Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo will miss the 2026 World Cup after Cameroon failed to qualify, losing 1-0 to DR Congo in a play-off on Thursday. Chancel Mbemba scored the only goal, ending Cameroon's hopes of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament.
Mbeumo, who joined United from Brentford for up to £71 million in the summer, has scored six goals and provided one assist in 12 appearances. However, he will be absent from club duty from late December to mid-January for the Africa Cup of Nations, missing Premier League matches against Newcastle, Wolves, and potentially Leeds and Burnley.
While his winter schedule is disrupted, the failed World Cup qualification means Mbeumo will have the entire summer off, allowing him to rest ahead of the 2026/27 season. United manager Ruben Amorim may view this as a silver lining, with the forward set to be rejuvenated for the next campaign.
United have improved recently, with four wins and two draws in their last seven league matches, and focus solely on the Premier League and Champions League qualification after no European football this term. Mbeumo has been key to this run.
