Difficult beginnings (1974–1992)

The Burundi football team was created in 1971 by the Football Federation of Burundi. The Swallows' first match was in a 1976 African Cup of Nations qualification match against Somalia, which ended in a 2–0 victory. Following a 1–0 loss in the second leg, Burundi qualified to meet Egypt in the next round where they lost 5–0 on aggregate and were eliminated. It would be seventeen years before Burundi played another AFCON qualifying match. In their first twenty years, Burundi played in twenty fixtures and managed 6 wins, 2 draws and 12 defeats.

Narrowly missing qualification (1992–1998)

In 1992, Burundi entered the qualification rounds for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, but were eliminated in the first round following one win (1–0 against Ghana), one draw (0–0 against Algeria) and two losses in the reverse fixtures to finish bottom of the group. Burundi then finished joint top in their 1994 African Cup of Nations qualification group however they lost their play-off match against Guinea on penalties. Due to the Burundian Civil War, Burundi withdrew from the 1996 and 1998 AFCON qualifiers and, despite beating Sierra Leone 2–0 on aggregate and qualifying for the final round of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they withdrew again.

African Cup of Nations qualifiers (2000–2015)

Following successive withdrawals from the AFCON qualifiers, Burundi returned for the 2000 competition, beating Tanzania in the preliminary rounds before finishing third in their group behind Burkina Faso and Senegal. In the 2002 qualifiers, Burundi again advanced to the group stages of qualification by beating Djibouti (4–1), but finished last in their group with only two points. In 2004, Burundi performed even worse, collecting no points and finishing last behind South Africa and Ivory Coast. In 2008 Burundi finished five points behind leaders Egypt and didn't make it through to the next round. In 2012 Burundi were even further adrift, finishing thirteen points behind group winners Ivory Coast. For the 2013 qualifiers, Burundi failed to advance due to away goals against Zimbabwe (2–2), and in 2015 they lost to Botswana (1–0) .

FIFA World Cup qualifiers (2002–2014)

Burundi did not participate in the 2002 qualification process but re-entered in 2006, only to get knocked out by Gabon in the first round (4–1). In 2010, Burundi managed two victories, both against Seychelles but failed to go through behind Burkina Faso and Tunisia. The 2006 and 2010 qualifiers doubled as qualification for the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. The following qualification cycle, Burundi were eliminated by Lesotho in the first round (3–2).

First CAN qualification (2017–present)

After falling in the second qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup against DR Congo, Burundi focused on convincing Gaël Bigirimana and Saido Berahino to come and play for the selection, both playing in Europe (for Hibernian and Stoke City respectively). Both players agreed and Berahino scored on his debut to earn the team a 1–1 draw against Gabon. In March 2019, in the final group game, Burundi played a decisive match against Gabon needing only one point to qualify. The match ended in a draw (1–1), with a goal from Cédric Amissi earning Burundi their first opportunity to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. Burundi lost all three of their matches at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, failing to register a single goal.

Colours

Traditionally, the Burundi team wears the three colours of its flag: red, green and white.

Sponsors

During these beginnings, Burundi is equipped by Erreà, an Italian sports brand. In 2012, he signed a contract with Adidas for a period of 10 years. Despite this long-term contract with Adidas, Burundi is committed in 2018 with Nike. She even signs a contract with Lumitel (a phone brand).

Stadium

The Burundi team have played most of their matches in Bujumbura at the Intwari Stadium. The second match in its history, Burundi is playing its first home match against Somalia (3–0 victory). The Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium is home to Vital'O FC and Prince Louis FC, as well as the national team. The stadium has been renovated several times, notably in March 2018, due to a flooded pitch.

Supporters

During the matches at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium, the Burundian supporters are often outnumbered, in particular because of the rather low capacity of the stadium (10,000 seats) for around 13,000 spectators. Just like the players, the supporters dress in red, green and white and bring the flag of the country. During the match in March 2019 against Gabon, the authorities have made additional seats available because of the lack of space in the stands.

