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Iraq national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Iraqi football team)

Iraq
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Usood al-Rafidayn
(Lions of Mesopotamia)
AssociationIraq Football Association (IFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationWAFF (West Asia)
Head coachGraham Arnold
CaptainJalal Hassan
Most capsYounis Mahmoud (148)
Top scorerHussein Saeed (78)
Home stadiumBasra International Stadium
FIFA codeIRQ
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 63 Decrease 6 (20 July 2026)[1]
Highest39 (6 October 2004)
Lowest139 (3 July 1996)
First international
 Morocco 3–3 Iraq 
(Beirut, Lebanon; 19 October 1957)
Biggest win
 Iraq 13–0 Ethiopia 
(Irbid, Jordan; 18 August 1992)
Biggest defeat
 Turkey 7–1 Iraq 
(Adana, Turkey; 6 December 1959)
 Brazil 6–0 Iraq 
(Malmö, Sweden; 11 October 2012)
 Chile 6–0 Iraq 
(Copenhagen, Denmark; 14 August 2013)
World Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1986)
Best resultGroup stage (1986, 2026)
Asian Cup
Appearances11 (first in 1972)
Best resultChampions (2007)
Arab Cup
Appearances7 (first in 1964)
Best resultChampions (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988)
WAFF Championship
Appearances8 (first in 2000)
Best resultChampions (2002)
Arabian Gulf Cup
Appearances17 (first in 1976)
Best resultChampions (1979, 1984, 1988, 2023)
Confederations Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2009)
Best resultGroup stage (2009)

The Iraq national football team (Arabic: منتخب الْعِرَاق لِكُرَةُ الْقَدَم), nicknamed the Lions of Mesopotamia (Arabic: أسود الرافدين),[2] represents Iraq in men's international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association (IFA), the governing body for football in Iraq. Iraq's usual home venue is the Basra International Stadium.[3]

Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on two occasions, in 1986 and 2026, exiting at the group stage both times. Iraq scored its first World Cup goal against Belgium in 1986 and added a second against Norway in 2026. Iraq is one of eight AFC nations to have won the AFC Asian Cup, claiming the title in 2007 in spite of difficult conditions and limited preparation. Iraq defeated some of the favourites in the competition including Australia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Iraq went on to earn two points at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and finish fourth at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.[4]

At the regional level, Iraq is the Arab Cup's most successful nation with four titles and has also won the Arabian Gulf Cup four times and the WAFF Championship once.[5] Iraq is known for its passionate football fans and the national team is seen as a symbol of hope and unity for Iraqi people.[6] The team reached its highest FIFA World Ranking of 39th in October 2004.[7]

History

[edit]

Early years and regional success (1948–1979)

[edit]
The Iraqi national football team in 1951; they played friendly games in the Turkish cities of İzmir and Ankara.

On 8 October 1948, the Iraq Football Association was founded.[8] The Iraq FA joined FIFA in 1950 and in April 1951, Iraq played their first match: a 5–0 win over the Civil Cantonment (C.C.) team of Habbaniyah.[9][8] Iraq's first ever official international game came in the opening game of the 1957 Arab Games in Beirut where Iraq drew 3–3 to Morocco with goals from Ammo Baba, Youra Eshaya (both from Iraq's Assyrian minority) and Fakhri Mohammed Salman.[10][8] One of the members of Iraq's first national team was Youra Eshaya, who in 1954 became the first Iraqi footballer to play in England for Bristol Rovers Colts.[11]

In 1962, Iraq appointed their first foreign manager, Romanian coach Cornel Drăgușin. Iraq won their first trophy in 1964 when they won the Arab Cup, winning three and drawing one of their four games. In the following edition, they retained their Arab Cup title, beating Syria 2–1 in the final in Baghdad.[8]

In 1972, Iraq played at their first ever AFC Asian Cup but failed to win a game in the tournament. In March 1973, Iraq played their first ever FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They finished second in their group, a point behind Australia, therefore failing to qualify for the next round. In the remaining years of the 1970s, Iraq reached the second round of the Asian Games (1974), lost the Arabian Gulf Cup final (1976), finished fourth at the AFC Asian Cup (1976), finished fourth in the Asian Games (1978) and finally hosted and won the Arabian Gulf Cup (1979).[12] The 1976 Asian Cup would be the last Asian Cup that Iraq appeared in for the next 20 years, as they withdrew from the next three editions.

1980s – First Golden Generation

[edit]

The 1980s was arguably Iraq's most successful period in their history. They started the decade off disappointingly, being knocked out in the first round of qualifiers for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. In 1982, they won the gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games. In 1984, Iraq won the Arabian Gulf Cup. The following year, they won the 1985 Arab Cup and also won the gold medal at the 1985 Arab Games.[13]

1986 FIFA World Cup: Iraq’s historic first qualification

[edit]

Iraq were seeded into the first round of qualifiers where they faced Qatar and Jordan. Iraq topped Group 1B with 6 points, and advanced to the second round. Iraq faced United Arab Emirates in two legs. Iraq defeated UAE 3–2 in Dubai. Iraq lost 2–1 to UAE in the second leg. Iraq progressed on away goals after a 4–4 aggregate scoreline and advanced to the final round. In the final round, Iraq drew 0–0 against Syria in Damascus.[14] Iraq defeated Syria 3–1 in the second leg in Taif. Iraq won 3–1 on aggregate and qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup.[15]

At their first game of the Group B at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Iraq played well against Paraguay, losing narrowly 1–0 despite scoring a goal that was controversially disallowed by the referee. Iraq recorded their first World Cup goal in the second game, scoring against Belgium in a 1–2 defeat despite having ten men, with Ahmed Radhi scoring a goal for Iraq.[16] Iraq played against hosts Mexico in the third game, losing 1–0 and being eliminated from the World Cup.[17]

In the following years, Iraq won the 1988 Arabian Gulf Cup and won the 1988 Arab Cup. Overall, Iraq won nine competitions in the 1980s and played in their first World Cup, leading many to believe that this was the golden era of Iraqi football. In 1989, Iraq competed in qualifying for a berth in the 1990 World Cup finals, but they lost a crucial game against Qatar.[18]

1990s – The Dark Era

[edit]

Following the Gulf War in 1990, Iraq was banned from participating in the Asian Games and in most Arab competitions. The ban wasn't extended to the World Cup.

1994 FIFA World Cup qualification: The Agony of Doha

[edit]

In 1993, Iraq participated in qualifiers for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Grouped with China, Yemen, Jordan and Pakistan in the first stage, Iraq proved to be too strong for the rest, with the team only failing to win twice, a draw to Jordan and loss to China.[citation needed]

In the final round, Iraq was grouped with Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Iran and North Korea.[citation needed] On the first matchday, Iraq lost 3–2 to North Korea in a dramatic way, being 2–0 ahead in the second half. After an Iraqi player was sent off, North Korea pulled back in the 67th minute, equalized in the 77th minute and scored the winner in the 82nd minute.[19] Iraq then tied 2–2 with South Korea.[20] and then defeated Iran 2–1 by goals of Ahmed Radhi and Alaa Kadhim.[21]

Iraq missed out on a World Cup spot by two points. By drawing their last game with Japan 2–2, they denied the Japanese a place in the finals in a match referred to by the Japanese media as the Agony of Doha.[22] The loss against North Korea proved to be the difference with the other teams, as North Korea lost their other 4 matches and finished bottom of the group.[citation needed]

1996 AFC Asian Cup: Return after two decades

[edit]

Iraq participated in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, their first Asian Cup campaign for 20 years after being banned in 1992 and withdrawing from the three tournaments before that. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to the United Arab Emirates due to a golden goal scored by Abdulrahman Ibrahim. In 1996, Iraq was ranked 139th in the world, which is their worst FIFA ranking in their history due to inactivity after withdrawing from several tournaments.

In 1997, Iraq participated in qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup but were knocked out at the first round following two defeats by Kazakhstan.[citation needed]

This period is known as 'The Dark Era' as Uday Hussein, the son of Saddam Hussein and then-president of IFA, abused his control of Iraqi football and tortured players who played poorly, punishing them by sending them to prison, making them bathe in raw sewage and kick concrete balls, and shaving their heads among many other punishments.[23][24]

2000s – Second Golden Generation

[edit]

The 2000s was considered to be the rebirth of a new Iraqi football golden generation. However, Iraq had a rocky beginning. Iraq played in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup but were knocked out at the quarter-final stage again, this time by Japan in a 4–1 loss.[25] Iraq reached the final round of 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time since 1994 but lost five of their eight second-round games and therefore failed to make the finals.[26] Iraq won their first ever WAFF Championship in 2002, beating Jordan 3–2 in the final after extra time.[27]

In the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, Iraq lost the opening match against Uzbekistan, then they won against Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia respectively, to reach the quarter-finals before getting knocked out by China.[28] In the same year they were knocked out at the second round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by Uzbekistan.[29]

Iraq were ranked as high as 39th in the World Rankings in October 2004 which is their highest ranking position in their history. The following year, Iraq won the gold medal in the West Asian Games by beating Syria in the final via a penalty shootout. In 2007, Iraq were knocked out at the group stage of the Arabian Gulf Cup after a controversial defeat to Saudi Arabia.[30] Akram Salman was sacked and Jorvan Vieira appointed as head coach. Under him, Iraq reached the final of the WAFF Championship but lost 2–1 to Iran.[31]

2007 AFC Asian Cup: Iraq's famous first continental title

[edit]
Iraq playing against Australia in Group A of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup; Iraq won the game 3–1 on their way to winning the cup.

