Preview: Ivory Coast vs Burundi - prediction, team news, lineups

Ivory Coast will look to extend their unbeaten run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they take on Burundi at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Friday evening.

The reigning African champions sit comfortably at the summit of Group F, while their visitors will be desperate for a statement result to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Match preview

Emerse Fae’s Ivory Coast have been dominant in Group F, amassing 16 points from a possible 18 with five wins and one draw.

They remain unbeaten and have one of the best defensive records across the African qualifiers, yet to concede a goal while scoring 14 at the other end, the highest tally in their group.

Since their AFCON 2023 triumph on home soil, the Elephants have established themselves as one of the continent’s most consistent teams.

They head into this clash unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, a run that includes seven victories.

Their World Cup qualifying campaign began with a statement 9-0 thrashing of Seychelles, followed by a solid 2-0 win against Gambia and a 1-0 success over Gabon courtesy of a Seko Fofana strike - however, their perfect start was halted by a frustrating goalless draw against Kenya in June.

Still, Ivory Coast quickly returned to winning ways in March, defeating Burundi 1-0 and Gambia 1-0, both courtesy of disciplined defensive performances and clinical finishing.

Although they have failed to score in their last two friendlies, there is little sign of concern, with Fae’s side looking well-drilled and balanced.

Burundi, meanwhile, sit third in the group with 10 points from six games. Patrick Sangwa’s men have recorded three wins, one draw and two defeats, scoring 13 goals - the second-highest tally in the group but conceding seven.

They remain six points adrift of Ivory Coast and know that a positive result in Abidjan is vital to maintain their push for a maiden World Cup appearance.

The Swallows have shown flashes of attacking promise, most recently dismantling Seychelles 5-0 in March.

However, consistency has eluded them in recent years, with their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign ending in disappointment - just one win in six matches to finish bottom of Group L.

History also counts against them - Burundi have lost all six of their previous meetings with Ivory Coast, including a narrow 1-0 defeat in March’s first leg fixture.

Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Ivory Coast form (all competitions):

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Burundi World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Team News

Ivory Coast have handed a first call-up to goalkeeper Alban Lafont, the 25-year-old Nantes stopper who was previously linked with a switch to Burkina Faso.

Midfield dynamo Seko Fofana returns to the squad after missing recent windows, while the attacking unit is bolstered by familiar names including Simon Adingra, Sebastien Haller and Amad Diallo.

For Burundi, Patrick Sangwa will turn to forwards Kanakimana Bienvenue, Jean Claude Girumugisha and Richard Kirongozi to provide attacking spark.

The midfield pivot of Parfait Bizoza and Christophe Nduwarugira is expected to anchor proceedings, while Mokono Eldhino adds creativity further forward.

Notably absent is Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana, who was left out after parting ways with USM Alger and is currently a free agent.

Ivory Coast possible starting lineup:

Fofana; Singo, Gbamin, Agbadou, Akpa; Sangare, Kessie; Diallo, Krasso, Adingra; Haller

Burundi possible starting lineup:

Nahimana; Liongola, Niyukuri, Nsabiyumva, Weymans; Bizoza, Nduwarugira; Bigirimana, Eldhino, Girumugisha; Kanakimana

We say: Ivory Coast 2-1 Burundi

With home support and big-game players in form, Ivory Coast should edge this contest, though Burundi’s fight for qualification could see them grab a consolation.

Expect a tight encounter, but the champions’ experience should see them through.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.