Bryan Mbeumo could be set for a grueling international schedule in the coming months as Cameroon's hopes of reaching the World Cup look to have taken a significant hit
Matthew Abbott US Sports Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
16:44, 10 Sep 2025
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo could hand Man Utd a major headache(Image: Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo is staring down the barrel of crucial World Cup play-offs this autumn, as Cameroon's chances of topping their group and securing automatic qualification look increasingly slim.
The Indomitable Lions had an unbeaten run in their first seven matches, but suffered a defeat in their eighth game against Cape Verde.
The only goal of the match was netted by Hellas Verona forward Dailon Livramento, who managed to get one past Andre Onana after stripping Carlos Baleba of possession.
Cameroon now trail their recent adversaries by four points in Group D, despite having thrashed them 4-1 on home turf last summer.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, have won six of their qualifiers, with their only draw coming at home against Angola.
Bryan Mbeumo shouting while playing for Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo's Cameroon might have more qualification games(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
In contrast, Cameroon have drawn three times, away to Angola, Eswatini and Libya. The latter two are Cape Verde's remaining opponents, and a victory against either would guarantee their spot in next year's tournament in North America.
This leaves Cameroon needing to secure a place among the top four best-ranked runners-up to progress to the second round. They currently sit fifth on goal difference, with just a single point separating second from seventh, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Their path to the second round will hinge on accruing enough points from fixtures away to Mauritius and at home against Angola. Success would propel them into a four-team play-off, featuring a semi-final and potentially a final in November.
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If they manage to advance once more, Cameroon would then need to triumph in another two matches in March during the inter-confederation play-offs to qualify.
This scenario would be far from perfect for Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo could potentially face two intense fortnights on international duty, where every game would be crucial.
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Effectively, it's three consecutive international windows, as Cameroon's progression is still uncertain, even as one of the best runners-up. This remains the case despite the expansion of the World Cup to include 48 teams.