In July 2007, Iraq kicked off their 2007 AFC Asian Cup campaign. The squad was made mainly of players that won the 2000 AFC Youth Championship, finished fourth at the 2004 Olympic Games and second at the 2006 Asian Games. Vieira only had two months to prepare his team for the tournament, and the team suffered from very poor facilities. The Iraq FA struggled to provide the team with enough kits for the tournament and Iraq had not been able to play any previous games in their own country for security reasons and most of the players had had family members killed in the war.[32]

The team started the tournament with a 1–1 draw against joint-hosts Thailand before producing a 3–1 win over favourites Australia. A draw with Oman followed to put Iraq into the quarter-finals where two goals from Younis Mahmoud against Vietnam put Iraq into the semi-finals for the second time in their history. They managed to knock out one of the best Asian teams, South Korea in the semis via a penalty shootout in which Noor Sabri made a crucial save.[32] After the game, a suicide bomber killed 30 football fans who were celebrating the semi-final win over South Korea and this almost led to the Iraqi team withdrawing from the final,[33] but they decided to go on in honour of the dead and succeeded in doing that after defeating Saudi Arabia 1–0 in the final, a game that they dominated from start to finish and that was won by a Younis Mahmoud header. This tournament win is seen as one of the greatest upsets in international history as a war-torn country became international champions in what is described as one of sport's greatest 'fairytales'.[34][35]

Vieira stated during the final that he would resign after the Asian Cup.[36] He was replaced by Egil Olsen in September 2007.[37]

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification: Controversial early exit

[edit]

Under Egil Olsen, Iraq advanced from the first round by beating Pakistan 7–0 on aggregate. Then they were drawn with Australia, China, and Qatar for the second round.[38] On the first matchday, Iraq tied China. As a consequence, Olsen was sacked and replaced by Adnan Hamad.[39] The next two matches saw Iraq lose twice to Qatar and Australia. However, Iraq bounced back with a 1–0 win over Australia and 2–1 win against China.[40]

On 26 May 2008, FIFA decided to suspend Iraq from all international competitions after the Iraq Football Association was disbanded by the government on 20 May 2008.[41] The suspension was provisionally and conditionally lifted on 29 May 2008.[42] Iraq needed 1 point to advance to the final stage on the last matchday, but failed to advance to the final round of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as a 1–0 defeat to Qatar saw them finish in third in the group. Following this, the Iraq FA decided to disband the team and sacked Hamad.[43]

Qatar fielded ineligible player Emerson in the 2–0 defeat to Iraq on 26 March 2008, prompting FIFA to controversially[44] suspend him but clear Qatar of any wrongdoing, in direct contradiction to its decisions against Singapore. Iraq appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but it was rejected by the CAS, saying that Iraq submitted documents and appeal fees too late.[45]

Jorvan Vieira was reappointed in September 2008. After a disappointing 2009 Arabian Gulf Cup, Vieira was sacked and replaced by Bora Milutinovic.[46]

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup: Iraq on the global stage

[edit]

In 2009, Iraq participated in only their second FIFA tournament ever: the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, which they qualified for by winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. They started the tournament with a 0–0 draw with hosts South Africa, before losing 1–0 to UEFA Euro 2008 winners Spain. Iraq drew the last game 0–0 with New Zealand and were knocked out.

On 20 November 2009, the FIFA Emergency Committee suspended the Iraq FA due to government interference;[47] the suspension was lifted on 19 March 2010.[48]

2010s – Ups and downs

[edit]
The Iraqi national team pose ahead of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against China in Doha.

Iraq qualified automatically for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. They were drawn against Iran, North Korea and UAE in Group D. After a 2–1 loss against Iran, and 1–0 win against UAE, Iraq went into the match against North Korea needing only a draw to progress. Iraq won 1–0 and advanced to the quarterfinals as group runners-up. On 22 January, Iraq lost to Australia, 1–0, in the quarterfinal. The match went into extra time with Harry Kewell heading in a goal in the 117th minute just inside the 18-yard box.[49]

Under coach Wolfgang Sidka, Iraq were drawn into the second round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup where they faced Yemen. Iraq defeated Yemen 2–0 in Arbil on 23 July before drawing 0–0 in Al Ain five days later. Iraq advanced to the third round of qualifiers where they were grouped with Jordan, China and Singapore. The IFA announced it would not renew Wolfgang Sidka's contract on 2 August 2011.[50] On 29 August 2011, Brazilian legend Zico signed a one-year contract to become the new coach of Iraq.[51]

Iraq topped Group A with 15 points, and in the final qualification stage was drawn with Jordan, Japan, Australia and Oman. Iraq started with 1–1 draws against Jordan away and Oman at home. After their slow start, Iraq lost 1–0 to Japan away and lost a crucial home match against Australia 2–1, moving them into bottom position with 2 points. On 14 November 2012, Iraq won 1–0 against Jordan in Doha which elevated them to third in Group B, behind Australia on goal difference and ahead of Oman.[52]

On 28 November 2012, Zico resigned as head coach.[53] The Iraqi FA appointed Vladimir Petrović as his replacement on 25 February 2013.[54] However, on 11 June 2013, Iraq lost 1–0 to Japan in Doha and were eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[55]

2015 AFC Asian Cup: Iraq's run to the semi-finals

[edit]

Iraq were in a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifying group alongside Saudi Arabia, China and Indonesia. After losing consecutively against China and Saudi Arabia, Iraq was in danger of missing out on the Asian Cup. They kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with a 2–0 away win over Indonesia on 19 November 2013, and on the last matchday, Iraq booked their spot with a commanding 3–1 win at the Sharjah Stadium against China. Due to bad results at the 22nd Arabian Gulf Cup, Hakeem Shaker was sacked and the FA appointed Radhi Shenaishil as caretaker coach.

Iraq began the 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 1–0 win over Jordan.[56] In the next match, Iraq faced Japan and lost the match 0–1.[57] Iraq then beat Palestine 2–0 and qualified to knockout stage as the Group D runner-up.[58] Iraq defeated Iran in the quarter-finals in penalties, 7–6, after the game ended 3–3 after 120 minutes of play.[59] They faced South Korea in the semi-finals but lost 0–2.[60] Iraq finished the AFC Asian Cup in fourth place, after losing 2–3 to United Arab Emirates in third/fourth place play-off.[61]

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification: Struggles in the final round

[edit]

For the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Iraq were drawn with Thailand, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.[62]

In August 2015, Yahya Alwan was appointed coach for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[63] After initially starting well with a 5–1 win against Chinese Taipei, two consecutive draws against Thailand and Vietnam left Iraq in real danger of missing out on the final round. On 24 March 2016, Iraq tied 2–2 with Thailand and Alwan was replaced with Abdul-Ghani Shahad. Five days later, he led Iraq to the final round and 2019 AFC Asian Cup by beating Vietnam 1–0.[64]

On 15 April 2016, Radhi Shenaishil became the new coach of Iraq in order to lead the team in the final round.[65] For the final round, Iraq was drawn with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Thailand. After seven matchdays, Iraq only managed to collect four points by beating Thailand 4–0 and drawing 1–1 with Australia. As a result, Shenaishil was sacked on April 10, 2017.[66]

Basim Qasim was appointed for the remainder of the qualifiers and Iraq finished fifth in their group in the final round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

2019 AFC Asian Cup: Defeat to the eventual champions

[edit]
The Iraqi national team pose ahead of their 2019 AFC Asian Cup match against Iran in Dubai.

The 2019 AFC Asian Cup draw put Iraq in Group D, with Iran, Vietnam, and Yemen.[67]

On 3 September 2018, Srečko Katanec was appointed as head coach on a three-year contract to lead Iraq in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.[68]

Their first match took place on 8 January 2019 against Vietnam and ended in a 3–2 victory for Iraq.[69] Their second match against Yemen on January 12 ended in a 3–0 victory, with goals coming from Mohanad Ali, Bashar Resan, and Alaa Abbas. In their final group game, Iraq faced Iran on January 16, resulting in a 0–0 draw. With these performances, Iraq finished second in Group D and advanced to the knockout stage.[70]

In the Round of 16, Iraq faced Qatar. Despite their efforts, Iraq suffered a 1–0 defeat, with Bassam Al-Rawi scoring the only goal, ending their journey in the tournament. Qatar later won the tournament.[71]

2020s – Recent history

[edit]

Iraq participated in the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They were placed in Group C alongside Bahrain, Iran, Cambodia, and Hong Kong and reached the final round with five wins from eight matches including a 2–1 victory against Iran.[72]

Iraq went 19 consecutive matches without losing between 2019 and 2021 and moved up from 89th to 68th in the FIFA rankings during Katanec's tenure. Katanec departed in July 2021 after six months of unpaid wages and filed a complaint with FIFA.[73]

On 31 July 2021, Dutchman Dick Advocaat was appointed head coach of Iraq.[74] Under Advocaat, Iraq made to a slow start to the final round of World Cup Qualifiers, drawing four games and losing two, and on 21 November 2021, Advocaat resigned. Željko Petrović took charge of the team for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, where Iraq were eliminated from the group stage. Petrović was sacked after two further winless qualifying games and Abdul-Ghani Shahad was appointed as an interim manager, but Iraq were eliminated after finishing fourth in the group.

On 7 November 2022, Jesús Casas was appointed head coach of the Iraq national football team, with a contract running until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[75] In his first tournament in charge, Iraq hosted and won the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup, defeating Oman 3–2 after extra time in the final.[76]

Amir Al-Ammari challenges for the ball in a 2023 AFC Asian Cup match which Iraq won 3–1 against Indonesia.

