Iraq national football team facts for kids
| Nicknames | Usood al-Rafidayn (Lions of Mesopotamia) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Iraq Football Association (IFA) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Confederation | AFC (Asia) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-confederation | WAFF (West Asia) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Head coach | Graham Arnold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Captain | Jalal Hassan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Most caps | Younis Mahmoud (148) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top scorer | Hussein Saeed (78) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home stadium | Basra International Stadium | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIFA code | IRQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | 80 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest | 39 (6 October 2004) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lowest | 139 (3 July 1996) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Beirut, Lebanon; 19 October 1957) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Irbid, Jordan; 18 August 1992) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Adana, Turkey; 6 December 1959) (Malmö, Sweden; 11 October 2012) (Copenhagen, Denmark; 14 August 2013) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 2 (first in 1986) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Group stage (1986, 2026) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asian Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 11 (first in 1972) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Champions (2007) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arab Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 7 (first in 1964) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Champions (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WAFF Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 8 (first in 2000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Champions (2002) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arabian Gulf Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 17 (first in 1976) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Champions (1979, 1984, 1988, 2023) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Confederations Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 1 (first in 2009) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Group stage (2009) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Medal record
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Iraq national football team (Arabic: منتخب الْعِرَاق لِكُرَةُ الْقَدَم), often called the Lions of Mesopotamia (Arabic: أسود الرافدين), represents Iraq in international football games. The Iraq Football Association (IFA) manages the team. Their main home stadium is the Basra International Stadium.
Iraq has played in the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1986 and 2026. They reached the group stage both times. In 1986, Iraq scored its first World Cup goal against Belgium. In 2026, they scored another against Norway.
Iraq is one of eight AFC countries to win the AFC Asian Cup. They won the title in 2007, even with many challenges. They beat strong teams like Australia, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Iraq also earned two points at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and finished fourth at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
At a regional level, Iraq is the most successful team in the FIFA Arab Cup with four titles. They have also won the Arabian Gulf Cup four times and the WAFF Championship once. Iraqi football fans are very passionate. The national team is a symbol of hope and unity for the people of Iraq. The team reached its highest FIFA World Ranking of 39th in October 2004.
Contents
- The History of Iraqi Football
- Team Identity
- Team Performance and Players
- Major Tournament Achievements
- Regional Tournament Success
- Other Tournament Highlights
- Head-to-Head Records
- FIFA World Rankings
- Team Honours
- See also
The History of Iraqi Football
Early Football Days and First Trophies (1948–1979)
The Iraq Football Association started on October 8, 1948. Iraq joined FIFA in 1950. In April 1951, Iraq played its first match, winning 5–0 against a local team. Iraq's first official international game was a 3–3 draw against Morocco in 1957. Goals were scored by Ammo Baba, Youra Eshaya, and Fakhri Mohammed Salman. Youra Eshaya later became the first Iraqi to play football in England.
In 1962, Romanian coach Cornel Drăgușin became Iraq's first foreign manager. Iraq won its first trophy, the Arab Cup, in 1964. They won three games and drew one. In 1966, they won the Arab Cup again, beating Syria 2–1 in the final in Baghdad.
Iraq played in its first AFC Asian Cup in 1972 but did not win any games. In March 1973, Iraq started its first FIFA World Cup qualifying journey. They finished second in their group, just missing out on the next round. In the late 1970s, Iraq reached the second round of the Asian Games in 1974. They also hosted and won the Arabian Gulf Cup in 1979.
The Golden Era of the 1980s
The 1980s were a very successful time for Iraq's football team. They started by not qualifying for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. But in 1982, they won the gold medal at the Asian Games. In 1984, Iraq won the Arabian Gulf Cup. The next year, they won the 1985 Arab Cup and another gold medal at the Arab Games.
World Cup Dream Comes True in 1986
Iraq entered the qualifiers for the 1986 World Cup. They played against Qatar and Jordan, finishing first in their group. They then beat the United Arab Emirates in a close match to reach the final round. In the final round, Iraq beat Syria 3–1 over two games, which meant they qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup!
In their first World Cup game, Iraq played well against Paraguay, losing 1–0. In their second game, Iraq scored its first World Cup goal against Belgium in a 1–2 loss, with Ahmed Radhi scoring. Iraq lost their third game 1–0 to hosts Mexico and left the tournament.
