Burkina Faso’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will reach a decisive stage in September 2026, with the Stallions set to face Sierra Leone and Ethiopia in their final two qualification matches on the road to North America.
The West African side, currently in second place in Group A with 15 points, trail group leaders Egypt, who have 20.
With only two rounds of fixtures remaining, every point will be crucial as Burkina Faso push to secure a place at the global showpiece.
The Stallions will open their September campaign away to Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
The match will be staged at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia — Sierra Leone’s adopted home ground — with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
It will be a pivotal encounter for Burkina Faso, who will aim to claim maximum points before returning home for their final match.
Just four days later, on Sunday, 12 October, the Stallions will return to familiar territory for their last qualifier.
They are set to host Ethiopia at the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou, with the match kicking off at 19:00 GMT.
The fixture is expected to draw a passionate home crowd as Burkina Faso attempt to secure one of Africa’s coveted World Cup places.
The stakes could hardly be higher. With Egypt holding a five-point advantage at the top of the group, Burkina Faso must win both games and hope the leaders drop points elsewhere to have a realistic chance of finishing first and sealing automatic qualification.
Even if that proves difficult, a strong finish could still keep them in contention for a spot in the play-offs, depending on the final group standings.
For manager Hubert Velud and his players, the two matches represent the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Burkina Faso’s campaign has been marked by consistent performances, including crucial victories that have kept them within touching distance of qualification. However, any slip-ups now could prove costly.
Sierra Leone, despite sitting lower in the standings, are expected to pose a significant challenge on home soil.
They will be determined to finish their campaign on a high and could look to frustrate the Stallions’ ambitions.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, will also be keen to upset the odds when they travel to Ouagadougou, making Burkina Faso’s final fixture anything but straightforward.
Burkina Faso have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup in their history, but recent progress on the continental stage — including strong showings in the Africa Cup of Nations — has raised expectations among fans and pundits alike.
Securing a ticket to the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would mark a historic milestone for the nation’s footballing ambitions.
With their destiny still in their hands, the Stallions know that victories in both October fixtures are non-negotiable.
The coming international window promises to be one of the most intense and decisive in Burkina Faso’s recent football history.
As the countdown continues, anticipation is building across the country. For Burkina Faso, it’s now a question of delivering when it matters most — two matches, six points, and a place on the world’s biggest football stage at stake.
