Opposition Report: Cameroon and Curaçao | FIFA Series 2026™

Taryn Heddo 1769744912,1769745272

The CommBank Socceroos will take on Cameroon and Curaçao in Sydney and Melbourne as part of the FIFA Series 2026™ on March 27 and 31 respectively.

The series provides ideal preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and allows Australian fans to support the team - for a final time on home soil before departing - that will represent the nation on the world’s biggest stage.

Both teams will present tough challenges for Head Coach Tony Popovic and his side to overcome. Read our report on the opposition below.

Background

Cameroon are ranked 45th in the world, a significant jump after positive recent form at the Africa Cup of Nations. They defeated South Africa in the Round of 16 before falling to Morocco in the quarter-finals. Their performance at the continental tournament was an important morale boost after failing to qualify for the World Cup.

Their participation in the FIFA Series 2026™ will help them build towards a new cycle of World Cup qualifying, and the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Curaçao, meanwhile, are set to make their World Cup debut this year. They captured top spot in Group B of CONCACAF qualifying after an undefeated campaign to earn their place on the biggest stage.

They will hope that the FIFA Series 2026™ will be another invaluable experience on their way to making a splash at the global finals. They are currently ranked 81st in the world.

Recent form

Cameroon: L-W-W-D-W

Cameroon most recently participated in the Africa Cup of Nations. They finished second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, defeating Mozambique and Gabon in the process. When they defeated South Africa 2-1 in the Round of 16 they would have been hoping to go deep in the tournament - but Morocco proved too strong in the quarter-finals, overcoming them 2-0.

They had a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, finishing second in Group D behind Cape Verde despite only losing once in ten games. That sent them into the playoffs, where their World Cup dreams came to an end at the hands of a stoppage-time goal for DR Congo.

Curaçao: D-W-D-W-W

Curaçao are riding high at the moment off the back of an undefeated World Cup qualification campaign, and the chance to compete in their first-ever global finals.

They needed a draw against Jamaica in the final qualifying game in November to remain top of the group and secure their place on the game's biggest stage. Jamaica were heavy favourites - but Curaçao got the job done in dramatic fashion, holding on for the most exhilarating scoreless draw in the nation's history.

Head Coaches

Cameroon: David Pagou

David Pagou took the Head Coach role in December 2025, in the lead-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, after the team fell short of World Cup qualifying under Belgian Head Coach Marc Brys.

He was previously an assistant to the national team and has coached extensively at the domestic level in Cameroon.

Curaçao: Dick Advocaat

Dutch Head Coach Dick Advocaat has had experience all over the world and, after joining Curacao in 2024, has only enhanced his reputation.

After an extensive playing career largely in the Netherlands, his coaching career has included several spells as the Head Coach of his nation, as well as leading South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq at different points.

The 78-year-old is set to break the record of the oldest Head Coach at a FIFA World Cup this year.

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Key players

Cameroon

Cameroon feature a number of players highly recognisable to Australian football fans. One of those, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, was left out of the Africa Cup of Nations squad - but may return to the team for the FIFA Series 2026™.

Bryan Mbeumo is another Manchester United connection who is expected to be a big part of the team’s attack. Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion will likely feature in midfield and contribute to a team that can be incredibly difficult to break down. Meanwhile, 66-cap André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is another talented midfielder - currently plying his trade in Serie A with Napoli - who could turn out for the African side, if he can recover from the hamstring injury that recently ruled him out of AFCON.

Curaçao

Curaçao boasts a strong Dutch-based contingent, led by brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna, who were born in the Netherlands. Elder brother Leandro spent several years in the football league in England and recently signed for a club in Turkey. Juninho is best known for his time at Huddersfield Town – including a season in the Premier League - and Birmingham City.

Former Manchester United youth player Tahith Chong represented the Netherlands at youth level but was approved by FIFA last year to change his allegiance to the country of his heritage. He has since scored two goals in two games to help Curaçao to World Cup qualification.