2023

Indonesia  v  Burundi

25 March Friendly	Indonesia	3–1	Burundi	Bekasi, Indonesia
20:30 UTC+7	Yakob 6' Dendy 14' Ridho 44'	Report	Niyongabire 51'	Stadium: Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium Attendance: 4,448 Referee: Razlan Joffri Ali (Malaysia)

Burundi  v  Indonesia

28 March Friendly	Burundi	2–2	Indonesia	Bekasi, Indonesia
20:30 UTC+7	Berahino 80' Bigirimana 90'	Report	Witan 61' Amat 90+4'	Stadium: Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium Attendance: 2,018 Referee: Razlan Joffri Ali (Malaysia)

Burundi  v  Namibia

20 June 2023 AFCON qualification	Burundi	3–2	Namibia	Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
16:00 UTC+2	Bigirimana 1' Bimenyimana 9' Shabani 19'	Report	Shalulile 41' Rudath 85'	Stadium: National Stadium Referee: Boubou Traoré (Mali)

Cameroon  v  Burundi

12 September 2023 AFCON qualification	Cameroon	3–0	Burundi	Garoua, Cameroon
20:00 UTC+1	Mbeumo 46' Wooh 59' Aboubakar 90+3'	Report		Stadium: Roumdé Adjia Stadium Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)

Burundi  v  Gambia

16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Burundi	3–2	Gambia	Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
16:00 UTC+3	Bigirimana 31' Nsabiyumva 35' Abdallah 75'	Report	Barrow 45+4' E. Colley 90+8' (pen.)	Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa (National Stadium) Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)

Burundi  v  Gabon

19 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Burundi	1–2	Gabon	Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
16:00 UTC+3	Bigirimana 87'	Report	Allevinah 35' Bouanga 83'	Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa (National Stadium) Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)

2023

Burundi  v  Algeria

9 January Friendly	Burundi	0–4	Algeria	Lomé, Togo
15:00 UTC±0				Stadium: Stade de Kégué Referee: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)

Current squad

The following 23 players were called up for the friendly match against Algeria on 9 January 2024.^[3]

Caps and goals are correct as of 19 November 2023, after the match against  Gabon.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Jonathan Nahimana	(1999-12-12) 12 December 1999	33	0	Namungo
	1GK	Justin Ndikumana	(1993-03-01) 1 March 1993	4	0	Coastal Union
	2DF	Derrick Mukombozi	(1999-04-26) 26 April 1999	5	0	Nkana
	2DF	Eric Ndizeye	(1999-08-22) 22 August 1999	2	0	Kiyovu Sports
	2DF	Keita Bukuru	(2005-04-05) 5 April 2005	0	0	Aigle Noir Makamba
	2DF	Samuel Ndizeye		0	0	Police
	2DF	Aime Vaillance Nihorimbere	(2000-01-11) 11 January 2000	0	0	FK Gjøvik-Lyn
	3MF	Gaël Bigirimana	(1993-10-22) 22 October 1993	22	0	Young Africans
	3MF	Yannick Nkurunziza	(2002-06-20) 20 June 2002	22	0	KF Gostivari
	3MF	Abedi Bigirimana	(2002-01-01) 1 January 2002	11	4	Kiyovu Sports
	3MF	Elvis Kamsoba	(1996-06-27) 27 June 1996	6	0	PSS Sleman
	3MF	Richard Kirongozi Bazombwa	(2000-06-13) 13 June 2000	5	0	Bumamuru
	3MF	Aaron Musore	(1999-12-28) 28 December 1999	5	0	Green Eagles
	3MF	Irakoze Donasiyano	(1998-02-03) 3 February 1998	1	0	Oakland Roots
	3MF	Emmanuel Mvuyekure	(1993-06-10) 10 June 1993	1	0	KMC
	3MF	Abdoul Karim Mpawenimana	(2002-10-22) 22 October 2002	0	0	Rukinzo
	3MF	Elie Mukono		0	0
	3MF	Abdourahmani Rukundo	(1999-05-07) 7 May 1999	0	0	Amagaju
	4FW	Abdul Razak Fiston	(1991-09-05) 5 September 1991	52	19	Sofapaka
	4FW	Bienvenue Kanakimana	(1999-12-28) 28 December 1999	10	0	MFK Vyškov
	4FW	Pacifique Niyongabire	(2000-03-15) 15 March 2000	5	1	Valour FC
	4FW	Abdallah Sudi	(2000-01-05) 5 January 2000	5	1	Kuching City
	4FW	Jean-Claude Girumugisha	(2004-09-18) 18 September 2004	1	0	Magara Young Boys
	4FW	Alfred Nkurunziza	(2004-01-01) 1 January 2004	0	0	Bumamuru