Iraq was drawn in Group D of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.[77] On 15 January 2024, Iraq overcame Indonesia 3–1.[78] Four days later, Iraq created the biggest shock in the tournament, stunning Japan (who had been undefeated in the last 11 matches) by beating them 2–1 in the second group match to ensure first place in the group; both Iraq goals were scored by Aymen Hussein.[79] With the outcome confirmed, Iraq largely rotated their squad on the final match against Vietnam, and ended up triumphant 3–2 to make history by earning a perfect record of nine points.[80] However, Iraq suffered a shock defeat in the Round of 16, losing 2–3 to Jordan to exit the tournament. The result was controversial due to a second yellow card shown to Aymen Hussein by the referee for his celebration after he had scored to take a 2–1 lead.[81]

2026 FIFA World Cup: Return to the World Cup after forty years

[edit]

During the second round of World Cup qualification, Iraq was placed in Group F alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The team had an impressive run, winning all six matches, securing qualification to the next round and for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.[82] In the third round of qualification, Iraq was drawn into Group B, which included South Korea, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, and Kuwait. However, despite early momentum, Iraq struggled to maintain consistency. Following a 2–1 defeat to Palestine on 27 March 2025, the Iraq Football Association (IFA) held an urgent meeting and unanimously decided to dismiss Casas and his coaching staff. His contract was officially terminated on 15 April 2025.[83]

Casas was succeeded by Australian coach Graham Arnold, who previously coached Australia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Arnold took over for the final matches of the third round, but Iraq finished third in the group and missed out on direct qualification to the World Cup, instead proceeding to the fourth round of qualifiers. In the fourth round, Iraq were drawn with hosts Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Iraq ended Indonesia's hope of qualification with a 1–0 victory,[84] however Iraq finished as group runners-up after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, who qualified to the World Cup on goals scored.[85] Iraq advanced to the two-legged fifth round playoff against the United Arab Emirates; in the first leg in Abu Dhabi, the teams drew 1–1.[86] In the return leg in Basra, Iraq triumphed 2–1, winning the tie 3–2 on aggregate, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time penalty converted by Amir Al-Ammari. With that victory, Iraq advanced to the inter-confederation play-offs,[87] where they were drawn to face the winner of the game between Bolivia and Suriname in a play-off match held in Mexico to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[88] Iraq ultimately faced Bolivia and defeated them 2–1, with Aymen Hussein scoring the decisive goal to secure Iraq's place at the World Cup.[89] Iraq's successful qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup spanned 21 matches over a period of 28 months.[90][91]

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iraq was drawn into Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal. Iraq opened its campaign with a 4–1 defeat to Norway, despite Aymen Hussein scoring Iraq's first World Cup goal since 1986 with a headed equaliser, followed by a 3–0 defeat to France. Two costly defensive errors proved decisive in both games, while Iraq's tournament ended with a 5–0 loss to Senegal after receiving an early red card in the match. The Lions of Mesopotamia finished bottom of the group without a point, although their return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence was widely regarded as an important milestone in the national team's development.[92]

Team image

[edit]

Colours

[edit]

The traditional colours of the Iraq national football team are green, white and black. Green and white are often interchangeable as Iraq's home and away colours, while black is used as the third colour.

The national team frequently wore white kits during the 1960s and early 1970s, including at the 1966 Arab Cup and during early FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns. Green became increasingly prominent from the mid-1970s onward, notably during the 4th Arabian Gulf Cup and the 1976 AFC Asian Cup. Over time, it developed into the team's primary football colour and was often combined with white details inspired by the national flag. The shade of green has varied across different periods, ranging from brighter tones in earlier decades to darker modern interpretations introduced by manufacturers such as Adidas and Umbro.[93]

Iraq have also previously worn red, yellow and blue kits. One of the most notable departures from the traditional colour scheme occurred during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when Iraq wore yellow against Paraguay and blue against Belgium and Mexico despite having mainly used green and white during qualification.[94] Former Iraqi players later stated that members of the team delegation had attempted to retain the traditional colours, but the request was rejected by then-Iraq Football Association president Uday Hussein, who reportedly insisted on using yellow and blue kits.[95] Following the tournament, Iraq gradually returned to green-and-white combinations.

Since the 2000s, green and white have again formed the basis of Iraq's visual identity, while black has increasingly been used for alternative kits, particularly in designs incorporating references to Mesopotamian civilisation, Babylonian ornamentation and traditional Iraqi motifs. One of the most notable examples was Umbro’s black third kit introduced in November 2021 for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, which featured geometric patterns inspired by Mesopotamian art, including Babylonian palm motifs symbolising victory, ornamental Assyrian flowers and decorative elements referencing the walls of the Ishtar Gate. The shirt also incorporated the word “Iraq” in Kufic script on the back and later received international attention among football shirt collectors, including a nomination by Classic Football Shirts among the best football shirts of the year.[96]

Kits

[edit]

Iraq's kits have been manufactured by several international and regional sportswear brands, including Umbro, Adidas, Puma, Jako, Peak, Givova, Lotto, Diadora and Jack & Jones. The current kit supplier is Jako.[97]

Kit suppliers

[edit]
Kit supplier Period
Umbro 1984–1986, 2007, 2020–2022[98][2]
Adidas 1986–1994, 2007, 2014, 2024[99]
Puma 1996
Patrick 2000
Jako 2003–2004, 2014–2019, 2022–2023,[100] 2024–present[101]
Jack & Jones 2004–2006
Diadora 2006
Lotto 2006
Peak 2008–2014
Givova 2019–2020

Nickname

[edit]
Lion in ceramic tile from the Ishtar Gate in Babylon

The Iraqi team is commonly known as Usood al-Rafidayn (Arabic: أُسُودُ الرَّافِدَيْن), meaning "Lions of Mesopotamia". In ancient Mesopotamia, the Babylonian lion was a symbol of power, impetuosity, ferocity, prestige and dominance.[102] This is reflected in the sculpted lions in Babylon, where the processional path is ornamented with ceramic tile bas-reliefs representing a prestigious lion from the time of Nebuchadnezzar II. This kind of representation aimed to glorify the king, master of the beasts, and also represent the defeat of the enemy.[103] Moreover, the Mesopotamian royal inscriptions depict the king as a ferocious lion to whom nothing can be resisted.[104][105][106] The presence of lions in ancient Iraqi civilization was based on the belief, or desire, that the animals represented would bring with them the virtues they symbolized, so that they could be transmitted to the owners.[107]

[edit]

Iraq kits throughout history have usually featured the flag of Iraq on them, although the coat of arms of Iraq and the Iraq Football Association logo have both appeared on kits in the past. The national team has occasionally had its own unique logo, the first of which was from 1982 to 1983. This logo was based on the Iraq flag, with Iraqi written at the top of the crest.[108] From 2000 to 2002, the national team's logo featured a green outline with the word Iraq written at the top in green Arabic text. In the 2005 West Asian Games, the team wore a new logo with the red band of the flag appearing in a large semi-circle shape,[109] and in 2007, Iraq briefly reverted to using the logo that they had used from 2000 to 2002. On 23 October 2020, the national team's current logo was revealed. A star featured above the crest on the national team's shirts from 2021 to 2022 to commemorate the nation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory.[110]

Rivalries

[edit]

Due to its geographical location, Iraq maintains strong rivalries with many neighbours.

Opponent GP W D L GF GA GD Win %
 Iran 3167182143−22019.35
 Saudi Arabia 441812146343+20040.91
 Kuwait 431813125646+10041.86

Iraq's main and traditional rival has been Iran, and they are often considered to be two of the greatest football teams in the Middle East and Asia with one of the greatest rivalries. At the early stage, Iran had proved to be more dominant than Iraq, remaining undefeated from 1964 until 1993. In the contemporary era, especially during the reign of Saddam Hussein, the two countries had bad relations and fought the Iran–Iraq War for eight years.[111][112] Iraqis have considered any matches against Iran as a must-win encounter and are known to treat it differently from any other football matches.[113] Iraq has played 31 matches against Iran with 6 victories, 7 draws, and 18 losses.

Iraq's other rival is Saudi Arabia, and matches between the two teams also draw significant attention from Iraqi fans, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being recognised as the two most successful Arab teams in Asia. The beginnings of the footballing rivalry between them dates back to the 1970s, but it was only after the 1990s that the rivalry between the two Arab nations truly developed since it was previously overshadowed by Iraq's rivalries with Iran and Kuwait.[114] One of these reasons for the rivalry to develop is due to the bitter Gulf War, where Iraq fought against Saudi Arabia over Kuwait, an ally of Saudi Arabia.[115] These encounters have also been marred with various controversies and hostilities, such as the 21st Arabian Gulf Cup hosting rights, where Iraq was stripped from hosting with the tournament instead being moved to Bahrain, a move which was believed by Iraqis as a deliberate act by Saudi Arabia to remove Iraq's home advantage.[115] Before that, Iraq was also banned from hosting home games against Saudi Arabia due to the Gulf War.[115] Iraq has played 44 matches against Saudi Arabia with 18 victories, 12 draws, and 14 losses.

Iraq's rivalry with Kuwait was once considered the greatest football rivalry in the Middle East, until being taken over by Iraq's rivalry with Saudi Arabia due to Kuwait's decline. The rivalry began in the mid-1970s. Because of the Gulf War, Iraq and Kuwait were in complete avoidance and never met for more than 15 years until 2005. Iraq has played 43 matches against Kuwait with 18 victories, 13 draws, and 12 losses.

Cultural identity and supporters

[edit]
Iraqi fans in London celebrating Iraq winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup

The Iraq national football team has frequently been viewed as a symbol of national unity within Iraqi society. During periods of war, sanctions and political instability, matches involving the national team often carried social and cultural significance beyond sport itself. Iraq's victory at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup is widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in the country's sporting history. Celebrations following the victory took place across several Iraqi cities and among Iraqi communities abroad, with the triumph frequently described as a unifying national moment.

Iraqi supporter culture is characterised by patriotic chants and strong displays of national symbolism. Among the most widely used chants are "O Victorious Baghdad" ("منصورة يا بغداد") or "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, O Iraq" ("بالروح بالدم نفديك يا عراق") during the Iraqi team's matches.[116]

Another famous chant is "the first goal is coming" ("هسه يجي الاول") which is chanted in the beginning of the match.[117] A succeeding chant is "the second goal is coming" ("هسه يجي الثاني"); this is usually chanted repeatedly after Iraq score a goal to motivate the players to score another.

Home matches in Iraq

[edit]
Al-Shaab Stadium, Iraq's home ground from its opening in 1966 up until 2013

Iraq primarily plays its home matches at Basra International Stadium but has also used various other venues across the country. Since 1980, FIFA has imposed bans on Iraq hosting competitive international matches on six occasions.

