Qualification history
The Swallows first tackled the qualifying process ahead of USA 1994, when they showed real promise on home soil by seeing off Ghana and holding Algeria to a draw. Lesser performances beyond their borders eventually led to a first-round exit, but they ventured a stage further before withdrawing four years later. After not taking part at all in 2002, Burundi lost to Gabon in a play-off on the road to Germany 2006 and finished third in their second-round section leading up to South Africa 2010. In the campaign to reach the 2014 edition of the world’s showpiece football event, the Burundians fell at the first hurdle in a disappointing first round loss to Lesotho. A late goal in the first leg saw them 1-0 down going into the match in Bujumbura, which ended 2-2 after the Swallows went behind to two early goals.

Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Amani Nabimana, Michel Minko