For a long time, it didn't look like Cameroon would play a major role in African football this year. Internal disputes, an openly conducted conflict between coach Marc Brys and federation president Samuel Eto'o, as well as sporting setbacks dominated the headlines surrounding the untamable Lions. Yet precisely in this turbulent phase, a remarkable comeback is emerging – and hope for a return to the World Cup stage is coming back to life.
At the center of the discussion remains Belgian Marc Brys, who was installed by the Cameroonian sports ministry in spring 2024 – much to the displeasure of federation chief Eto'o. The former world-class striker had publicly criticized the coach, questioned his competence, and even put forward his own candidates. For months, the power struggle threatened to tear the team apart. Players reported uncertainty in the dressing room, and training content became secondary.
But Brys remained undeterred. With calm, pragmatic hand, the 64-year-old built a new tactical framework, increasingly relying on a mix of experienced professionals like André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Bryan Mbeumo as well as young talents from Europe's top leagues. His approach: compact defensive behavior, quick transitions, and clear role distribution. What sounds like textbook football had been in short supply in the Cameroonian national team recently.
The results prove him right. In the 2026 World Cup qualification, Cameroon has positioned itself favorably. The team recently presented itself significantly more stable, won important matches, and displayed the mentality for which the Lions were once feared. Brys appears to be succeeding in maintaining the fragile balance between stars and supporting players – a feat at which many of his predecessors failed.
The environment also seems to be calming down. While relations between Brys and Eto'o remain tense, the sports ministry recently clearly backed the coach. Several former national team players – including voices from the golden generation around Rigobert Song – publicly called for unity. The message: Cameroon must not squander its World Cup chance through internal conflicts.
Sporting-wise, the team under Brys has gained identity. Anguissa develops into an undisputed leader in midfield, Mbeumo is making waves with his form at Brentford FC, and goalkeeper André Onana – after difficult months at Manchester United – appears to be stabilizing. Added to this are young attacking talents like Georges-Kévin Nkoudou and Frank Magri, who bring more variability to the game.
Should Cameroon actually make the jump to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, it would be not just a sporting but also a political success story. Brys would have proven that even amid a publicly conducted power struggle, sporting substance is possible. And fans of the untamable Lions, who have been waiting for a similar sensation since the fairy-tale World Cup run of 1990, could start dreaming again.
The coming months will show whether the comeback is sustainable. One thing is clear: with Brys, Cameroon has found a coach who is not impressed by the noise. This quality could ultimately make the decisive difference – on the road to a World Cup that should mean more to Cameroon than just participation.