The first ban came in 1980 after fan and player violence during a match against Kuwait. Although lifted in 1982, the Iran–Iraq War led to a renewed ban. During this period, Iraq played home games at neutral venues but still qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup and three Olympic Games tournaments. The ban ended in 1988 after the war.[118]

A new ban followed the Gulf War in 1990 which lasted until 1995. Iraq hosted matches during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but was again forced to play abroad following the Iraq War in 2003. Home matches resumed in 2009, but security concerns led to another ban in 2011.[119]

Between 2013 and 2018, Iraq hosted friendlies in Baghdad, Basra, and Karbala, culminating in FIFA lifting the ban in 2018. Basra hosted the 2018 AFC Cup Final,[120] while the 2019 WAFF Championship was held in Karbala and Erbil.[121] However, the Iraqi protests in 2019 led to another ban,[122] forcing Iraq to play its home games at neutral venues during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[123][124]

In 2023, Iraq successfully hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 1979,[125] and resumed hosting official matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[126]

Basra International Stadium, the primary venue for Iraq's home matches since its opening in 2013
Stadium City Pld W D L Win % Last match hosted Map of the host cities
Al-Shaab Stadium Baghdad 87 54 24 9 62.1 2013
Iraq national football team is located in Iraq
Baghdad
Baghdad
Basra
Basra
Erbil
Erbil
Karbala
Karbala
Sulaymaniyah
Sulaymaniyah
Basra International Stadium Basra 24 17 5 2 70.8 2025
Al-Kashafa Stadium Baghdad 9 6 2 1 66.7 1966
Karbala International Stadium Karbala 6 3 2 1 50.0 2019
Franso Hariri Stadium Erbil 4 2 0 2 50.0 2011
Al-Madina Stadium Baghdad 2 2 0 0 100.0 2022
Al-Fayhaa Stadium Basra 2 1 1 0 50.0 2021
Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium Basra 1 1 0 0 100.0 2022
Sulaymaniyah Stadium Sulaymaniyah 1 0 0 1 0.0 2010
Total 136 86 34 16 63.2% 2025

Last updated: Iraq vs. UAE, 18 November 2025
Statistics include only official international matches.[127]

Results and fixtures

[edit]

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

[edit]
4 September 2025 King's Cup Iraq  2–1  Hong Kong Kanchanaburi, Thailand
16:00 UTC+7
Report
Stadium: Kanchanaburi Province Stadium
Referee: Mongkolchai Pechsri (Thailand)
7 September 2025 King's Cup Thailand  0–1  Iraq Kanchanaburi, Thailand
20:00 UTC+7 Report
Stadium: Kanchanaburi Province Stadium
Attendance: 13,987
Referee: Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia)
11 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Iraq  1–0  Indonesia Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
22:30 UTC+3
Report Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Attendance: 14,687
Referee: Ma Ning (China)
14 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Saudi Arabia  0–0  Iraq Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
21:45 UTC+3 Report Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Attendance: 60,816
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)
13 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification United Arab Emirates  1–1  Iraq Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
20:00 UTC+4 Report Stadium: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium
Attendance: 32,008
Referee: Shaun Evans (Australia)
18 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Iraq  2–1  United Arab Emirates Basra, Iraq
19:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: Basra International Stadium
Attendance: 62,444
Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan)
3 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Iraq  2–1  Bahrain Doha, Qatar
17:30 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Stadium 974
Attendance: 9,358
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
6 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Sudan  0–2  Iraq Doha, Qatar
19:00 UTC+3 Report
Stadium: Stadium 974
Attendance: 38,639
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)
9 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Algeria  2–0  Iraq Al Rayyan, Qatar
20:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
Attendance: 34,148
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)
12 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Jordan  1–0  Iraq Al Rayyan, Qatar
17:30 UTC+3 Olwan 41' (pen.) Report Stadium: Education City Stadium
Attendance: 43,486
Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)

2026

[edit]
29 May Friendly Andorra  0–1  Iraq Girona, Spain
18:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Estadi Montilivi
4 June Friendly Spain  1–1  Iraq A Coruña, Spain
21:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Estadio Riazor
Attendance: 30,423
Referee: Florian Badstübner [de] (Germany)
9 June Friendly Venezuela  2–0  Iraq Bridgeview, Illinois, United States
20:00 UTC−5 Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium
Referee: Filip Dujic (Canada)
16 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Iraq  1–4  Norway Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States
18:00 UTC−4
Report
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 63,106
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
22 June 2026 FIFA World Cup France  3–0  Iraq Philadelphia, United States
17:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
Attendance: 68,324
Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
26 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Senegal  5–0  Iraq Toronto, Canada
15:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 43,036
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)

2027

[edit]
10 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup Tajikistan  v  Iraq Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Stadium: Al Shabab Stadium
14 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup Iraq  v  Australia Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Stadium: King Saud University Stadium
19 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup Iraq  v  Singapore Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Stadium: Aramco Stadium

All-time results

[edit]
As of 26 June 2026.

Coaching staff

[edit]
Current head coach Graham Arnold

As of 9 May 2025.[128]

Position Name
Head Coach Australia Graham Arnold
Assistant Coach Netherlands René Meulensteen[129]
Australia Robert Stanton
Goalkeeping Coach Australia Zeljko Kalac
Fitness Coach Australia Chris Pappas
Lead Technical Analyst Australia Adam Barbera
Technical Analyst Australia Serbia Stevan Antonić
Data and Insights Analyst Australia Huw Cox
Lead Opposition Scout Australia Doug Kors
Physiotherapist Tunisia Brahim Boubaker
Tunisia Marouan Slim
Chief Medical Officer Tunisia Mokhtar Chaabane
Team Doctor Tunisia Mourad Mokrani
Team Manager Iraq Mustafa Jalal
Interpreter Iraq Ali Abbas
Media Coordinator Iraq Salam Al-Manaseer
Security Coordinator Iraq Samed Abu Jaber
Kitman Iraq Abdallah Al-Mahmoudi

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following 26 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[130][131]
Caps and goals correct as of 26 June 2026, after the match against Senegal.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Fahad Talib (1994-10-21) 21 October 1994 (age 31) 21 0 Iraq Football Association Al-Karma
12 1GK Jalal Hassan (captain) (1991-05-18) 18 May 1991 (age 35) 104 0 Iraq Football Association Al-Shorta
22 1GK Ahmed Basil (1996-08-19) 19 August 1996 (age 29) 18 0 Iraq Football Association Al-Zawraa

2 2DF Rebin Sulaka (1992-04-12) 12 April 1992 (age 34) 58 1 Football Association of Thailand Port
3 2DF Hussein Ali (2002-03-01) 1 March 2002 (age 24) 29 1 Polish Football Association Pogoń Szczecin
4 2DF Zaid Tahseen (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 25) 30 1 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
5 2DF Akam Hashim (1998-08-16) 16 August 1998 (age 27) 17 1 Iraq Football Association Zakho
6 2DF Munaf Younis (1996-11-16) 16 November 1996 (age 29) 35 1 Iraq Football Association Duhok
15 2DF Ahmed Maknzi (2001-09-24) 24 September 2001 (age 24) 8 0 Iraq Football Association Al-Karma
23 2DF Merchas Doski (1999-12-07) 7 December 1999 (age 26) 34 1 Football Association of the Czech Republic Viktoria Plzeň
25 2DF Mustafa Saadoon (2001-05-25) 25 May 2001 (age 25) 18 0 Iraq Football Association Zakho
26 2DF Frans Putros (1993-07-14) 14 July 1993 (age 33) 29 0 Vietnam Football Federation Cong An Hanoi

7 3MF Youssef Amyn (2003-08-21) 21 August 2003 (age 22) 28 2 Cyprus Football Association AEK Larnaca
8 3MF Ibrahim Bayesh (2000-05-01) 1 May 2000 (age 26) 79 8 Iraq Football Association Erbil
11 3MF Ahmed Qasem (2003-07-12) 12 July 2003 (age 23) 6 0 United States Soccer Federation Nashville
14 3MF Zidane Iqbal (2003-04-27) 27 April 2003 (age 23) 28 2 Royal Dutch Football Association Utrecht
16 3MF Amir Al-Ammari (1997-07-27) 27 July 1997 (age 29) 54 3 Polish Football Association Cracovia
17 3MF Ali Jasim (2004-01-20) 20 January 2004 (age 22) 38 2 Italian Football Federation Como
19 3MF Kevin Yakob (2000-10-10) 10 October 2000 (age 25) 10 0 Danish Football Association AGF
20 3MF Aimar Sher (2002-12-20) 20 December 2002 (age 23) 8 0 Norwegian Football Federation Sarpsborg
21 3MF Marko Farji (2004-03-16) 16 March 2004 (age 22) 14 0 Italian Football Federation Venezia
24 3MF Zaid Ismail (2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 (age 24) 8 0 Iraq Football Association Al-Talaba

9 4FW Ali Al-Hamadi (2002-03-01) 1 March 2002 (age 24) 23 5 The Football Association Ipswich Town
10 4FW Mohanad Ali (2000-06-20) 20 June 2000 (age 26) 73 27 Iraq Football Association Al-Shorta
13 4FW Ali Yousif (1996-01-19) 19 January 1996 (age 30) 8 1 Iraq Football Association Al-Talaba
18 4FW Aymen Hussein (1996-03-22) 22 March 1996 (age 30) 97 34 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up within the last 12 months and remain eligible for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Kumel Al-Rekabe (2004-08-19) 19 August 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Iraq Duhok 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE

