By S. Siapha Mulbah
Liberian footballers, both at home and abroad, are eagerly awaiting their chance to represent the country in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. As the Lone Star prepares for crucial double-header matches against Tunisia and São Tomé and Príncipe, all eyes are on the squad selection ahead of the matches in March 2025.
The matches are scheduled to take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville City, with Liberia set to face Tunisia on March 17 and São Tomé and Príncipe on March 24. These fixtures are vital for the continuation of Liberia’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With fewer than 20 days until the first match, Liberians are eagerly anticipating the release of the squad list, which is expected to come soon. The anticipation is high as local players look forward to the opportunity to make their mark on the national stage, with many seeing a call-up as a potential stepping stone for their professional careers. For the domestic league players, many of whom have never before represented the national team, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Meanwhile, those who have previously appeared in the squad are determined to perform better than before, showcasing their improvement and commitment to the national cause.
Insiders within the Liberia Football Association (LFA) have confirmed that the stand-in coach of the Liberia men’s senior national team, Thomas Kojo, is expected to finalize his squad and submit his plans for the upcoming matches in the coming days. This will allow training sessions and other preparations for the team to begin promptly.
The LFA has also submitted a comprehensive financial plan to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to cover the costs of the two upcoming matches. The football house is now waiting for the government to implement the necessary financial support in a timely manner to ensure that preparations proceed without delay.
Coach Thomas Kojo is expected to name his squad for Liberia’s double-header matches against Tunisia and São Tomé and Príncipe in the coming days. The matches will be held at the SKD Sports Complex in Monrovia, with the Lone Star currently sitting in third place in Group G of the qualifiers. After four matches, Liberia has accumulated 7 points, and a victory in both matches could propel them into second place, depending on results from other teams.
With just nine African teams securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, the pressure is on for Liberia to secure a top spot in their group and keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Several notable players are expected to feature prominently in Coach Kojo’s squad, including Murphy Oscar Dorley, Devine Teah, and Sampson Dweh, who all play in the Czech Republic’s top-flight league for clubs like Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen. These players’ experience and skill will be crucial as Liberia looks to challenge Tunisia and São Tomé and Príncipe in their quest for World Cup qualification.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic, with 48 teams from across the globe vying for a place in the tournament, and the African continent will have nine spots available. Liberia’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup may seem ambitious, but with strong leadership, the right preparation, and the determination of players both at home and abroad, the Lone Star’s hopes remain alive.
As the date for the matches approaches, players and fans alike are filled with anticipation and hope. The success of the upcoming qualifiers could mark the beginning of a new era for Liberian football, where the dreams of a World Cup appearance become a reality. For now, all attention is focused on the squad announcement and the preparations for what could be a defining moment for the Lone Star on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
