Midfielder Mohamed Zougrana has decided to represent Burkina Faso at the senior international level, despite previously playing for Ivory Coast in youth competitions.
The MC Alger player’s decision marks a significant turning point in his career as he prepares to join the Stallions for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Algerian club confirmed the news on Wednesday in an official statement via its X account, announcing that Zougrana had received a call-up from the Burkinabe Football Federation.
تلقت إدارة نادي مولودية الجزائر إستدعاء من طرف الاتحادية البوركينابية لكرة القدم يقضي بضم لاعب خط الوسط محمد زوغرانا من أجل تمثيل منتخب بوركينا فاسو، حيث سيخوض لاعب خط الوسط تجربة جديدة، بعدما كان قد مثل منتخب كوت ديفوار في الفئات الشبانية.#𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒏 🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/mZpWs3PtYh
— Mouloudia Club d’Alger (@THEDEAN1921) March 5, 2025
“The management of Mouloudia Club d’Alger received a call from the Burkinabe Football Federation for midfielder Mohamed Zougrana to represent the Burkina Faso national team, where he will have a new experience after having represented the Ivory Coast national team in the youth categories,” the statement read.
A new chapter for Zougrana
At 23, Zougrana had never been called up to the Ivory Coast senior squad, despite his involvement with the U23 team and his participation in the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he helped the Elephants reach the quarter-finals.
With his international future uncertain, Burkina Faso has presented him with a new opportunity to compete at the highest level.
His inclusion in Burkina Faso’s pre-selection for the World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti on March 21 and Guinea-Bissau on March 24 suggests that head coach Brama Traoré sees him as a valuable addition.
The final squad list will be officially announced on March 10, a date that could mark the beginning of Zougrana’s journey with the Stallions.
Strengthening an ambitious squad
Burkina Faso has steadily emerged as a competitive force in African football, boasting a squad that includes top talents such as Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Bertrand Traoré (Ajax), and Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth).
If selected, Zougrana will have the chance to prove himself alongside these established players.
Currently reigning as an Algerian league champion with MC Alger, Zougrana brings a dynamic midfield presence with his energy and work rate.
His decision to switch allegiance underscores Burkina Faso’s growing appeal as a rising power on the continental stage.
Le sélectionneur national Brama Traoré dévoilera sa liste pour la prochaine trêve internationale le 10 Mars prochain lors d’une conférence de presse qui aura lieu au centre technique national de la FBF.📝🇧🇫 pic.twitter.com/85yWhxiixO
— Joueurs Burkinabè 🇧🇫🐎 (@joueursBF) March 5, 2025
While it remains to be seen whether this choice is final, all indications suggest that Zougrana is ready to embrace his new national identity.
For Burkina Faso, his addition could provide further depth as they push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
