Burkina Faso coach Amir Abdou has unveiled a 25-man squad for next month’s international friendlies as the Stallions begin preparations for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup period and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The West Africans are scheduled to face Russia on 5 June in Volgograd before taking on Belarus four days later in Minsk during the June FIFA international window.
The squad announcement comes at a crucial period for Burkina Faso, with Abdou continuing to shape a side expected to compete strongly on the continental stage after recent disappointment at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The coach has retained several experienced figures, including captain Edmond Tapsoba, Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara and goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, while also introducing a number of younger players as he attempts to build depth ahead of future competitions.
Burkina Faso’s defensive line will once again rely on established names such as Adamo Nagalo, Yacouba Nasser Djiga and Arsène Kouassi, while the attack features Mohamed Konaté, Cyriaque Irié and Georgi Minoungou.
The Stallions’ squad also includes Kilian Nikiema and Hillel Konaté among the goalkeepers, while midfield duties are expected to be shared by players such as Gustavo Sangaré, Mohamed Zougrana and Ismahila Ouédraogo.
Abdou’s latest selection reflects a balance between continuity and renewal as Burkina Faso continue their efforts to establish themselves among Africa’s most competitive national teams.
The friendlies against Russia and Belarus are expected to provide the coach with an opportunity to assess combinations and tactical adjustments before the next round of competitive fixtures.
Attention has also quickly shifted towards the 2027 AFCON qualifiers after Tuesday’s draw in Cairo placed Burkina Faso in Group F alongside Benin, Mauritania and the Central African Republic.
Although the Stallions are viewed as one of the favourites in the section, Abdou moved quickly to warn against complacency following the draw.
“All opponents are tough, and Burkina Faso must be serious and not underestimate any team,” he said.
The comments underline the cautious approach being adopted by the coach since taking charge of the national side following Burkina Faso’s AFCON disappointment in Morocco.
One of the major objectives handed to Abdou after his appointment was to secure qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
For many supporters in Burkina Faso, the June friendlies will offer an early indication of how prepared the Stallions are for the challenges ahead.
The presence of experienced players such as Tapsoba and Koffi is expected to provide stability.
While the inclusion of younger talents suggests Abdou is already thinking beyond immediate results as he attempts to build a competitive squad capable of succeeding on both African and global stages.
Burkina Faso continue to chase a first major international title, and the coming months could prove significant in shaping the direction of Abdou’s project.
