African football giants Cameroon and DR Congo are set for a monumental showdown, with a place in the next stage of World Cup qualification on the line. The Indomitable Lions, Africa's most frequent World Cup participants, face a stern test against a DR Congo side dreaming of a first finals appearance in over half a century.
Match Details: How to Watch the Crucial Play-off
The decisive World Cup qualifying play-off is scheduled for Thursday, 13 November 2025. The action kicks off at 7 pm GMT from the Al-Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
For fans in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast exclusively live via the FIFA+ streaming service. This platform provides free access, ensuring no one misses this high-stakes encounter.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Cameroon's preparations have been hampered by significant injury concerns. Veteran striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and in-form midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have both been ruled out of the match. There is also a major doubt over first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is battling an ankle injury.
DR Congo will be without the attacking threat of Yoane Wissa. However, their firepower remains potent with Cedric Bakambu leading the line, who is just two goals away from equalling the nation's all-time scoring record. In a boost for The Leopards, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who switched his international allegiance from England in August, is expected to start.
Expected Starting Teams
Cameroon predicted XI: Onana; Tchatchoua, Castelletto, Nouhou, Nagida; Avom, Baleba, Ngamaleu; Mbeumo, Aboubakar, N'Koudou.
DR Congo predicted XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaka; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Kayembe; Essende, Bakambu.
The Stakes and What Comes Next
The winner of this single-match play-off will advance to face either Nigeria or Gabon, who are competing in the other semi-final of the qualification bracket. For eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon, this is a perilous path after they surprisingly surrendered top spot in their group. For DR Congo, this represents a golden opportunity to return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. The time for talking is over; the time to deliver is now.
