Gernot Rohr set to announce Benin squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr will unveil the list of players called up for the October international window as the Cheetahs prepare for two decisive World Cup qualifiers.

The Franco-German tactician will announce his squad during a press conference scheduled for Friday, 3 October 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the headquarters of the Benin Football Federation’s main sponsor, CELTIIS / SBIN SA, in the Le Grand Bleu Building on Boulevard de la Marina in Cotonou.

The announcement marks the beginning of a critical phase for Benin’s campaign as they aim to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

Rohr will use the October fixtures to shape his team’s destiny in the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Benin face two high-stakes matches in quick succession. The Cheetahs will first meet Rwanda before taking on one of the continent’s strongest teams, Nigeria, in the 9th and 10th rounds of qualifying.

Both matches will be played away from home, adding an extra layer of difficulty to Benin’s task.

The team’s current position in the qualification table has made these fixtures crucial.

Positive results against Rwanda and Nigeria could propel the Cheetahs closer to a historic milestone, while any slip-ups may jeopardise their hopes of reaching football’s biggest stage.

Rohr understands the magnitude of the challenge and intends to select a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level under pressure.

The stakes have never been higher for Benin. The Cheetahs’ journey towards a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance now depends heavily on their performance in October.

Rohr’s selection and tactical approach will play a decisive role in shaping that outcome.