World Cup 2026: Cape Verde vs Cameroon, showdown for top spot in Group D | OneFootball

A draw tonight would leave everything up for grabs until the end.

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde vs Cameroon, showdown for top spot in Group D

Cape Verde hosts Cameroon this Tuesday in a high-stakes clash at the top of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Sitting atop Group D with a one-point lead, the Blue Sharks are determined to defend their position against Indomitable Lions brimming with confidence.

Bubista’s men are enjoying an almost flawless qualifying campaign. In seven matches, they’ve picked up five wins, one draw, and just a single defeat. Most impressively, they’re riding a four-match winning streak, their latest victory coming against Mauritius (2-0) with goals from Jovane Cabral and Diney. On home soil, Cape Verde aims to reaffirm their solidity and avoid any slip-up that could put Cameroon right back in contention.

Cameroon: experience and attacking firepower

Still unbeaten in these qualifiers (four wins, three draws), the Indomitable Lions know that a win in Cape Verde would send them to the top of the group. Rigobert Song can rely on a potent attack, as evidenced by last week’s emphatic 3-0 win over Eswatini—secured in just 30 minutes. However, Cameroon sometimes struggles to turn dominance into victories, which explains their run of draws.

What's at stake: the battle for first place

This match could well be the turning point in Group D. If Cape Verde comes out on top, they’ll take a serious step toward direct qualification. On the other hand, a Cameroonian victory would dramatically shift the landscape, forcing the islanders to win out in the final two rounds. A draw would keep everything open right up to the wire.