Preview: Cape Verde vs Cameroon - prediction, team news, lineups

Cape Verde and Cameroon go head-to-head in a top-of-the-table clash in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Tuesday evening.

Only one point separates the sides heading into this encounter, making it a pivotal fixture in the battle for automatic qualification.

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Match preview

Cape Verde enter this match on a high after a 2-0 victory over Mauritius last Thursday, with goals from Jovane Cabral and Diney Borges keeping their qualification hopes firmly on track.

Bubista’s men have now won five of their seven qualifiers, suffering just one defeat while drawing once. 

Their solid record has seen them score nine goals and concede only five, while four consecutive wins have lifted them to the summit of Group D.

The Blue Sharks will be looking to extend that run against their closest challengers, but they know a slip-up could see them overtaken in the standings with just three games remaining.

Cameroon, meanwhile, were in ruthless form last time out as they swept aside Eswatini with a 3-0 win. 

Gift Gamedze’s early own goal was followed by strikes from Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Arthur Avom inside the opening half-hour to seal a comfortable victory.

Marc Brys’s side remain unbeaten in the group with 15 points from seven matches with four wins and three draws - sit just one point behind Cape Verde. 

They also boast the strongest attack and defence in the group, scoring 15 goals while conceding only four.

The Indomitable Lions are currently unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions, their last defeat coming against Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. 

With a record eight World Cup appearances, Cameroon are aiming to extend their African benchmark and secure direct qualification without having to go through the playoffs. 

Confidence will also stem from their 4-1 win in the reverse fixture, but they will be aware of the challenge posed by Cape Verde, who are formidable at home.

Historically, Cameroon have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the last eight meetings, while Cape Verde have managed two victories and two draws.

Cape Verde World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Cape Verde form (all competitions):

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Cameroon World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Cameroon form (all competitions):

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Team News

Cape Verde are expected to stick with Vozinha in goal, while Roberto Lopes and Diney provide stability in the defensive line. 

Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro and Yannick Semedo could once again form the midfield trio, with Dailon Livramento set to lead the attack supported by Jovane Cabral.

For Cameroon, Andre Onana should continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet against Eswatini. 

Captain Vincent Aboubakar is expected to spearhead the attack, alongside Bryan Mbeumo and N’Koudou, who was on target last week. 

Avom is also likely to keep his place after finding the net in the last outing.

Cape Verde possible starting lineup:

Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Diney, Lopes Cabral; Pina, Monteiro, Semedo; W. Semedo, Livramento, Cabral

Cameroon possible starting lineup:

Onana; Nagida, Boyomo, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Ngamaleu; Anguissa, Hongla; N’Koudou, Avom, Mbeumo; Aboubakar

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We say: Cape Verde 1-3 Cameroon

The Blue Sharks have home advantage and recent momentum, yet Cameroon’s balance between defence and attack has been unmatched in Group D. 

Having scored more goals and conceded fewer than any other side, Brys’s men should have enough to secure all three points.

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

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