The Burkina Faso national team is back in action this month for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traore leading the way.

In his 25-man squad for the Stallions’ next games against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia, coach Hubert Velud has included the star, who is based in England.

In spite of his little playing time with Villa this season, Traore is named, having missed the Stallions’ last two games due to injury.

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Although the coach wants to add some seasoned players to the squad before the qualifications begin, the seasoned international is still included.

Edmond Tapsoba, a defender for Bayer Leverkusen, is also selected, however it is uncertain if he will play after requiring hand surgery. Knee injuries prevent Lassina Traore and Cyrille Bayala, the attacking combination, from playing.

On November 17, Burkina Faso plays Guinea-Bissau in Marrakech, Morocco. Four days later, they go to Ethiopia to play Ethiopia.

The games serve as the first World Cup qualifying campaign for the Stallions. Velud has assembled a squad that combines youth and experience.

While captain Bertrand Traore represents the present, teenage midfielder Kamso Abdoul Fessal demonstrates the promising future.

Burkina Faso will be looking for promising starts to their World Cup campaign. Talent-filled players like Blati Toure, Tapsoba, and Traore will need to negotiate a challenging group that also includes Nigeria.

After recent Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal performances, making it to the global showcase in 2026 would be a significant accomplishment.