Burundi vs Ivory Coast

Burundi and Ivory Coast are set to reignite their rivalry in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they face off at the Stade d'Honneur on Friday. This highly anticipated match marks the first encounter between the two teams since November 2024, when Ivory Coast dominated Burundi in a commanding 4-0 friendly victory. With just three points separating them in the group standings, both nations will be eager to secure a crucial win as they continue their quest for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

For Burundi, this match represents an opportunity to turn the page on a challenging end to 2024 and reignite their hopes of making history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Known as Les Hirondelles, the Burundian team endured a turbulent period last year, culminating in back-to-back defeats against Uganda in the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifiers. On Boxing Day, they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the Hamz Stadium, followed by another heartbreaking defeat three days later, when a 91st-minute goal from Ugandan forward Hakim Kiwanuka sealed their fate. These results were emblematic of their struggles throughout 2024, particularly in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they managed only one point from their final five matches in Group L after an initial 3-2 victory over Malawi. This disappointing run left them at the bottom of their group and in desperate need of a resurgence.

Despite these setbacks, Burundi has shown glimpses of promise in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. Under the guidance of head coach Patrick Sangwa, the team has secured two wins and one draw from their four matches in Group F, with their only defeat coming in November 2023 against Gabon. That 2-1 loss at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium was a bitter pill to swallow, but Burundi has since demonstrated resilience, accumulating seven points from a possible 12 to sit third in the group standings. They are currently two points behind second-placed Gabon, who occupy the qualifying playoff spot, and three points adrift of Ivory Coast, their upcoming opponents. However, Burundi’s recent form has been far from ideal, as they enter Friday’s clash on a seven-game winless streak. This match presents a golden opportunity for them to break that cycle and reignite their campaign.

On the other side, Ivory Coast arrives at the Stade d'Honneur as one of the most formidable teams in the qualifiers. The Elephants are among the nine unbeaten sides in the campaign, having secured three wins and one draw while scoring an impressive 12 goals and keeping four clean sheets. Their journey in Group F began in spectacular fashion in November 2023, when they thrashed Seychelles 9-0 in a dominant display. They followed this up with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Gambia and a narrow 1-0 win against Gabon, courtesy of a first-half goal from experienced midfielder Seko Fofana. However, their perfect record was tarnished in their most recent qualifier, as they were held to a goalless draw by a determined Kenya side at the Bingu National Stadium. While the result was disappointing, it did little to diminish Ivory Coast’s status as one of the favorites to qualify from the group.

The Elephants’ recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last outing ending in a penalty-shootout defeat to Burkina Faso in the 2025 CHAN playoff on December 28. Despite securing a 2-0 victory in the second leg to overturn a first-leg deficit, they were unable to capitalize in the shootout, leaving them with a bitter taste heading into 2025. Nevertheless, Ivory Coast remains a powerhouse in African football, and they will be confident of bouncing back against Burundi. With a squad brimming with talent and experience, including the likes of Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana, they will be aiming to edge closer to what would be their fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Historically, Ivory Coast has had the upper hand in encounters with Burundi, having won both of their previous meetings. Their first clash dates back to March 2003, and their most recent encounter in November 2024 ended in a comprehensive 4-0 victory for the Elephants. This historical dominance, combined with their current form, makes them the favorites heading into Friday’s match. However, football is a game of surprises, and Burundi will be determined to defy the odds and secure a historic result.

For Burundi, the key to success will lie in their ability to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. Defensively, they will need to be organized and disciplined to contain Ivory Coast’s potent attack, which has already scored 12 goals in the qualifiers. Offensively, they must find a way to break down a defense that has kept four clean sheets in four matches. Players like Abedi Bigirimana, who has been a standout performer for Burundi, will need to step up and deliver a match-winning performance. Additionally, the team will need to draw inspiration from their earlier performances in the qualifiers, where they showed resilience and determination to secure crucial points.

Ivory Coast, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run and continue their dominance in Group F. Their attacking prowess, led by players like Seko Fofana and Franck Kessie, will be crucial in breaking down Burundi’s defense. At the same time, their defense, which has been rock-solid so far, will need to remain vigilant against any counterattacks or set-piece threats from Burundi. Head coach Emerse Fae will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, as underestimating their opponents could prove costly.

As the two teams prepare to lock horns, the stakes could not be higher. For Burundi, a victory would not only end their winless streak but also reignite their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history. It would be a monumental achievement for a nation that has long been overshadowed by Africa’s footballing giants. For Ivory Coast, a win would solidify their position at the top of the group and bring them one step closer to securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It would also serve as a statement of intent, reaffirming their status as one of the continent’s elite teams.

Beyond the immediate implications for the qualifiers, this match also carries broader significance for both nations. For Burundi, it represents an opportunity to showcase their progress on the international stage and inspire a new generation of footballers. For Ivory Coast, it is a chance to continue their legacy of excellence and build momentum as they aim to make a deep run in the World Cup. The match is also a testament to the growing competitiveness of African football, where even the so-called underdogs are capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses.

As the players take to the field on Friday, the atmosphere at the Stade d'Honneur is sure to be electric. Fans from both nations will be eagerly watching, hoping to witness a memorable encounter that could shape the trajectory of their World Cup qualifying campaigns. Whether it’s Burundi’s quest for history or Ivory Coast’s pursuit of continued dominance, this match promises to be a thrilling chapter in the story of African football. In the end, only one team will emerge victorious, but both will have the opportunity to write a new page in their footballing journeys.