Everything You Need to Know About the Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia Clash

With direct qualification now out of reach, Burkina Faso enters their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier with a renewed sense of purpose. Their mission is clear: secure a playoff spot and keep the dream alive. The Stallions, led by coach Brama Traoré, find themselves in a tense battle among Africa’s best second-placed teams — sitting fourth with 18 points and a superior goal difference of +13, edging ahead of Cameroon (+12) and Uganda (+6).

This means that for Burkina Faso, winning alone isn’t enough. They must aim to score — and score big — against Ethiopia to strengthen their claim for one of the four coveted playoff positions. Every shot, every goal, could be the difference between heartbreak and hope.

On paper, it seems a manageable task. Ethiopia, known as the Walias, have already bowed out of contention, currently fifth in Group A with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses). But in football, complacency is dangerous. Even a side with nothing to lose can become unpredictable, and that’s exactly what Burkina Faso must guard against.

Match Date and Kickoff Time

The Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia encounter is set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the historic Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 GMT. Expect the stadium to be alive with color, drums, and chants, as local fans rally behind their team in what could be their last push toward the World Cup dream.

Where to Watch Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia

Football fans won’t have to miss a second of the action. The match will be broadcast live on RTB (Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina), FIFA+, and Eurosport, offering multiple viewing options for fans across Africa and beyond. Whether you’re following the game on TV or streaming it online, this fixture promises high-intensity football and emotional moments from start to finish.

Head-to-Head Record: Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia

When it comes to past encounters, Burkina Faso has enjoyed a clear upper hand. The Stallions defeated Ethiopia 4-0 during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and repeated their dominance in the first leg of these qualifiers with a 3-0 victory. However, the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, proving that Ethiopia is capable of putting up a fight when underestimated.

These matchups reveal a story of growth and resilience. For Burkina Faso, it’s about maintaining their winning identity; for Ethiopia, it’s about restoring pride and testing their strength against one of Africa’s rising powers.

As the sun sets over Ouagadougou, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Burkina Faso stands at a crossroads — one path leading toward the World Cup playoffs, the other toward disappointment. They have the talent, the numbers, and the home support; all that remains is execution.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia enters this match with freedom — no pressure, no burden, just the chance to play bold, expressive football. And sometimes, that’s exactly when surprises happen.

This isn’t just another qualifier — it’s a test of ambition, resilience, and belief. Will Burkina Faso rise to the occasion and keep their World Cup dream alive? The answer will echo from the stands of Ouagadougou to the hearts of African football fans everywhere.