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Burundi in the last 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Onésime Rukundo	(1999-04-09) 9 April 1999	14	0	Le Messager Ngozi	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
GK	Fabien Mutombora	(1997-04-07) 7 April 1997	6	0	Vipers	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
GK	Aladin Bizimana	(2000-04-01) 1 April 2000	0	0	RFC Warnant	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
GK	Dieudonné Ntibahezwa	(1998-02-02) 2 February 1998	0	0	Flambeau du Centre	v.  Indonesia; 25 March 2023 PRE
DF	Christophe Nduwarugira	(1994-06-22) 22 June 1994	45	6	Académico Viseu	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
DF	Frédéric Nsabiyumva	(1995-04-26) 26 April 1995	43	1	Västerås	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
DF	Youssouf Ndayishimiye	(1998-10-27) 27 October 1998	21	1	Nice	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
DF	Marco Weymans	(1997-07-09) 9 July 1997	10	0	Beerschot	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
DF	Rashid Léon Harerimana	(1994-03-14) 14 March 1994	36	0	Kayanza United	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
DF	David Nshimirimana	(1993-02-01) 1 February 1993	29	0	Sofapaka	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
DF	Ismail Nshimirimana	(2000-01-01) 1 January 2000	8	0	Kiyovu Sports	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
DF	Collins Muhindo Mashauri	(2001-05-05) 5 May 2001	2	0	Aigle Noir Makamba	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
DF	Karim Nizigiyimana	(1989-06-21) 21 June 1989	64	0	Gasogi United	v.  Indonesia; 28 March 2023
MF	Shassiri Nahimana	(1993-08-05) 5 August 1993	41	2	Bandari	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF	Saidi Ntibazonkiza	(1987-05-01) 1 May 1987	31	13	Simba	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF	Jospin Nshimirimana	(2001-12-12) 12 December 2001	14	8	Yeni Malatyaspor	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF	Omar Mussa	(2000-08-20) 20 August 2000	3	0	Dagenham & Redbridge	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
MF	Jordi Liongola	(2000-05-17) 17 May 2000	5	0	La Louvière	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
MF	Trésor Mossi	(2001-08-28) 28 August 2001	4	0	UN Käerjéng 97	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
MF	Stève Nzigamasabo	(1990-12-10) 10 December 1990	22	1	KMC	v.  Indonesia; 28 March 2023
FW	Hussein Shabani	(1990-06-26) 26 June 1990	27	2	AS Kigali	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
FW	Mohamed Amissi	(2000-08-03) 3 August 2000	19	0	Baladiyat El Mahalla	v.  Gabon; 19 November 2023
FW	Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana	(1997-11-21) 21 November 1997	20	5	Kaizer Chiefs	v.  Cameroon; 12 September 2023
FW	Saido Berahino (Captain)	(1993-08-04) 4 August 1993	18	2	AEL Limassol	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
FW	Crispaldinho Chubaka	(1996-12-10) 10 December 1996	0	0	RCS Verlaine	v.  Namibia; 20 June 2023
FW	Cédric Amissi	(1990-03-20) 20 March 1990	56	10	Al-Qadsiah	v.  Indonesia; 25 March 2023 PRE
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. PRE Preliminary squad. RET Player has retired from international football. WIT Withdrew from the squad SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

World Cup record

FIFA World Cup record										FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1930	Part of  Belgium									Part of  Belgium
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966	Not affiliated to CAF									Not affiliated to CAF
1970
1974	did not enter									Declined participation
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994	did not qualify									4	1	1	2	2	4
1998	Withdrew during qualifying									2	2	0	0	2	0
2002	Withdrew									Withdrew
2006	did not qualify									2	0	1	1	1	4
2010										6	2	0	4	5	9
2014										2	0	1	1	2	3
2018										4	2	0	2	5	6
2022										2	0	2	0	2	2
2026	to be determined									2	1	0	1	4	4
2030										to be determined
2034
Total		0/25								24	8	5	11	23	32

Africa Cup of Nations record

Africa Cup of Nations record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1957 to 1962	Part of  Belgium
1963 to 1972	Not affiliated to CAF
1974	did not enter
1976	did not qualify
1978	did not enter
1980	Withdrew
1982 to 1992	did not enter
1994	did not qualify
1996	did not enter
1998	withdrew
2000 to 2017	did not qualify
2019	Group stage	22nd	3	0	0	3	0	4
2021	did not qualify
2023
2025	to be determined
2027
Total	Group stage	1/34	3	0	0	3	0	4

African Nations Championship record

African Nations Championship
Appearances: 1
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2009	did not qualify
2011
2014	Group stage	10th	3	1	1	1	4	4
2016	did not qualify
2018
2020
2022
Total	Group stage	1/7	3	1	1	1	4	4

CECAFA Cup