Striker Bertrand Traore returns for Burkina Faso for World Cup Qualifiers

Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traore has returned to the Burkina Faso national team for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Stallions coach Hubert Velud has named the England-based star in his 25-man squad for their upcoming matches against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia.

Traore, who returns after missing the Stallions' last two matches through injury, is named despite limited game time for Villa this season.

The experienced international still makes the squad as the coach looks to inject some experienced hands in the squad at the start of the qualifiers.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba is also picked but his participation is doubtful after needing hand surgery. Attacking duo Lassina Traore and Cyrille Bayala miss out through knee injuries.

Burkina Faso face Guinea-Bissau on 17 November in Marrakech, Morocco before travelling to play Ethiopia four days later. 

The matches kickstart the Stallions' World Cup qualifying campaign Velud has blended youth and experience in his squad selection. 

Teenage midfielder Kamso Abdoul Fessal shows the future is bright, while captain Bertrand Traore represents the present.

Burkina Faso will be hopeful of strong performances to start their World Cup journey. A squad brimming with talent like Traore, Tapsoba and midfielder Blati Toure must navigate a competitive group also containing Nigeria.

After recent quarter-final appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, qualification for the 2026 global showpiece would represent major progress.