DF Ahmed Yahya (1995-07-01) 1 July 1995 (age 31) 20 0 Iraq Al-Shorta 2026 FIFA World Cup INJ
DF Maitham Jabbar (2000-11-10) 10 November 2000 (age 25) 20 0 Iraq Al-Shorta 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Dario Naamo (2005-06-14) 14 June 2005 (age 21) 1 0 Scotland Dundee United 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Saad Natiq (1994-03-19) 19 March 1994 (age 32) 44 1 Iraq Al-Minaa 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
DF Ameer Sabah Khudhair (1998-06-03) 3 June 1998 (age 28) 0 0 Iraq Al-Zawraa 2025 FIFA Arab Cup INJ
DF Ali Faez (1994-09-09) 9 September 1994 (age 31) 54 4 Iraq Al-Gharraf v.  Thailand, 7 September 2025

MF Hasan Abdulkareem (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 27) 21 1 Turkey Çorum 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Peter Gwargis (2000-09-04) 4 September 2000 (age 25) 4 0 Iraq Duhok 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Jussef Nasrawe (2007-03-22) 22 March 2007 (age 19) 1 0 Austria SV Ried 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Karrar Nabeel (1998-01-16) 16 January 1998 (age 28) 8 0 Iraq Al-Talaba 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Amjad Attwan (1997-03-12) 12 March 1997 (age 29) 91 5 Iraq Zakho 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
MF Hussein Ali Al-Saedi (1996-11-29) 29 November 1996 (age 29) 53 6 Iraq Al-Shorta 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
MF Sherko Karim (1996-05-25) 25 May 1996 (age 30) 28 1 Iraq Zakho 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
MF Sajjad Jassim (1998-01-07) 7 January 1998 (age 28) 14 1 Iraq Al-Karma 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
MF Osama Rashid (1992-01-17) 17 January 1992 (age 34) 43 2 Iraq Zakho 2025 FIFA Arab Cup INJ
MF Bashar Rasan (1996-12-22) 22 December 1996 (age 29) 65 4 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025
MF Montader Madjed (2005-04-24) 24 April 2005 (age 21) 4 0 Sweden Hammarby v.  Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2025

FW Amar Muhsin (1997-12-27) 27 December 1997 (age 28) 8 0 South Korea Gimpo 2025 FIFA Arab Cup
FW Mohammed Jawad (1996-10-19) 19 October 1996 (age 29) 3 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 2025 FIFA Arab Cup

SUS Player suspended
INJ Player injured
PRE Player was named in preliminary squad
CLB Player refused by club or unable to attend due to club commitments
RET Player retired from the national team
WD Player withdrew for non-injury related reasons

Previous squads

[edit]

Records

[edit]
As of 22 June 2026.[132]
Players in bold are still active with Iraq.

Most appearances

[edit]
Younis Mahmoud is Iraq's all-time most capped player, having played in 148 official matches.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1Younis Mahmoud148572002–2016
2Hussein Saeed137781976–1990
3Alaa Abdul-Zahra124172007–2021
4Adnan Dirjal12281978–1990
5Ahmed Radhi121621982–1997
6Ahmed Ibrahim11752010–2022
7Nashat Akram113172001–2013
Hawar Mulla Mohammed113202001–2012
Ali Rehema11322005–2016
10Mahdi Karim110112001–2018

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Hussein Saeed is Iraq's all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 78 goals in 137 official matches.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1Hussein Saeed (list)781370.571976–1990
2Ahmed Radhi621210.511982–1997
3Younis Mahmoud571480.392002–2016
4Ali Kadhim36840.431970–1980
5Aymen Hussein (list)34970.352015–present
6Falah Hassan291020.281970–1986
7Mohanad Ali27730.372017–present
Emad Mohammed271030.262001–2012
9Razzaq Farhan25630.41998–2007
10Laith Hussein22800.281986–2002

Hat-tricks

[edit]

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1986 Brazil Evaristo de Macedo Group stage
 Iraq 0–1  ParaguayLoss
 Iraq 1–2  BelgiumLoss Radhi 59'
 Iraq 0–1  MexicoLoss
2026 Australia Graham Arnold Group stage
 Iraq 1–4  NorwayLoss Hussein 39'
 Iraq 0–3  FranceLoss
 Iraq 0–5  SenegalLoss

First match:  Iraq 0–1  Paraguay – 4 June 1986, Estadio Nemesio Díez, Toluca, Mexico
Biggest win: None
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–5  Senegal – 26 June 2026, BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
Best finish: Group stage (1986, 2026)
Worst finish: Group stage (1986, 2026)
Overall top scorer: Ahmed Radhi and Aymen Hussein (1 goal each)
Most goals in a single tournament: 1 goal — Ahmed Radhi (1986), Aymen Hussein (2026)

AFC Asian Cup

[edit]
AFC Asian Cup history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1972 Iraq Abdelilah Mohammed Hassan Group allocation matches
 Iraq 0–0 (a.e.t.) (4–2 p)  South KoreaDraw
Group stage
 Iraq 0–3  IranLoss
 Iraq 1–1  ThailandDraw Yousif 6'
1976 Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Lenko Grčić Group stage
 Iraq 0–2  IranLoss
 Iraq 1–0  South YemenWin Waal 84'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–3 (a.e.t.)  KuwaitLoss Abdul-Jalil 46', Hassan 85'
Third place match
 Iraq 0–1  ChinaLoss
1996 Iraq Yahya Alwan Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  IranWin Fawzi 37', Sabbar 69'
 Iraq 0–1  Saudi ArabiaLoss
 Iraq 4–1  ThailandWin H. Mahmoud 17', 50', L. Hussein 23', 63'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 0–1 (a.e.t.)  United Arab EmiratesLoss
2000 Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Milan Živadinović Group stage
 Iraq 2–0  ThailandWin Chathir 27', H. Mahmoud 60'
 Iraq 2–2  LebanonDraw Jeayer 5', 22'
 Iraq 0–1  IranLoss
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 1–4  JapanLoss Obeid 4'
2004 Iraq Adnan Hamad Group stage
 Iraq 0–1  UzbekistanLoss
 Iraq 3–2  TurkmenistanWin Mohammed 12', Farhan 80', Munir 88'
 Iraq 2–1  Saudi ArabiaWin Akram 51', Y. Mahmoud 86'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 0–3  ChinaLoss
2007 Brazil Jorvan Vieira Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  ThailandDraw Y. Mahmoud 32'
 Iraq 3–1  AustraliaWin Akram 22', Mohammed 60', K. Jassim 86'
 Iraq 0–0  OmanDraw
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 2–0  VietnamWin Y. Mahmoud 2', 65'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 0–0 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p)  South KoreaDraw
Final
 Iraq 1–0  Saudi ArabiaWin Y. Mahmoud 72'
2011 Germany Wolfgang Sidka Group stage
 Iraq 1–2  IranLoss Y. Mahmoud 13'
 Iraq 1–0  United Arab EmiratesWin W. Abbas red-colored football 90+3' (o.g.)
 Iraq 1–0  North KoreaWin Jassim 22'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 0–1 (a.e.t.)  AustraliaLoss
2015 Iraq Radhi Shenaishil Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  JordanWin Kasim 77'
 Iraq 0–1  JapanLoss
 Iraq 2–0  PalestineWin Y. Mahmoud 48', Yasin 88'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 3–3 (a.e.t.) (7–6 p)  IranDraw Yasin 56', Y. Mahmoud 93', Ismail 116' (pen.)
Semi-finals
 Iraq 0–2  South KoreaLoss
Third place match
 Iraq 2–3  United Arab EmiratesLoss Salim 28', Kalaf 42'
2019 Slovenia Srečko Katanec Group stage
 Iraq 3–2  VietnamWin Ali 35', Tariq 60', Adnan 90'
 Iraq 3–0  YemenWin Ali 11', Resan 19', Abbas 90+1'
 Iraq 0–0  IranDraw
Round of 16
 Iraq 0–1  QatarLoss
2023 Spain Jesús Casas Group stage
 Iraq 3–1  IndonesiaWin Ali 17', Rashid 45+7', A. Hussein 75'
 Iraq 2–1  JapanWin A. Hussein 5', 45+4'
 Iraq 3–2  VietnamWin Sulaka 47', A. Hussein 73', 90+12' (pen.)
Round of 16
 Iraq 2–3  JordanLoss Natiq 68', A. Hussein 76'

First match:  Iraq 0–0  South Korea – 7 May 1972, National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand
Biggest win:  Iraq 4–1  Thailand – 11 December 1996 and  Iraq 3–0  Yemen – 12 January 2019
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–3  Iran – 9 May 1972 and  Iraq 1–4  Japan – 24 October 2000 and  Iraq 0–3  China – 30 July 2004
Best finish: Champions (2007)
Worst finish: Group stage (1972)
Overall top scorer: Younis Mahmoud (8 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: Aymen Hussein (6 goals, 2023)
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

FIFA Confederations Cup

[edit]
FIFA Confederations Cup history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
2009 Serbia Bora Milutinović Group stage
 Iraq 0–0  South AfricaDraw
 Iraq 0–1  SpainLoss
 Iraq 0–0  New ZealandDraw

First match:  Iraq 0–0  South Africa – 14 June 2009, Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Biggest win: None
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–1  Spain – 17 June 2009, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Best finish: Group stage (2009)
Worst finish: Group stage (2009)
Overall top scorer: None
Most goals in a single tournament: None

Summer Olympics

[edit]
Summer Olympics history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1980 Iraq Anwar Jassam Group stage
 Iraq 3–0  Costa RicaWin Ahmed 45', Saeed 49', Hassan 75'
 Iraq 0–0  FinlandDraw
 Iraq 1–1  YugoslaviaDraw Hassan 61'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 0–4  East GermanyLoss
1984 Iraq Ammo Baba Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  CanadaDraw Saeed 83'
 Iraq 0–1  CameroonLoss
 Iraq 2–4  YugoslaviaLoss Saeed 17', Shihab 43'
1988 Iraq Ammo Baba Group stage
 Iraq 2–2  ZambiaDraw Radhi 36' (pen.), Allawi 71'
 Iraq 3–0  GuatemalaWin Radhi 57', Jabbar 67', Mazariegos red-colored football 77' (o.g.)
 Iraq 0–2  ItalyLoss
1992–present
See Iraq national under-23 football team

