Cameroon finalises 23-man squad for World Cup as Finke makes tough calls
Yaoundé, 16 May 2025
Cameroon coach Volker Finke unveiled his final 23-man squad on Monday ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, naming the Indomitable Lions who will represent the nation in just ten days.
From an initial pool of 30 pre-selected players, seven were left out, including Gaétan Bong (Valenciennes), Ndy Assembe (Guingamp), Kana-Biyik (Rennes), Loé (Osasuna), and Idrissou (Kaiserslautern). The exclusion of Idrissou, in particular, sparked much debate among fans and pundits in Cameroon.
The squad features four players making their World Cup debuts: local talents Loic Fedjou and Cédric Djeugou from Coton Sport de Garoua, alongside youngsters Fabrice Olinga and Edgar Salli.
Key figures such as captain Samuel Eto’o, who impressed during Sunday’s friendly draw against Germany, and midfield stalwarts Alexandre Song and Stéphane Mbia, will lead the team’s campaign. The squad also includes experienced goalkeeper Charles Itandje and forwards Eric Choupo-Moting and Pierre Achille Webo.
Cameroon has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Brazil, Croatia, and Mexico — a challenging pool that promises intense competition.
Cameroon’s World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers:
Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Sammy N’Djock (Fethiyespos), Loic Fedjou (Cotonsport de Garoua)
Defenders:
Allan Nyom (Granada CF), Cédric Djeugou (Cotonsport de Garoua), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas), Aurélien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas Nkoulou (Olympique Marseille), Henri Bedimo (Olympique Lyon), Benoît Assou-Ekotto (Queens Park Rangers)
Midfielders:
Enoh Eyong (Antalyaspor), Jean II Makoun (Stade Rennes), Joël Matip (Schalke 04), Stéphane Mbia (FC Sevilla), Landry N’Guemo (Bordeaux), Alexandre Song (Barcelona), Edgar Salli (Lens)
Forwards:
Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea), Eric Choupo-Moting (Mainz 05), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy-Lorraine), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Pierre Achille Webo (Fenerbahce), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte-Waregem)
As Cameroon finalises preparations, fans hope the blend of experience and youth will inspire a strong showing in Brazil.
