2026 WCQ: Burkina Faso crash out

Burkina Faso’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after results in Group B confirmed their elimination from the African qualifiers.

Despite a strong campaign, the Stallions were edged out of the play-off places after the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Sudan 1-0 in Kinshasa to secure one of the best runners-up spots.

The result left Burkina Faso with no mathematical chance of progressing, marking a disappointing conclusion to their qualifying journey.

Having started the campaign brightly, Burkina Faso’s momentum faded in the final rounds, where dropped points proved costly.

Their inability to convert dominance into victories ultimately allowed DR Congo to leapfrog them in the standings.

Senegal, led by the inspired Sadio Mané, topped the group after a commanding 4-0 win over Mauritania in Diamniadio, confirming their direct qualification for the World Cup in North America.

DR Congo, meanwhile, sealed second place and advanced to the play-offs thanks to Theo Bongonda’s decisive strike.

For Burkina Faso, who had harboured ambitions of reaching their first-ever World Cup, the outcome is a bitter disappointment.

Their attention will now turn toward rebuilding and focusing on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where redemption will be sought.