First match:  Iraq 3–0  Costa Rica – 21 July 1980, Republican Stadium, Kyiv, Soviet Union
Biggest win:  Iraq 3–0  Costa Rica – 21 July 1980 and  Iraq 3–0  Guatemala – 19 September 1988
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–4  East Germany – 27 July 1980, Republican Stadium, Kyiv, Soviet Union
Best finish: Quarter-finals (1980)
Worst finish: Group stage (1984, 1988)
Overall top scorer: Hussein Saeed (3 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: 2 goals — Falah Hassan (1980), Hussein Saeed (1984), Ahmed Radhi (1988)

Asian Games

[edit]
Asian Games history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1974 Iraq Thamir Muhsin First round
 Iraq 3–0  IndiaWinJassam 19', Hassan 27', Kadhim 58'
 Iraq 1–0  North KoreaWinJassam 73'
 Iraq 1–0  ChinaWinHatim 24'
Second round
 Iraq 1–1  South KoreaDrawJassam 74'
 Iraq 0–0  MalaysiaDraw
 Iraq 0–1  IranLoss
1978 Iraq Ammo Baba First round
 Iraq 2–1  QatarWinSubhi 35', Farhan 90'
 Iraq 2–0  ChinaWinSaeed 44', red-colored football 62' (o.g.)
 Iraq 1–1  Saudi ArabiaDrawAli 53' (pen.)
Second round
 Iraq 0–1  North KoreaLoss
 Iraq 3–0  KuwaitWinMahmoud 40', Saeed 55', Abdul-Sahib 85'
 Iraq 3–0  IndiaWinMahmoud 20', Shaker 25', Saeed 63'
Bronze medal match
 Iraq 0–1  ChinaLoss
1982 Iraq Ammo Baba Group stage
 Iraq 4–0  BurmaWinHashim 10', Saeed 32', Shihab 54', Mohammed 86'
 Iraq 3–0    NepalWinOdisho 3', Saeed 56', 75'
 Iraq 1–2  KuwaitLossShihab 73'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 1–0 (a.e.t.)  JapanWinJassim 102'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 1–0  Saudi ArabiaWinMohammed 17'
Final
 Iraq 1–0  KuwaitWinSaeed 82'
1986 Iraq Akram Salman Group stage
 Iraq 4–0  OmanWinAllawi 12', 70', Saeed 29', Radhi 80'
 Iraq 5–1  PakistanWinRadhi 14' (pen.), 36', Hameed 21', Mohammed 34', 86'
 Iraq 1–2  United Arab EmiratesLossSaeed 84'
 Iraq 2–1  ThailandWinDirjal 50', Mohammed 79'
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 1–1 (a.e.t.) (8–9 p)  Saudi ArabiaDrawMohammed 51'
2002–present
See Iraq national under-23 football team

First match:  Iraq 3–0  India – 2 September 1974, Amjadieh Stadium, Tehran, Iran
Biggest win:  Iraq 4–0  Burma – 21 November 1982 and  Iraq 4–0  Oman – 21 September 1986 and  Iraq 5–1  Pakistan – 23 September 1986
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–1  Iran – 13 September 1974 and  Iraq 0–1  North Korea – 17 December 1978 and  Iraq 0–1  China – 20 December 1978 and  Iraq 1–2  Kuwait – 25 November 1982 and  Iraq 1–2  United Arab Emirates – 25 September 1986
Best finish: Gold medalists (1982)
Worst finish: Second round (1974), Quarter-finals (1986)
Overall top scorer: Hussein Saeed (9 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: 4 goals — Hussein Saeed (1982), Haris Mohammed (1986)

Regional competitions

[edit]

WAFF Championship

[edit]
WAFF Championship history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
2000 Iraq Adnan Hamad Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  LebanonWinObeid 63' (pen.), Fawzi 66'
 Iraq 0–0  JordanDraw
 Iraq 4–0  KyrgyzstanWinFarhan 28', 35', 75', H. Mohammed 67'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 0–0 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p)  SyriaDraw
Third place match
 Iraq 4–1  JordanWinFarhan 16', 74', Kadhim 30', Hadi 37'
2002 Iraq Adnan Hamad Group stage
 Iraq 2–0  PalestineWinWahaib 47', Farhan 69'
 Iraq 1–0  SyriaWinKadhim 43'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 0–0 (a.e.t.) (6–5 p)  IranDraw
Final
 Iraq 3–2 (a.e.t.)  JordanWinFarhan 32', Y. Mahmoud 89', H. Mahmoud gold-colored football 103'
2004 Germany Bernd Stange Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  PalestineWinE. Mohammed 41', 83'
 Iraq 0–2  JordanLoss
Semi-finals
 Iraq 1–2  IranLossMnajed 30'
Third place match
 Iraq 1–3  JordanLossE. Mohammed 81'
2007 Brazil Jorvan Vieira Group stage
 Iraq 0–0  IranDraw
 Iraq 1–0  PalestineWinH. M. Mohammed 86'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 3–0  SyriaWinY. Mahmoud 10' (pen.), Mnajed 42', Sadir 85'
Final
 Iraq 1–2  IranLossSadir 86' (pen.)
2010 Germany Wolfgang Sidka Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  YemenWinSaeed 49', H. M. Mohammed 72'
 Iraq 3–0  PalestineWinKarim 15', 76', Akram 86' (pen.)
Semi-finals
 Iraq 1–2  IranLossKarim 71'
2012 Iraq Hakeem Shaker Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  JordanWinAhmed 62'
 Iraq 1–1  SyriaDrawAl Masri red-colored football 11' (o.g.)
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–0  OmanWinRadhi 6', Yasin 39'
Final
 Iraq 0–1  SyriaLoss
2013 Iraq Hadi Mutanash Group stage
 Iraq 0–0  BahrainDraw
 Iraq 0–0  OmanDraw
2019 Slovenia Srečko Katanec Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  LebanonWinAli 57'
 Iraq 2–1  PalestineWinAbdul-Raheem 22', Ali 83' (pen.)
 Iraq 0–0  SyriaDraw
 Iraq 2–1  YemenWinBayesh 26', Ali 31' (pen.)
Final
 Iraq 0–1  BahrainLoss

First match:  Iraq 2–1  Lebanon – 23 May 2000, King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan
Biggest win:  Iraq 4–0  Kyrgyzstan – 27 May 2000, King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–2  Jordan – 21 June 2004 and  Iraq 1–3  Jordan – 25 June 2004
Best finish: Champions (2002)
Worst finish: Group stage (2013)
Overall top scorer: Razzaq Farhan (7 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: Razzaq Farhan (5 goals, 2000)

FIFA Arab Cup

[edit]
FIFA Arab Cup history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1964 Iraq Adil Basher Round-robin
 Iraq 1–0  KuwaitWin S. Ismail 60'
 Iraq 1–0  LebanonWin Tabra 25'
 Iraq 1–1  LibyaDraw Atta 70'
 Iraq 3–1  JordanWin Atta 15', 37', Q. Mahmoud 31'
1966 Iraq Adil Basher Group stage
 Iraq 3–1  KuwaitWin Yousif 19', Dhiab 28', Atta 78'
 Iraq 2–1  JordanWin Assad 2', Atta 82'
 Iraq 10–1  BahrainWin G. Ismail 6', Dhiab 18', 42', 49', 66', Jameel 25', 55', Dawood 35', Hameed 39', Najim
 Iraq 0–0  LebanonDraw
Semi-finals
 Iraq 3–1  LibyaWin Q. Mahmoud 12', Balah 22' (pen.), Atta 74'
Final
 Iraq 2–1  SyriaWin G. Ismail 65', 81'
1985 Iraq Anwar Jassam Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  BahrainDraw Abid 42'
 Iraq 2–0  MauritaniaWin S. Mahmoud 42', Abid 60'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 3–2  Saudi ArabiaWin Abid 13', 18', Rashid 28'
Final
 Iraq 1–0  BahrainWin Abid 21'
1988 Iraq Jamal Salih Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  TunisiaDraw Radhi 32'
 Iraq 0–0  LebanonDraw
Iraq Ammo Baba
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWin Radhi 13', 35'
 Iraq 0–0  EgyptDraw
Semi-finals
 Iraq 3–0  JordanWin Radhi 22', Abed Ali 45', Mohammed 80'
Final
 Iraq 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p)  SyriaDraw Gorgis 34'
2012 Brazil Zico Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  LebanonWin Karim 89'
 Iraq 2–1  EgyptWin Karim 49', Abdul-Zahra 75'
 Iraq 1–1  SudanDraw Shaker 5'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 1–2  MoroccoLoss Karim 90+6' (pen.)
Third place match
 Iraq 1–0  Saudi ArabiaWin Abdul-Zahra 16'
2021 Montenegro Željko Petrović Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  OmanDraw Abdulkareem 90+8' (pen.)
 Iraq 0–0  BahrainDraw
 Iraq 0–3  QatarLoss
2025 Australia Graham Arnold Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  BahrainWin Lutfalla red-colored football 10' (o.g.), Ali 25'
 Iraq 2–0  SudanWin Ali 81', Attwan 84'
 Iraq 0–2  AlgeriaLoss
Quarter-finals
 Iraq 0–1  JordanLoss

First match:  Iraq 1–0  Kuwait – 13 November 1964, Shuwaikh High School Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Biggest win:  Iraq 10–1  Bahrain – 5 April 1966, Al-Kashafa Stadium, Baghdad, Iraq
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–3  Qatar – 6 December 2021, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar
Best finish: Champions (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988)
Worst finish: Group stage (2021)
Overall top scorer: Hisham Atta (6 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: Nouri Dhiab (5 goals, 1966)
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Arabian Gulf Cup