After the World Cup, Iraq won the 1988 Arabian Gulf Cup and the 1988 Arab Cup. Many people remember the 1980s as the "golden era" for Iraqi football because they won nine competitions and played in their first World Cup.
Challenges and Comebacks in the 1990s
After the Gulf War in 1990, Iraq faced many challenges. The team was banned from some international competitions. During this time, the team also experienced difficult leadership, which made it hard for players to perform their best.
The "Agony of Doha" and Asian Cup Return
In 1993, Iraq tried to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. They were very strong in the first round. In the final round, Iraq played against tough teams like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Japan. They missed out on a World Cup spot by just two points. Their 2–2 draw against Japan in the last game stopped Japan from qualifying, a match famously called the "Agony of Doha" by Japanese media.
Iraq returned to the AFC Asian Cup in 1996 after 20 years. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to the United Arab Emirates. In 1996, Iraq's FIFA ranking dropped to 139th, its lowest ever, due to not playing in many tournaments.
A New Golden Generation in the 2000s
The 2000s brought new hope for Iraqi football. Iraq played in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup but lost in the quarter-finals to Japan. They reached the final round of 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification but did not make it to the finals. In 2002, Iraq won its first WAFF Championship, beating Jordan 3–2.
In the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, Iraq reached the quarter-finals but lost to China. In October 2004, Iraq reached its highest FIFA World Ranking ever, at 39th place. The next year, Iraq won the gold medal at the West Asian Games.
Winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2007
In July 2007, Iraq began its 2007 AFC Asian Cup journey. The team was made up of talented players who had done well in youth tournaments and the Olympics. Coach Jorvan Vieira had little time to prepare, and the team faced many challenges, including limited training facilities. Many players had also experienced personal losses due to ongoing difficulties in their country.
The team started with a 1–1 draw against Thailand. Then, they surprised everyone with a 3–1 win over strong favorites Australia. A draw with Oman sent Iraq to the quarter-finals. Two goals from Younis Mahmoud helped Iraq beat Vietnam and reach the semi-finals. They then beat South Korea in a penalty shootout.
After this win, the team almost withdrew from the final due to a tragic event affecting fans. However, they decided to play in honor of those lost. In the final, Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 1–0 with a header from Younis Mahmoud. This win was a huge surprise and is remembered as one of football's greatest "fairytales."
Ups and Downs in the 2010s
Iraq qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. They won two group games and reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Australia in extra time.
For the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Iraq advanced to the third round. Brazilian football legend Zico became the new coach in 2011. Iraq topped their group in the third round but struggled in the final qualification stage. Zico resigned, and Iraq was eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers.
Exciting Runs in the Asian Cup
Iraq qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. They won against Jordan and Palestine to reach the knockout stage. In the quarter-finals, they had an exciting 3–3 draw with Iran, winning in a penalty shootout. They lost to South Korea in the semi-finals and finished fourth after losing to the United Arab Emirates.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Iraq reached the final round but struggled and did not qualify.
For the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Iraq was in a group with Iran, Vietnam, and Yemen. They won two games and drew one, finishing second in their group. In the Round of 16, Iraq lost 1–0 to Qatar, who later won the tournament.
Recent Journey and World Cup Return
Iraq played in the second round of qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They won five out of eight matches, including a 2–1 victory against Iran, to reach the final round. From 2019 to 2021, Iraq went 19 matches without losing, and their FIFA ranking improved.
In 2021, Dick Advocaat became coach, but Iraq had a slow start in the World Cup qualifiers, and he resigned. Željko Petrović then coached the team for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, where Iraq was eliminated in the group stage.
In November 2022, Jesús Casas became the head coach. In his first tournament, Iraq hosted and won the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2023, beating Oman 3–2 in the final.
Iraq played in Group D of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. They beat Indonesia 3–1. Four days later, they caused a big surprise by beating Japan 2–1, securing first place in their group. Aymen Hussein scored both goals. Iraq then beat Vietnam 3–2, finishing the group stage with a perfect record. However, they lost 2–3 to Jordan in the Round of 16. This match was controversial because Aymen Hussein received a second yellow card for his celebration after scoring.
Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
In the second round of qualifiers, Iraq had a fantastic run, winning all six matches. This secured their spot in the next round and for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. In the third round, Iraq was in Group B. After a 2–1 loss to Palestine in March 2025, the Iraq Football Association decided to change coaches.
Australian coach Graham Arnold took over. Iraq finished third in their group, which meant they went to the fourth round of qualifiers instead of qualifying directly. In the fourth round, Iraq played against Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. They beat Indonesia 1–0 but drew 0–0 with Saudi Arabia, finishing as group runners-up.
Iraq then played a two-legged playoff against the United Arab Emirates. They drew 1–1 in the first game. In the second game in Basra, Iraq won 2–1 with a dramatic penalty goal from Amir Al-Ammari in stoppage time. This win sent Iraq to the inter-confederation play-offs. There, they faced Bolivia and won 2–1, with Aymen Hussein scoring the winning goal. This victory secured Iraq's place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after 40 years!
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iraq was in Group I with France, Norway, and Senegal. They lost their first game 4–1 to Norway, with Aymen Hussein scoring Iraq's first World Cup goal since 1986. They then lost 3–0 to France and 5–0 to Senegal. Iraq finished last in their group, but their return to the World Cup was a big moment for the team.
Team Identity
Team Colors and Kits
The main colors for the Iraq national football team are green, white, and black. Green and white are often used for home and away kits, while black is the third color.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the team often wore white. Green became more common in the mid-1970s and is now the main color, often with white details. The shade of green has changed over the years.
Sometimes, Iraq has worn red, yellow, and blue kits. For example, at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, they wore yellow and blue. After that tournament, they mostly returned to green and white.
Since the 2000s, green and white have been central to Iraq's look. Black kits are also used, often with designs inspired by ancient Mesopotamian art, like Babylonian lions and Assyrian flowers. These designs celebrate Iraq's rich history.
Kit Suppliers
| Kit supplier | Period |
|---|---|
| 1984–1986, 2007, 2020–2022 | |
| 1986–1994, 2007, 2014, 2024 | |
| 1996 | |
| 2000 | |
| 2003–2004, 2014–2019, 2022–2023, 2024–present | |
| 2004–2006 | |
| 2006 | |
| 2006 | |
| 2008–2014 | |
| 2019–2020 |
The Lions of Mesopotamia Nickname
The Iraqi team is known as Usood al-Rafidayn, which means "Lions of Mesopotamia". In ancient Mesopotamia, the Babylonian lion was a symbol of power and strength. You can see sculpted lions in Babylon, like on the Ishtar Gate, which showed the king's power. Lions were important symbols in ancient Iraqi culture, believed to bring good qualities to their owners.
Team Logo Evolution
Iraq's kits usually feature the flag of Iraq. Sometimes, they have used the coat of arms of Iraq or the Iraq Football Association logo. The national team has also had its own special logos.
- From 1982 to 1983, the logo was based on the Iraqi flag with "Iraqi" written on it.
- From 2000 to 2002, and again in 2007, the logo had a green outline with "Iraq" in Arabic.
- In 2005, for the West Asian Games, they used a new logo with a red band from the flag.
- The current logo was revealed in October 2020. From 2021 to 2022, it included a star to celebrate their 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory.
Exciting Rivalries
Iraq has strong rivalries with many neighboring countries in football.
| Opponent | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 21 | 43 | −22 | 19.35 | |
| 44 | 18 | 12 | 14 | 63 | 43 | +20 | 40.91 | |
| 43 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 56 | 46 | +10 | 41.86 |
Iraq's main rival is Iran. Their matches are always very exciting. For many years, Iran was more dominant. During difficult times between the two countries, games against Iran became even more important for Iraqis.
Another big rival is Saudi Arabia. Matches between these two teams also get a lot of attention. Both Iraq and Saudi Arabia are known as successful Arab teams in Asia. Their rivalry grew stronger after the 1990s.
Iraq also has a rivalry with Kuwait. This was once considered the biggest rivalry in the Middle East. After a long break, they started playing each other again in 2005.
