Cameroon’s name appearing on the list of competing nations at the World Cup is likely to forever evoke memories of their impressive quarter-final run in Italy.
After topping their group, and beating Colombia in the last 16, Roger Milla and his men faced England in the last eight in Naples. Despite being knocked out in extra time by Sir Bobby Robson’s side, Cameroon had left their mark on the world stage, and since that watershed, they have failed to reach just one World Cup.
However, they have suffered their first consecutive setback since 1990, with just one win from 15 group-stage matches in their last five tournament appearances.
Do they go well in Qatar? Here the players will depend.
Cameroon World Cup squad
Head coach Rigobert Song announced his squad for Qatar on Wednesday, November 9.
Among the big names are Andre Onana, Eric Maxime Choupou-Moting and Brian Mbeumo who are all three of the most recognizable names playing for Europe’s top-tier clubs.
The youngest player in the squad is teenage goalkeeper Simon Ngapanduetanbu, while the song also names two 21-year-olds in Christopher Wooh and Maru Souibu.
Cameroon begin their World Cup challenge in Qatar by facing Switzerland on November 24, but they also have two warm-up friendlies against Jamaica and Panama.
Here is their full roster for the 2022 World Cup:
| Position | No. | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
| GK | 1 | Simon Ngapandouetnbu | Marseille (FRA) | 19 | 0 |
| GK | 16 | Devis Epassy | Abha (SAU) | 29 | 5 |
| GK | 23 | Andre Onana | Inter Milan (ITA) | 26 | 33 |
| DEF | 2 | Jerome Ngom Mbekeli | Apejes FC (CAM) | 24 | 2 |
| DEF | 3 | Nicolas Nkoulou | Aris (GRE) | 32 | 76 |
| DEF | 25 | Tolo Nouhou | Seattle Sounders (USA) | 25 | 18 |
| DEF | 17 | Oliver Mbaizo | Philadelphia Union (USA) | 25 | 11 |
| DEF | 19 | Collins Fai | Al-Tai (SAU) | 29 | 51 |
| DEF | 21 | Jean-Charles Castelletto | Nantes (FRA) | 27 | 14 |
| DEF | 24 | Enzo Ebosse | Udinese (ITA) | 23 | 1 |
| DEF | 4 | Christopher Wooh | Rennes (FRA) | 21 | 2 |
| MID | 22 | Olivier Ntcham | Swansea City (WAL) | 26 | 3 |
| MID | 15 | Pierre Kunde | Olympiakos (GRE) | 27 | 32 |
| MID | 18 | Martin Hongla | Verona (ITA) | 24 | 19 |
| MID | 14 | Samuel Gouet | Mechelen (BEL) | 24 | 21 |
| MID | 5 | Gael Ondoua | Hannover 96 (GER) | 26 | 4 |
| MID | 8 | Andre-Franck Zambo-Anguissa | Napoli (ITA) | 26 | 43 |
| MID | 6 | Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu | Dynamo Moscow (RUS) | 28 | 42 |
| MID | 7 | Georges-Kevin Nkoudou | Besiktas (TUR) | 27 | 2 |
| FWD | 26 | Marou Souaibou | Coton Sport FC (CAM) | 21 | 3 |
| FWD | 9 | Jean-Pierre Nsame | Young Boys (SWI) | 29 | 4 |
| FWD | 10 | Vincent Aboubakar | Al-Nassr (SAU) | 30 | 91 |
| FWD | 12 | Karl Toko Ekambi | Lyon (FRA) | 30 | 51 |
| FWD | 20 | Bryan Mbeumo | Brentford (ENG) | 23 | 3 |
| FWD | 13 | Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting | Bayern Munich (GER) | 33 | 69 |
| FWD | 11 | Christian Bassogog | SH Shenhua (CHI) | 27 | 43 |
Cameroon’s Best Players, Strengths and Weaknesses
A restructured CAF qualification route for the 2022 World Cup saw Cameroon face Algeria for a direct spot after Karl Toko Ekambi’s incredible extra-time goal.
The Leon striker is a key player in Song’s plans, and has proven himself in Ligue 1, after playing a minor role at Villarreal.
Andre Onana’s return in goal is also key, with Andre-Frank Jambo-Anguisa’s impressive Champions League display setting him up for the World Cup, as well as the rise of Brentford star Brian Mbeumo on the international scene.
STARS
The former Liverpool defender is the star name in Song’s squad, which relies on the duo at both ends of the pitch.
However, if Mbeumo can transfer his Premier League form he could be a real threat as part of the attack, with Udinese full-back Enzo Ebosse an exciting addition.
POWERS
Song has been boosted by strong attacking options for the trip to Qatar, led by veteran captain Vincent Abubakar alongside Ekambi and Mbeumo.
However, he needs to balance the midfield unit behind them to ensure Jambo-Anguisa is not overloaded.
WEAKNESS
Cameroon was solid defensively during qualification, but there is a question mark over the depth of their backline if injuries disrupt their plans.