But by drawing with Serbia on Monday, Rigobert Song’s side kept themselves in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages and so that will no doubt be their focus.
To achieve that aim, Cameroon need to beat a Brazil side who have thus far justified their pre-tournament tag as favourites to lift the World Cup but could be much-changed.
Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams.
MORE: How to watch Cameroon vs Brazil
Cameroon vs Brazil lineups
Dani Alves is set to become Brazil’s oldest ever World Cup captain against Cameroon on Friday.
The 39-year-old earned a start as Tite shuffles his pack with his team having already secured their place in the knockout stages.
Alves said of the honour: “I’ve been with the Brazilian squad for many years and to be able to wrap up this cycle, playing a World Cup, makes me very happy.
“It’s been 16 years with the national squad and I’ve tried to do my very best. Life, I think, always rewards the people who love what they do, who truly do their best in the mission.
“I think I’m reaping what I have planted over those 16 years.”
MORE: Group G: How things stand for Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon
Cameroon starting 11
(4-3-3, right to left): 16-Epassy (GK) — 19-Fai, 4-Wooh, 24-Ebosse, 3-N’Koulou, 25-Tolo — 8-Anguissa, 15-Kunde, 6-Ngamaleu — 20-Mbeumo, 10-Aboubakar 13-Choupo-Moting
Injured: none Suspended: none Absent: Andre Onana
Rigobert Song opted to make five changes to the team which roared back to claim a 3-3 draw with Serbia last time out, Vincent Aboubakar scoring a wonderful lob to spark the comeback and being rewarded with a place in the 11 for this one.
MORE: World Cup 2022 standings: Live updated table, points for every group in Qatar
Brazil starting 11
(4-3-3, right to left): 23-Ederson (GK) — 13-Dani Alves, 14-Militao, 24-Bremer, 16-Alex Telles — 8-Fred, 15-Fabinho — 19-Antony, 21-Rodrygo, 26-Martinelli — 18-Gabriel Jesus
Injured: Neymar, Alex Sandro, Danilo Suspended: none
With progress to the last 16 already assured, Tite opted to shuffle his pack, only Eder Militao and Fred keeping their places as Brazil made nine changes.
Gabriel Jesus, Antony and Rodrygo were all picked to start, while Alex Telles replaced the injured Alex Sandro at left-back. Gabriel Martinelli made his full international debut.
MORE: World Cup 2022 Group G: Match schedule, fixtures, times and dates for Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Qatar
Cameroon vs Brazil World Cup squads
Here are the names on Cameroon and Brazil’s World Cup squad lists in Qatar (caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):
