The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially lifted the suspension on Burkina Faso’s iconic August 4 Stadium, restoring the venue’s status as a certified host for international matches after four years of closure and renovation.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Sports on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Burkinabe football. The stadium—considered the heart of national sport—had been under renovation since 2021, following a CAF decision to suspend it for not meeting international standards.
“This decision ends four years of closure for renovations and declares the infrastructure fit to once again host major international competitions, including the Stallions’ matches,” the ministry stated.
True to his word, Sports Minister Roland Somda had earlier set June 2025 as the deadline for the stadium’s readiness, and the timely completion of work allowed CAF inspectors to greenlight its reopening.
The upgraded stadium will soon be put to the test, as Burkina Faso prepares to welcome Egypt in September for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The fixture is expected to draw a full house, with fans eager to return to what has long been a national sporting fortress.
The return to the Stade du 4-Août is especially significant for the Stallions. The national team boasts an impressive home record at the venue, having remained unbeaten there since June 20, 2009.
On that date, they narrowly lost 2-3 to Ivory Coast in a qualifier for the 2010 World Cup—still their last home defeat at the stadium.
With its doors now open again, the 4-Août Stadium not only symbolizes a renewed chapter for Burkinabe football, but also reinforces national pride ahead of a pivotal stage in the country’s World Cup qualification journey.
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