Ethiopia names 23-man squad for friendly against DC United

Ethiopian National Team head coach Mesay Teferi has named a 23-player squad to face Major League Soccer side DC United in an exhibition match scheduled for August.

The Walias, as they are nicknamed, will travel to the United States for the friendly game against the MLS side after an agreement was reached between the club and the Ethiopian Football Federation in June 2025.

Teferi retained much of the squad that played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier matches against Egypt and Djibouti. A notable absentee is Abubeker Nasir. The former Ethiopian Coffee striker returned to the roster back in March, but he failed to play a single minute for his club, SuperSport United, this past season.

America-based midfielder Surafel Dagnachew has received a call-up. The Loudoun United player will join the squad in the United States. Ethiopian Premier League Most Valuable Player of the Season, Hayder Sherfa, has also been summoned by coach Teferi after being overlooked in the previous selection.

The goalkeeping department features familiar names, with Ethiopian Insurance goalkeeper Abubeker Nura expected to take the number one spot.

EFF and D.C. United agreed to arrange a friendly game for Ethiopia in the U.S. The EFF will pocket thousands of dollars in participation fees and a winning bonus.

Ethiopian National Team Squad