[edit]
Arabian Gulf Cup history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1976 Scotland Danny McLennan Round-robin
 Iraq 4–0  OmanWinHassan 33', Kadhim 68', 80', Nasser red-colored football 69' (o.g.)
 Iraq 4–1  BahrainWinWaal 11', Hassan 23', Abdul-Jalil 50', Kadhim 65'
 Iraq 7–1  Saudi ArabiaWinWaal 3', Abdul-Jalil 6', Hassan 25', Kadhim 45', 60', 68', Subhi 89'
 Iraq 0–0  QatarDraw
 Iraq 4–0 United Arab Emirates UAEWinA. H. Mahmoud 11', Kadhim 34' (pen.), Abdul-Jalil 43', Fartous 44'
 Iraq 2–2  KuwaitDrawAbdul-Jalil 46', Kadhim 49'
Championship play-off
 Iraq 2–4  KuwaitLossSubhi 9', 50'
1979 Iraq Ammo Baba Round-robin
 Iraq 4–0  BahrainWinSaeed 48', 88', 90', N. Shaker 64'
 Iraq 2–0  QatarWinSaeed 1', 60' (pen.)
 Iraq 3–1  KuwaitWinHassan 9', Hadi Ahmed 47', Abdul-Sahib 90'
 Iraq 5–0 United Arab Emirates UAEWinHadi Ahmed 25', Abdul-Sahib 40', Hassan 49', Saeed 66', Khudhair 85'
 Iraq 7–0  OmanWinSaeed 30', 32', 40', 86', Hassan 43', 50', Khudhair 52'
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWinHassan 24', H. Farhan 36'
1982 Iraq Ammo Baba Round-robin (withdrew)
 Iraq 4–0  OmanWinSaeed 24', Dirjal 32', 90', H. Farhan 75'
 Iraq 3–0  BahrainWinAziz 41', Saeed 84', 88'
 Iraq 1–1  Saudi ArabiaDrawSaeed 84'
 Iraq 2–1  QatarWinH. Mohammed 20', 29'
 Iraq 1–0 United Arab Emirates UAEWinSaeed 49'
1984 Iraq Ammo Baba Round-robin
 Iraq 2–1  OmanWinSaeed 25', 29'
 Iraq 0–0 United Arab Emirates UAEDraw
 Iraq 4–0  Saudi ArabiaWinN. Shaker 25', Saeed 57', 70', 84'
 Iraq 1–0  BahrainWinHashim 66'
 Iraq 3–1  KuwaitWinSaeed 47', 75', Allawi 80'
 Iraq 1–2  QatarLossRadhi 55'
Championship play-off
 Iraq 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–2 p)  QatarDrawDirjal 102'
1986 Brazil Zé Mário Round-robin
 Iraq 0–0  BahrainDraw
 Iraq 2–2 United Arab Emirates UAEDrawSaddam 26', M. Hussein 62'
 Iraq 1–1  QatarDrawJafar 61'
 Iraq 1–2  Saudi ArabiaLossSaddam 75'
 Iraq 1–2  KuwaitLossJassim 74'
 Iraq 3–2  OmanWinHameed 27', 58', 89'
1988 Iraq Ammo Baba Round-robin
 Iraq 1–1  OmanDrawShihab 50'
 Iraq 1–0  KuwaitWinRadhi 39'
 Iraq 0–0 United Arab Emirates UAEDraw
 Iraq 3–0  QatarWinJafar 58', Radhi 80', 81'
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWinRadhi 59', Gorgis 72'
 Iraq 1–0  BahrainWinL. Hussein 49'
1990 Iraq Anwar Jassam Round-robin (withdrew)
 Iraq 1–0  BahrainWinJafar 39'
 Iraq 1–1  KuwaitDrawL. Hussein 67'
 Iraq 2–2 United Arab Emirates UAEDrawRadhi 25', Qais 88' (pen.)
2004 Iraq Adnan Hamad Group stage
 Iraq 1–3  OmanLossR. Farhan 56'
 Iraq 3–3  QatarDrawR. Farhan 16', Akram 54', Abdul-Amir 90+2'
 Iraq 1–1 United Arab Emirates UAEDrawMunir 90+2' (pen.)
2007 Iraq Akram Salman Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  QatarWinH. M. Mohammed 39'
 Iraq 1–1  BahrainDrawH. M. Mohammed 11'
 Iraq 0–1  Saudi ArabiaLoss
2009 Brazil Jorvan Vieira Group stage
 Iraq 1–3  BahrainLossY. Mahmoud 81' (pen.)
 Iraq 0–4  OmanLoss
 Iraq 1–1  KuwaitDrawAbdul-Zahra 66'
2010 Germany Wolfgang Sidka Group stage
 Iraq 0–0 United Arab Emirates UAEDraw
 Iraq 3–2  BahrainWinAbdul-Zahra 24', 57', H. M. Mohammed 90'
 Iraq 0–0  OmanDraw
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–2 (a.e.t.) (4–5 p)  KuwaitDrawH. M. Mohammed 6', Abdul-Zahra 14'
2013 Iraq Hakeem Shaker Group stage
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWinS. Shaker 18', Hawsawi red-colored football 72' (o.g.)
 Iraq 1–0  KuwaitWinHammadi Ahmed 29'
 Iraq 2–0  YemenWinD. Ismail 16', Hammadi Ahmed 36'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–2 p)  BahrainDrawY. Mahmoud 18'
Final
 Iraq 1–2 (a.e.t.) United Arab Emirates UAELossY. Mahmoud 81'
2014 Iraq Hakeem Shaker Group stage
 Iraq 0–1  KuwaitLoss
 Iraq 1–1  OmanDrawKasim 14'
 Iraq 0–2 United Arab Emirates UAELoss
2017–18 Iraq Basim Qasim Group stage
 Iraq 1–1  BahrainDrawAbdul-Raheem 89'
 Iraq 2–1  QatarWinFaez 45+1', Husni 65'
 Iraq 3–0  YemenWinHusni 54', Faez 64' (pen.), Kamil 80'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 0–0 (a.e.t.) (2–4 p) United Arab Emirates UAEDraw
2019 Slovenia Srečko Katanec Group stage
 Iraq 2–1  QatarWinQasim 19', 27'
 Iraq 2–0 United Arab Emirates UAEWinAbbas 6', Abdul-Zahra 37'
 Iraq 0–0  YemenDraw
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–2 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p)  BahrainDrawM. Ali 6', Bayesh 18'
2023 Spain Jesús Casas Group stage
 Iraq 0–0  OmanDraw
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWinBayesh 30', Rostam 86'
 Iraq 5–0  YemenWinNadhim 40', Attwan 64', A. Hussein 74' (pen.), 75', H. Ali 88'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–1  QatarWinBayesh 19', A. Hussein 43'
Final
 Iraq 3–2 (a.e.t.)  OmanWinBayesh 24', Attwan 116' (pen.), Younis 120+2'
2024–25 Spain Jesús Casas Group stage
 Iraq 1–0  YemenWinA. Hussein 64'
 Iraq 0–2  BahrainLoss
 Iraq 1–3  Saudi ArabiaLossM. Ali 64'

First match:  Iraq 4–0  Oman – 27 March 1976, Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Biggest win:  Iraq 7–0  Oman – 6 April 1979, Al-Shaab Stadium, Baghdad, Iraq
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–4  Oman – 7 January 2009, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
Best finish: Champions (1979, 1984, 1988, 2023)
Worst finish: Group stage (2004, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2024–25), Sixth place (1986)
Overall top scorer: Hussein Saeed (22 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: Hussein Saeed (10 goals, 1979)
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

West Asian Games

[edit]
West Asian Games history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
2005 Iraq Akram Salman Group stage
 Iraq 4–0  PalestineWinFarhan 4', H. M. Mohammed 56', L. Salah 73', A. Salah 86'
 Iraq 5–1  Saudi ArabiaWinAbdul-Amir 8', E. Mohammed 19', Akram 30', Mahmoud 51', 78'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–0  Saudi ArabiaWinL. Salah 33', Farhan 85'
Final
 Iraq 2–2 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p)  SyriaDrawFarhan 45', Mahmoud 78'

First match:  Iraq 4–0  Palestine – 1 December 2005, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
Biggest win:  Iraq 4–0  Palestine – 1 December 2005 and  Iraq 5–1  Saudi Arabia – 5 December 2005
Biggest defeat: None
Best finish: Gold medalists (2005)
Worst finish: Gold medalists (2005)
Overall top scorer: Razzaq Farhan and Younis Mahmoud (3 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: 3 goals — Razzaq Farhan (2005), Younis Mahmoud (2005)
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Arab Games

[edit]
Arab Games history
Year Manager Round Score Result Goalscorers for Iraq
1957 Iraq Ismail Mohammed Group stage
 Iraq 3–3  MoroccoDrawBaba 48', Eshaya 50', Salman 63'
 Iraq 2–4  TunisiaLossAbbas 52' (pen.), David 80'
 Iraq 3–1  LibyaWinAbdul-Majid 25', Baba 31', Eshaya 71'
1965 Iraq Shawqi Aboud Group stage
 Iraq 6–0 AdenWinBaba 9', 48', Hameed 32', 77', Atta 78', 80'
 Iraq 0–0  LebanonDraw
 Iraq 1–1  PalestineDrawDawood 54'
 Iraq 0–1  United Arab RepublicLoss
1985 Iraq Anwar Jassam Group stage
 Iraq 2–0  LibyaWinRadhi , Abid
 Iraq 2–0  SyriaWin S. Mahmoud 60', Allawi 88'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 2–1  Saudi ArabiaWinRadhi 60', 78'
Final
 Iraq 1–0  MoroccoWinGorgis 8'
1999 Iraq Najeh Humoud First round
 Iraq 2–0  BahrainWinFawzi 5', H. Mahmoud 35'
 Iraq 0–2  LibyaLoss
Second group stage
 Iraq 3–0  OmanWinFawzi 4', 54' (pen.), Farhan 42'
 Iraq 1–2  JordanLossMohammed 87'
 Iraq 4–0  LebanonWinMohammed 7', 54', Rahim 59', Abu Al-Hail 88'
Semi-finals
 Iraq 3–1  LibyaWinJafar 3', Fawzi 18', Hamad 32'
Final
 Iraq 4–4 (a.e.t.) (1–3 p)  JordanDrawFawzi 73', 75' (pen.), H. Mahmoud 78', Farhan 87'
2011 Brazil Zico Group stage
 Iraq 0–3  BahrainLoss
 Iraq 0–0  QatarDraw
2023–present
See Iraq national under-23 football team

