Man Utd ace suffers World Cup heartbreak in dramatic defeat as defender features in shock 2-0 loss
It was a tough night for two Manchester United players as they represented their respective countries
One of Manchester United’s standout players from the 2025-26 season will not get the chance to showcase his talents at the 2026 World Cup after his country suffered a dramatic defeat in qualifying on Thursday night.
Bryan Mbeumo was involved for Cameroon in a CAF play-off clash against DR Congo. Cameroon finished second in their qualifying group and missed out on automatic qualification as a result but finished with enough points to secure a play-off spot.
Four CAF teams enter a continental play-off with a semi-final and then final. The winner of the final will then play an inter-continental play-off to earn a spot at the World Cup. However, Mbeumo and Cameroon have seen their final possible route to the World Cup blocked off.
They conceded a 91st minute goal to DR Congo with Chancel Mbemba striking late on to break Cameroon hearts. Andre Onana also featured for Cameroon while former United players Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka played for DR Congo.
Diogo Dalot plays in shock Portugal loss to Republic of Ireland
Elsewhere, United defender Diogo Dalot played the full game as Portugal suffered a shock loss to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Troy Parrott scored twice in the second half to secure a famous 2-0 win for the hosts.
Victory would have sealed Portugal’s place at next summer's World Cup but they now must not slip up against Armenia on Sunday to ensure they are not caught by Hungary and forced to enter a play-off.
Former United player Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct after 61 minutes while Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias also featured in the defeat.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said: “The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.
“He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender…
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body.”