Burundi and Ivory Coast are set to clash in a pivotal match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on March 21, 2025, at the Stade d'Honneur. This encounter marks the first meeting of the teams since their previous faceoff in November 2024, where the Elephants decisively won 4-0. With only three points separating the two sides in the standings, the stakes are high as both teams aim to improve their positions in Group F.
Since the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign, Burundi has endured a rocky road. After a lackluster end to 2024, where they faced consecutive defeats to Uganda in December, losing 1-0 in both matches, the team hopes to turn a new leaf. Their performance in the qualifying round for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was equally disappointing, with a solitary win against Malawi (3-2) overshadowed by four losses, leaving them at the bottom of the Group L table.
Yet, in the qualifying race for the World Cup, Burundi has demonstrated flashes of promise, amassing seven points from their four Group F matches—enough to place them third in the standings, just two points shy of Gabon, who occupy the playoff spot. The team's only setback came from a 2-1 defeat against Gabon back in November 2023, but with two wins and one draw from their last matches, hopes are high. However, they enter this match on a seven-game winless streak, raising questions about their ability to secure a first-ever World Cup appearance.
On the other side, Ivory Coast is coming off a commendable run in the qualifiers, remaining one of the nine unbeaten teams in the race. They surged ahead with compelling victories, including a stunning 9-0 win against Seychelles and continuing their momentum with wins against Gambia (2-0) and Gabon (1-0). Their only blemish arrived in June 2024 when they drew 0-0 with Kenya, which halted their perfect record. Despite this minor setback, the Elephants are looking to capitalize on their strong form, seeing this match as an opportunity to solidify their path toward a fourth World Cup appearance.
Recent challenges for Ivory Coast include a penalty shootout defeat to Burkina Faso on December 28, 2024, a result that underscores the competitiveness they will face going into this bout with Burundi. Coach Emerse Fae has rallied a strong squad, featuring 25 players with notable inclusions such as striker Sebastian Haller, who returns after missing the last three international windows due to injury. Alongside him, midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin returns for the first time since March 2023. Despite the loss of Manchester United's Amad Diallo due to injury, the team boasts significant depth, including stars like Franck Kessie and Nicolas Pepe.
Burundi's head coach, Patrick Sangwa, has called up a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, such as 25-year-old midfielder Patrick Bizoza, who hasn't played internationally in five years. Marco Weymans is also being reintegrated into the lineup after a long absence. Sangwa's fresh approach aims to bolster the national squad’s resolve and competitiveness as they gear up for what is expected to be a tough encounter.
Projected lineups show that Burundi may start with Nkurunziza in goal, joined by defenders Weymans, Ndayishimye, Nsabiyumva, and Nduwarugira, along with midfielders Liongola, Msanga, Bigirimana, and Bizoza. Up front, they may opt for Niyongabire and Mvuka to lead their offensive efforts.
Conversely, Ivory Coast may field Fofana as their goalkeeper, supported by defenders Doue, Diomande, Ndicka, and Singo. In the midfield, they are likely to feature Sangare and Kessie, while Adingra and Pepe are expected to provide width upfront alongside Haller.
The anticipation leading up to this match has certainly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, with many believing that Burundi will struggle against a more experienced and skilled Ivory Coast squad. Predictions lean heavily towards a decisive victory for the Elephants, with many speculating a 3-0 win for the visitors.
As both teams prepare for the challenge, it is clear that this match will not only have implications for their World Cup ambitions but also serve as a crucial confidence booster. With all eyes on the Stade d'Honneur, the excitement is palpable as the game promises to deliver an intriguing spectacle.
