By Rahim Abdul
Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been shattered after a painful 1–0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a defeat that has left fans across the nation in shock and disbelief.
The result ends the Indomitable Lions’ campaign and marks one of the team’s most disappointing exits in recent qualification history.
Chancel Mbemba dealt the decisive blow in the 90+1 minute, scoring a dramatic stoppage time winner that silenced Cameroon’s supporters and sent DRC fans into wild celebrations.
His goal has been hailed as one of the most significant moments in DRC’s recent football history.
Cameroon defeat means that top stars such as goalkeeper André Onana and Manchester United Bryan Mbeumo will miss the global showpiece next year.
Their absence is a huge loss not only to Cameroon but to the global football stage.
Meanwhile, the victory marks a major resurgence for DRC, a team that last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire.
Their progress to the next stage brings renewed hope to a nation eager to reclaim its place among Africa’s elite footballing countries.
DRC will now face Nigeria in a decisive final-round clash, after the Super Eagles booked their spot with a convincing 4–1 victory over Gabon. The upcoming encounter is expected to be a high-stakes battle between two teams hungry for a return to the world’s biggest football stage.
Nigeria enters the tie as favourites, given their rich World Cup experience and deep squad strength.
However, DRC’s newfound confidence and determination could make them difficult opponents in a match that promises drama and intensity.
Under FIFA’s expanded 2026 World Cup format, the winner of the DRC–Nigeria clash will proceed to an intercontinental playoff. This final hurdle will see the African representative battle teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, the Caribbean, and North/Central America for one of the last two available spots.
