Preview: Cameroon vs Eswatini - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to seize top spot in Group D, Cameroon host Eswatini at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Thursday in round seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Africa.

The Indomitable Lions sit second with 12 points, just one adrift of leaders Cape Verde, and will be targeting a comfortable win against visitors who have collected only two points from six outings in the campaign.

Match preview

It is hardly a revelation that Cameroon are firm favourites going into this home clash against an Eswatini side languishing over 100 places lower in the current FIFA World Ranking, and the hosts also carry genuine momentum.

The Indomitable Lions, currently 51st on the global ladder, have taken two wins from their last four matches across all competitions, collecting four points from their most recent qualifier fixtures.

A goalless draw against Eswatini was followed by a 3-1 triumph over Libya at Ahmadou Ahidjo in March, before Marc Brys’s men swept aside Uganda and then battled to a 1-1 draw during June’s international friendlies.

Back on competitive duty, Cameroon continue their quest to extend their African record to nine appearances on the grandest stage, and though they remain among the leading four runners-up in line for the playoffs, the overriding aim is direct qualification.

The five-time African champions have been watertight at the back, conceding just four goals in these qualifiers, while proving ruthless at the other end with 12 strikes, the most of any side in their section.

They will trust in their attacking prowess to collect maximum points on Thursday, though caution will linger, as the Indomitable Lions have failed to score in their last two meetings with Eswatini, despite running out 5-0 winners in their only home fixture in this pairing.

Eswatini, meanwhile, may be left playing for pride, with hopes of making the World Cup already extinguished as the King’s Shield anchor Group D, 10 points behind their second-placed hosts.

There is, however, late momentum to protect, with Sihlangu Semnikati securing their only points from the last two qualifiers after holding Cameroon to a goalless draw and then sharing six goals with Mauritius.

Eswatini arrive off the back of their COSAFA Cup campaign, where they bowed out in the group stage following a 1-1 draw with Madagascar and a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania, meaning the King’s Shield are now winless in four games.

Nevertheless, they have found the net in each of their last three matches, scoring five times, so Sihlangu Semnikati may still back themselves to unsettle the Cameroonian defence and perhaps prise out a result.

Cameroon World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Cameroon form (all competitions):

Eswatini World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Eswatini form (all competitions):

Team News

Cameroon head coach Brys has a 27-man squad to select from, including Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Bryan Mbeumo.

New York Red Bulls striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has earned a recall after a year out of the side, while captain Vincent Aboubakar, currently without a club, also makes the squad.

Eswatini head coach Zdravko Logarusic has named 21 players for this September double header, including attacker Philani Mkhonto, who struck twice in their last qualifier.

Mayibongwe Mabuza also got on the scoresheet in that match, coming off the bench to score on his debut, and he could be rewarded with a first start on Thursday.

Cameroon possible starting lineup:

Omossola; Tchatchoua, Boyomo, Castelletto, Nagida; Avon, Anguissa, Ndzie; Mbeumo, Aboubakar, Soko

Eswatini possible starting lineup:

Makhanya; N Dlamini, K Thwala, Mabelesa, Mabilisa, Figarreido, I Dlamini; Mabuza, Kibonge, Kuene, Matsebula; P Mkhonto

We say: Cameroon 3-0 Eswatini

It is almost unimaginable to see Cameroon slip up here, particularly with the stakes so high for the Indomitable Lions, so anything short of a convincing victory would count as a major upset.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.