Burkina Faso recall Bertrand Traore for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore has returned to the national team for the first time since November after recovering from a knee injury.
The Ajax forward headlines a 25-man squad named by coach Brama Traoré for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau later this month.
The squad also sees the return of several key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (Lens), defender Mohamed Ali Yabré (PSV Eindhoven), and midfielder Ismahila Ouédraogo (Atromitos), all of whom were absent in recent international windows.
Coach Brama Traoré will be looking to build momentum as Burkina Faso push for qualification to their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The Stallions currently sit in a competitive qualifying group and will aim to take maximum points in the double-header against Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau.
Alongside Bertrand Traoré, other major returnees include defender Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), midfielder Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC), and winger Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth).
Their presence bolsters a team that struggled with absences in previous fixtures.
Goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, who has been Burkina Faso’s first-choice shot-stopper for several years, is back to take command between the posts.
His return provides stability in goal as the Stallions prepare for two crucial matches in their qualifying campaign.
New Faces in the Squad
Three players have earned their first national team call-ups. Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger) joins the squad for the first time, while France-based duo Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio) and Cyriaque Irié (Troyes) also receive their maiden selections.
Their inclusion highlights the coach’s intent to expand the talent pool and test fresh options ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy), who made his international debut last November, keeps his place in the squad. Established names such as Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), and Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava) also feature prominently.
Aziz Ki Left Out Again
Notably absent from the squad is Stéphane Aziz Ki (Young Africans), who is left out for the second consecutive international break.
His omission comes after he made headlines following his marriage to Tanzanian singer Hamisa Mobetto. The reasons for his continued absence remain undisclosed by the coach.
Squad Balance and Strength in Key Areas
Burkina Faso’s squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent across all positions. In goal, Koffi is supported by Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club) and Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag).
The defence is led by Bundesliga star Edmond Tapsoba, alongside Wolverhampton’s Yacouba Djiga, Werder Bremen’s Issa Kaboré, and RS Berkane’s Issoufou Dayo.
The midfield is packed with creative and defensive options, with Blati Touré, Cédric Badolo, and Mohamed Zougrana expected to play crucial roles.
In attack, Traoré’s return strengthens an already talented frontline, which also includes Dango Ouattara and Mohamed Konaté (Al-Riyadh).
Burkina Faso will look to make a statement in these qualifiers as they continue their quest for a historic place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Burkina Faso Squad
Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (Lens, France), Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club, DRC), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)
Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Yacouba Djiga (Wolverhampton, England), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Issa Kaboré (Werder Bremen, Germany), Mohamed Yabré (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio, France), Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco)
Midfielders: Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger, Algeria), Ismahila Ouédraogo (Pansekairos, Greece), Saïdou Simporé (Al Masry, Egypt), Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia), Raouf Memel Dao (Sonabel, Burkina Faso), Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy, France), Salou Dramane (Hapoel Haifa, Israel)
Forwards: Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth, England), Hassane Bandé (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Cyriaque Irié (Troyes, France), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Mohamed Konaté (Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Bertrand Traoré (Ajax, Netherlands)