2026 WCQ: Burkina Faso’s top player, Lassina Traore

Burkina Faso’s starting lineup for the next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is led by attacker Lassina Traore, who is based in Ukraine.

On June 6th, the Stallions will go to Cairo International Stadium to play Egypt; on June 10th, they will host Sierra Leone at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

Coach Brama Traore of Burkina Faso has called up midfielder Blate Toure of Pyramids FC and defender Saidou Simpore of NBE Club, both of whom are based in Egypt.

In lieu of captain Bertrand Traore, Lassina Traore leads the team after helping Shakhtar Donetsk win the 2023–24 Ukrainian Premier League.

The whole Burkina Faso squad:

Goalkeepers: Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), Farid Ouedraogo (AS Vita Club Kinshasa), and Hervé Koffi (R Charleroi SC)

Defenders: Mohamed Ouedraogo (SCR Altach), Adama Nagalo (FC Nordsjaelland), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Nasser Djiga (Red Star Belgrade), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), Saidou Simporé (NBE Club), and Valentin Nouma (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo)

Midfielders: Ismahila Ouedraogo (Panserraikos), Cedric Badolo (FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Regis N’Do (CF Estrela), Blati Toure (Pyramids FC), Gustavo Sangari (Quevilly – Rouen Métropole), Sacha Bancé (Valenciennes FC), Blati Toure (Pyramids FC), and Gustavo Sangari (Quevilly – Rouen Métropole).

Forwards: Mohamed Konate (Akhmat Grozny), Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth), Hassane Bande (HJK Helsinki), Hassim Traore (Joué-lès-Tours), Lassina Traore (Shakhtar Donetsk),