Cameroon will be without Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini, with the 21-year-old ruled out due to suspension.
Head coach Marc Brys faces a significant setback as he prepares his squad for the crucial fixture, scheduled for Thursday, 4 September, in Cameroon.
Baleba, regarded as one of the Indomitable Lions’ most influential midfielders, will serve a one-match ban after accumulating yellow cards earlier in the campaign.
The suspension leaves a notable gap in Cameroon’s midfield structure, with Brys now forced to reshuffle his options for a game that could prove pivotal in the team’s qualifying campaign.
Cameroon currently sit second in their group with 12 points, just one point behind leaders Cape Verde, making every result crucial as the competition nears its final stages.
Despite the absence, Baleba remains part of the national squad and is expected to feature in Cameroon’s next fixture — a decisive clash against Cape Verde.
That encounter, billed as a group decider, will see both nations battling for top spot and a stronger position in the race for a World Cup place.
Baleba’s development at Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion has seen him emerge as one of Cameroon’s brightest young talents.
His growing influence for both club and country makes his suspension a considerable blow for Brys, who will need to rely on depth and versatility within his squad to secure maximum points at home against Eswatini.
The match marks the seventh round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cameroon aiming to build momentum ahead of their high-stakes trip to face Cape Verde.
The Indomitable Lions’ ability to overcome Baleba’s absence could play a crucial role in shaping their path to the tournament.
As anticipation builds, attention turns to how Brys will adjust his midfield setup and whether Cameroon can maintain their strong qualifying form without one of their key performers.
Baleba’s return for the Cape Verde match is expected to provide a timely boost for a team determined to reclaim their place among Africa’s top contenders for the global stage.
