World Cup Qualifying: No margin for error in Group D

September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying schedule will accelerate into full flight on Thursday from Africa’s CAF region with Group D taking center stage. Group leaders Cape Verde are ahead by one point with Cameroon in hot pursuit as well as Libya and Angola with all six teams in action tomorrow.

Group D Table (6 matches played)

1. Cape Verde- 13 points
2. Cameroon- 12 points
3. Libya- 8 points
4. Angola- 7 points
5. Mauritius- 5 points
6. Eswatini- 2 points

Mauritius v Cape Verde (16:00 UTC)- Saint Pierre, Mauritius

Cape Verde are in Mauritius, site of Wednesday’s opening match of the September FIFA window in Africa where Gabon overcame Seychelles at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. In a clash between island nations, Cape Verde have a tricky clash against hosts Mauritius who have caused some trouble despite lacking the firepower to compete for qualification.

The Blue Sharks will rely on an experienced defensive line led by Roberto “Pico” Lopes and Steven Moreira but will need to find a way past an imposing Mauritian defense anchored by AEK Athens defender Lindsay Rose.

Forwards Nuno da Costa and Garry Rodrigues are injured and captain Ryan Mendes’ status is uncertain as well, leaving Dailon Livramento (club: Casa Pia [POR]), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora [POR]) and in form Willy Semedo (Omonia [CYP]) as the candidates to provide goals for the group leaders. Cape Verde have only scored seven goals in six matches and struggled to break down Mauritius at home in a 1-0 victory back in March.

Cameroon v Eswatini (19:00 UTC)- Yaoundé, Cameroon

For Cameroon, there is always some chaos lurking underneath the exterior. The ever-controversial André Onana caused discussion by going against team protocol, arriving separately from the rest of the team in his own vehicle rather than the one provided by the Cameroonian federation. Defender Harold Moukoudi rejected a late call from coach Marc Brys while Moukoudi’s team blasted the Belgian coach.

But Brys and his team will hope to take care of business at home against Eswatini, last place in the group but known to be a difficult team at times. The underdogs shocked the Indomitable Lions by holding them to a 0-0 draw in South Africa back in March, a result that could haunt Cameroon after it allowed Cape Verde to overtake the group favorites for first place.

Cameroon have a healthy squad with familiar names. Out-of-contract striker Vincent Aboubakar is joined by Manchester United big money signing Bryan Mbeumo while Eric Choupo-Moting returns after a year out of team following excellent form in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls. Frank Anguissa will be the midfield leader while Onana appears set to retain his position between the sticks.

Angola v Libya (16:00 UTC)- Luanda, Angola

Finally, Angola and Libya each have an opportunity to bring themselves back into contention with Thursday’s clash a must-win for both teams. A defeat for either team will essentially eliminate any hopes of a World Cup appearance.

Confidence is low for supporters of Angola’s Palancas Negras. Captain Fredy’s excellent free kick secured a dramatic draw at Libya to begin the March FIFA window, only for a devastating home defeat to Cape Verde in their most recent World Cup qualifier to set the stage for Thursday’s massive encounter.

For Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves, he will not be able to count upon the services of key attacker Gelson Dala and prolific striker Mabululu as well as experienced defender Bastos. However, the defense remains strong with the presence of Kialonda Gaspar and David Carmo in the center. A group of talented but inconsistent attackers will see Gonçalves count on Manuel Benson, Milson and Zini to provide goals while captain Fredy is always a dangerous factor with his ability on set pieces.

The Mediterranean Knights of Libya and coach Aliou Cisse will have to cope with several key absences. Star winger Hamdou Elhouni is sidelined with injury, midfielder Muaid Ellafi is unavailable after a car accident, veteran defender Mohamed El Monir is absent due to his son’s illness, goalkeeper Muad Al Mansouri is missing for personal reasons, while Mohamed Soula suffered an injury in training.

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