Burkina Faso are preparing for two international friendlies during the June 2025 FIFA window, with head coach Brama Traoré expected to announce his squad on Friday, 23 May, during a scheduled press conference.
The Stallions will face Tunisia in their opening fixture, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe. Both matches form part of the team’s strategic preparations ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the selection is expected to remain largely unchanged from the squad used in previous qualifying rounds—barring injury-related adjustments.
According to early indications, the list will be consistent in structure, with stability expected in the goalkeeping department.
Midfield could see a slight reshuffle, while attacker Dango Ouattara, currently with AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League, remains a major doubt due to fitness concerns.
Probable Squad List
Goalkeepers
- Hervé Koffi (RC Lens, France)
- Farid Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
- Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)
Burkina Faso’s goalkeeping trio remains unchanged, with Hervé Koffi likely to retain his starting spot. His consistent performances in Ligue 1 have kept him as Traoré’s trusted number one.
Defenders
- Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Yacouba Nasser Djiga (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
- Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Cyprus)
- Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
- Issa Kaboré (Manchester City, England)
- Mohamed Yabré (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast)
- Arsène Kouassi (AC Ajaccio, France)
- Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco)
With Edmond Tapsoba anchoring the defence, Burkina Faso will rely on experience and youthful energy across the backline. Yacouba Djiga and Adamo Nagalo offer emerging strength, while veterans such as Steeve Yago and Issoufou Dayo bring stability and leadership.
Midfielders
- Razack Yoda (Milsami, Moldova)
- Ismahila Ouédraogo (Panserraikos, Greece)
- Saïdou Simporé (Al Masry, Egypt)
- Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC, Egypt)
- Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia)
- Raouf Memel Dao (Sonabel, Burkina Faso)
- Joshua Tiendrébéogo (FC Annecy, France)
The midfield core remains familiar, with Blati Touré and Saïdou Simporé forming the likely backbone. Young talents such as Raouf Dao and Joshua Tiendrébéogo continue to gain ground, offering fresh options in central areas.
Forwards
- Dango Ouattara — Doubtful (AFC Bournemouth, England)
- Hassane Bandé (HJK Helsinki, Finland)
- Cyriaque Irie (SC Freiburg, Germany)
- Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine)
- Mohamed Konaté (Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
- Bertrand Traoré (Ajax, Netherlands)
The forward line boasts significant international experience, with Bertrand Traoré returning to form in the Netherlands and Lassina Traoré continuing his campaign in Ukraine.
Mohamed Konaté and Cyriaque Irie provide physical presence and pace, though all eyes will be on the availability of Dango Ouattara, whose absence could affect the team’s attacking depth.
Coach Traoré is expected to prioritise continuity ahead of these friendlies, using them as a testing ground for tactical consistency and player evaluation.
While the list is not yet official, the anticipated lineup reflects a squad focused on readiness and familiarity, key components as Burkina Faso builds momentum toward the 2026 World Cup.
The confirmed selection will be made public following Friday’s press conference, setting the stage for two important fixtures that could shape the national team’s direction in the months ahead.
