appearance on the World Cup stage and can call on many well-established players who could be key contributors in Qatar. Captain Vincent Aboubakar is a seasoned international performer, who will be expected to deliver.
Cameroon’s best placing in the tournament came with an iconic quarterfinal run at Italy 1990 and charismatic coach Rigobert Song — a player in his younger years with Liverpool who made four World Cup appearances of his own — will believe his team have a chance of reaching the knockout phase once again following a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Current FIFA world ranking: No. 43 (November, 2022)
- Regional ranking: 7th (CAF)
- World Cup titles: —
- World Cup appearances (last): 7 (Brazil 2014)
- How qualified: CAF Third Round winners: (agg 2-2 vs. Algeria, Cameroon win on away goals)
- Coach: Rigobert Song (Cameroon) since February, 2022
- Key players: Vincent Aboubakar(Al Nassr / Saudi Arabia), Andre Onana (Ajax / Netherlands), Karl Toko Ejambi (Lyon / France)
World Cup Group G fixtures and match schedule
Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
Thurs, Nov. 24 | Switzerland vs. Cameroon | 5 a.m. | Al Janoub Stadium |
Thurs, Nov. 24 | Brazil vs. Serbia | 2 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
Mon, Nov. 28 | Cameroon vs. Serbia | 5 a.m. | Al Janoub Stadium |
Mon, Nov. 28 | Brazil vs. Switzerland | 11 a.m. | Stadium 974 |
Fri, Dec. 2 | Cameroon vs. Brazil | 2 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
Fri, Dec. 2 | Serbia vs. Switzerland | 2 p.m. | Stadium 974 |