Mohamed Zougrana Turns His Back on Ivory Coast for Burkina Faso

World Cup 2026 06 March 2025 at 06:19

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

Mohamed Zougrana has chosen to represent Burkina Faso at the national level. The 23-year-old midfielder has decided to turn his back on the Elephants of Ivory Coast to honor the jersey of his origins.

Born on October 29, 2001, in Ivory Coast, Mohamed Zougrana began his professional career with SO Armée in 2020, before joining ASEC Mimosas in 2021. In July 2023, he signed with MC Alger for four years, quickly establishing himself as a key player on the team.

Although born in Ivory Coast, Zougrana is of Burkinabé descent. Before making his decision, he played for the Ivorian local (2022) and Olympic (2024) teams during the 2022 African Nations Championship and U23 friendlies. Against all odds, he chose to represent the Stallions. The news was announced by his club a few days ago. Mohamed Zougrana has been called up to the Burkina Faso squad for the 5th and 6th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"MC Alger received a call from the Burkinabé Football Federation to summon Mohamed Zougrana to join the Burkina Faso national team, where the midfielder will have a new experience after representing Ivory Coast at the youth levels."