Burkina Faso's national football team traces its organised international beginnings to April 13, 1960, when the side — then representing Upper Volta — recorded a 5–4 victory over Gabon at the Jeux de la Communauté in Madagascar. The country adopted its current name in 1984, and the team followed suit, competing thereafter as Burkina Faso.
The team made its Africa Cup of Nations debut in 1978 before a long absence that ended in 1996, after which they qualified for five consecutive editions of the tournament through 2004. Their most celebrated chapter came in 2013, when they reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations — their best-ever finish in the competition — before falling to Nigeria. Four years later, at the 2017 edition, they secured third place, underlining the team's standing among Africa's stronger nations.
On the World Cup stage, Burkina Faso came closest to qualification ahead of the 2014 tournament, defeating Algeria 3–2 at home before losing 1–0 away, only to be eliminated on the away goals rule despite a 3–3 aggregate. It remains the nearest the Stallions have come to a FIFA World Cup finals appearance.
The team's identity is anchored in its nickname, Les Étalons — The Stallions — a reference to the legendary horse of Princess Yennenga, a founding figure in Burkinabé heritage. Supporters often bring percussion bands to matches, recreating the sound of galloping hooves and giving the team's home atmosphere a distinctive cultural character. Their federation-level rivalry and continental ambitions continue to shape the squad's development into the current decade.