First match:  Iraq 3–3  Morocco – 19 October 1957, Beirut, Lebanon
Biggest win:  Iraq 6–0 Aden – 4 September 1965, Cairo, United Arab Republic
Biggest defeat:  Iraq 0–3  Bahrain – 13 December 2011, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
Best finish: Gold medalists (1985)
Worst finish: Group stage (1957, 1965, 2011)
Overall top scorer: Hussam Fawzi (6 goals)
Most goals in a single tournament: Hussam Fawzi (6 goals, 1999)
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Minor tournaments

[edit]

Head-to-head record

[edit]

The list below shows the Iraq national football team's all-time international record against opposing nations at a senior level.[133][134]

Key
  Positive balance (more wins than losses)
  Neutral balance (as many wins as losses)
  Negative balance (more losses than wins)
As of 26 June 2026 after match against Senegal
Iraq national football team head-to-head records
Team Confederation First GP W D L GF GA GD
 AfghanistanAFC1975220071+6
 AlgeriaCAF1973834184+4
 AndorraUEFA2026110010+1
 ArgentinaCONMEBOL2018100104−4
 AustraliaAFC197311227814−6
 AzerbaijanUEFA2009110010+1
 BahrainAFC196643211667335+38
 BelgiumUEFA1986100112−1
 BoliviaCONMEBOL2018211021+1
 BotswanaCAF20121010110
 BrazilCONMEBOL2012100106−6
 CambodiaAFC2019220081+7
 CameroonCAF1984100101−1
 CanadaCONCACAF1984211072+5
 ChileCONMEBOL2013100106−6
 ChinaAFC19742111372722+5
 Chinese TaipeiAFC20044400173+14
 ColombiaCONMEBOL2023100101−1
 CongoCAF1992110030+3
 Costa RicaCONCACAF1980110030+3
 CyprusUEFA2005100112−1
 DenmarkUEFA19862101220
 DR CongoCAF2015220031+2
 East GermanyUEFA19679162715−8
 EcuadorCONMEBOL20221010000
 EgyptCAF196513256713−6
 EstoniaUEFA19991010110
 EthiopiaCAF19921100130+13
 FinlandUEFA1979321030+3
 FranceUEFA2026100103−3
 GuatemalaCONCACAF1988110030+3
 GuineaCAF1989100101−1
 Hong KongAFC2019330051+4
 IndiaAFC19747430134+9
 IndonesiaAFC1968131021318+23
 IranAFC19623167182143−22
 ItalyUEFA1988100102−2
 JapanAFC1978144371220−8
 JordanAFC1964573114129154+37
 KazakhstanUEFA1997402247−3
 KenyaCAF2003220041+2
 KyrgyzstanAFC1999220091+8
 KuwaitAFC1964431813125646+10
 LiberiaCAF2013100101−1
 LebanonAFC19592716925111+40
 LibyaCAF1957151032259+16
 MacauAFC20012200130+13
 MalaysiaAFC19748530143+11
 MauritaniaCAF1985110020+2
 MexicoCONCACAF1986200205−5
 MoldovaUEFA1992110010+1
 MoroccoCAF195710253109+1
 MyanmarAFC19774400131+12
 North KoreaAFC197111614119+2
 NorwayUEFA2026100114−3
   NepalAFC19824400225+17
 New ZealandOFC1973321060+6
 OmanAFC197631151065125+26
 PakistanAFC19699711406+34
 ParaguayCONMEBOL1986100101−1
 PalestineAFC1965191441409+31
 PeruCONMEBOL2014100102−2
 PhilippinesAFC2024220060+6
 PolandUEFA1970512237−4
 QatarAFC1975411710145145+6
 RomaniaUEFA19862020110
 RussiaUEFA2023100102−2
 Saudi ArabiaAFC1975441812146343+20
 SenegalCAF2026100105−5
 Sierra LeoneCAF2012110010+1
 SingaporeAFC19786501205+15
 South AfricaCAF20091010000
 South KoreaAFC197226212121734−17
 South YemenAFC19656501184+14
 SpainUEFA2009201112−1
 Sri LankaCAF1971110050+5
 SudanCAF19673120530
 SyriaAFC196634181154725+22
 TajikistanAFC1997321072+5
 ThailandAFC19682213635523+32
 Trinidad and TobagoCONCACAF2004100102−2
 TunisiaCAF1957102351014−4
 TurkeyUEFA19593012310−7
 TurkmenistanAFC1999220062+4
 UgandaCAF1977312032+1
 United Arab EmiratesAFC197338141685536+19
 UruguayCONMEBOL2003100125−3
 UzbekistanAFC200011335810−2
 VenezuelaCONMEBOL2026100102−2
 VietnamAFC20077610146+8
 YemenAFC1993151230367+29
 YugoslaviaUEFA1980201135−2
 ZambiaCAF1988211053+2
Total7673572141961,198734+464

FIFA Rankings

[edit]

Last update was on 19 November 2025.
Source:[135]

  Best Ranking    Worst Ranking    Best Mover    Worst Mover  

Iraq's FIFA World Ranking
Rank Year Games
Played
Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
58 2025 14 57 Increase 1 59 Decrease 3
56 2024 18 55 Increase 4 59 Decrease 1
63 2023 14 63 Increase 5 70 Decrease 2
68 2022 11 68 Increase 2 74 Decrease 0
75 2021 17 68 Increase 1 75 Decrease 3
6920202 69Increase 170Decrease 0
70201922 70Increase 880Decrease 2
88201812 82Increase 291Decrease 5
79201714 79Increase 17122Decrease 3
119201612 87Increase 15128Decrease 15
89201516 82Increase 20114Decrease 11
103201411 81Increase 15115Decrease 23
110201319 89Increase 3110Decrease 6
92201220 70Increase 697Decrease 17
78201120 78Increase 16109Decrease 13
100201015 80Increase 13107Decrease 24
88200913 77Increase 9100Decrease 17
72200812 58Increase 1577Decrease 18
68200720 64Increase 1684Decrease 5
83200614 52Increase 592Decrease 36
54200510 44Increase 2074Decrease 11
44200421 39Increase 345Decrease 6
43200312 43Increase 2375Decrease 13
53200210 50Increase 972Decrease 3
72200118 69Increase 1685Decrease 4
79200011 78Increase 989Decrease 8
78199913 78Increase 16108Decrease 5
9419981 70Increase 7101Decrease 13
6819979 68Increase 1398Decrease 2
9819967 98Increase 31139Decrease 15
11019953 76Increase 26110Decrease 28
8819940 61Increase 488Decrease 8
65199315 57Increase 2566Decrease 5
40608010012019901995200020052010201520202025yYearly averages of Iraq's FIFA World Ranking

Honours

[edit]
This is a list of honours for the senior Iraq national team
Iraq's starting line-up against Saudi Arabia in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup Final, a match they won 1–0.

Continental

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

Friendly

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Summary

[edit]
Competition1st place, gold medalist(s)2nd place, silver medalist(s)3rd place, bronze medalist(s)Total
AFC Asian Cup 1001
Asian Games 1001
WAFF Championship 1315
Arab Cup 4015
Arabian Gulf Cup 4206
West Asian Games 1001
Arab Games 1102
Total136221

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". 20 July 2026. Retrieved 20 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 "The Lions of Mesopotamia". Umbro. 3 June 2021. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  3. "Iraq 2-0 Hong Kong: Iraq hosts competitive football for first time in eight years". BBC. 10 October 2019.
  4. Peter, Ashish (30 December 2018). "AFC Asian Cup 2019: Group D Preview - Iran, Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen". Goal.com.
  5. "Iraq celebrates Gulf Cup football win as it returns to hosting international tournaments". Middle East Eye. 20 January 2023.
  6. "A united Iraq to face down Japan in Asian Cup". SBS News. 14 January 2015.
  7. "Arab Cup an opportunity for all Arabs: Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports". Gulf Times. 27 April 2021.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Mubarak, Hassanin (21 March 2013). "Iraqi Football History". IraqSport. Archived from the original on 19 November 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  9. George, George (17 April 1951). "Iraq Select gives C.C. a dizzy game". The Iraq Times.
  10. "Iraq and Morocco draw 3–3". The Iraq Times. 21 October 1957.
  11. "Youra Eshaya Pera - first Iraqi football player abroad". rsssf.org. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  12. "Trophy Cabinet". Archived from the original on 11 September 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  13. Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "Pan Arab Games (1985)". www.national-football-teams.com. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  14. "World Cup 1986 Qualifiers : Syria and Iraq tied at 0-0". athlet.org. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  15. "World Cup 1986 Qualifiers : Iraq beats Syria 3-1 to qualify for 1986 World Cup". athlet.org. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  16. "Iraq v Belgium | Group Matches | 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ | Highlights". FIFA+. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  17. "World Cup 1986 : Mexico beats Iraq 1-0 to qualify for the Round of 16". athlet.org. 3 June 1986. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  18. "World Cup 1990 Qualifiers : Qatar beats Iraq 1-0". athlet.org. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  19. "North Korea grab dramatic win against 10-man Iraq". South China Morning Post. 16 October 1993. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  20. "SOCCER : Iraq Gets Key Tie Under New Coach in Cup Qualifying". Los Angeles Times. 20 October 1993. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  21. "Associated Press". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  22. "28 October 1993 - The Agony Of Doha". This Day in Football History. 28 October 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  23. "Footballers who paid the penalty for failure". The Guardian. 19 April 2003. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  24. "Saddam's son tortured defeated footballers - Telegraph". 30 November 2017. Archived from the original on 30 November 2017.
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