Passionate Fans and Home Games
The Iraq national football team is a symbol of unity for Iraqi society. During tough times, their matches often meant more than just a game. Iraq's victory at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup is one of the most important moments in the country's sports history. People celebrated across Iraq and around the world, seeing it as a moment that brought everyone together.
Iraqi fans are known for their patriotic chants. Popular chants include "O Victorious Baghdad" and "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, O Iraq." They also chant "the first goal is coming" and "the second goal is coming" to cheer on their team.
Iraq usually plays its home matches at Basra International Stadium. They have also used other stadiums in the country. Over the years, FIFA has sometimes placed bans on Iraq hosting international matches due to safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, Iraq has continued to play. They hosted friendly matches between 2013 and 2018. In 2018, FIFA lifted a ban, allowing Iraq to host competitive games again. Basra hosted the 2018 AFC Cup Final, and the 2019 WAFF Championship was held in Karbala and Erbil. However, due to protests in 2019, another ban was put in place.
In 2023, Iraq successfully hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 1979. They also resumed hosting official matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
| 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 | |
| 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.
Team Performance and Players
Latest Match Results
Here are the recent match results for the Iraq national football team.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2025 Matches
| 4 September 2025 King's Cup | Iraq |
2–1 | Kanchanaburi, Thailand | |
| 16:00 UTC+7 |
|
Stadium: Kanchanaburi Province Stadium Referee: Mongkolchai Pechsri (Thailand) |
| 7 September 2025 King's Cup | Thailand |
0–1 | Kanchanaburi, Thailand | |
| 20:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: Kanchanaburi Province Stadium Attendance: 13,987 Referee: Nazmi Nasaruddin (Malaysia) |
| 11 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Iraq |
1–0 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | |
| 22:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium Attendance: 14,687 Referee: Ma Ning (China) |
| 14 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Saudi Arabia |
0–0 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | |
| 21:45 UTC+3 | 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 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |
| 20:00 UTC+4 | Stadium: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium Attendance: 32,008 Referee: Shaun Evans (Australia) |
| 18 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Iraq |
2–1 | Basra, Iraq | |
| 19:00 UTC+3 |
|
Stadium: Basra International Stadium Attendance: 62,444 Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan) |
| 3 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | Iraq |
2–1 | Doha, Qatar | |
| 17:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: Stadium 974 Attendance: 9,358 Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon) |
| 6 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | Sudan |
0–2 | Doha, Qatar | |
| 19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Stadium 974 Attendance: 38,639 Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) |
| 9 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | Algeria |
2–0 | Al Rayyan, Qatar | |
| 20:00 UTC+3 |
|
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium Attendance: 34,148 Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar) |
| 12 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | Jordan |
1–0 | Al Rayyan, Qatar | |
| 17:30 UTC+3 | Olwan |
Stadium: Education City Stadium Attendance: 43,486 Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway) |
2026 Matches
| 31 March 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs | Iraq |
2–1 | Guadalupe, Mexico | |
| 21:00 UTC−6 | Stadium: Estadio BBVA Attendance: 49,286 Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador) |
| 4 June Friendly | Spain |
1–1 | A Coruña, Spain | |
| 21:00 UTC+2 |
|
Stadium: Estadio Riazor Attendance: 30,423 Referee: Florian Badstübner (Germany) |
| 9 June Friendly | Venezuela |
2–0 | Bridgeview, Illinois, United States | |
| 20:00 UTC−5 | Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium Referee: Filip Dujic (Canada) |
| 16 June 2026 FIFA World Cup | Iraq |
1–4 | Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States | |
| 18:00 UTC−4 |
|
Stadium: Gillette Stadium Attendance: 63,106 Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon) |
| 22 June 2026 FIFA World Cup | France |
3–0 | Philadelphia, United States | |
| 17:00 UTC−4 | Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field Attendance: 68,324 Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada) |
| 26 June 2026 FIFA World Cup | Senegal |
5–0 | Toronto, Canada | |
| 15:00 UTC−4 |
|
Stadium: BMO Field Attendance: 43,036 Referee: Anthony Taylor (England) |
| 23 September 27th Arabian Gulf Cup | Iraq |
v | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | |
| 17:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium |
| 26 September 27th Arabian Gulf Cup | Kuwait |
v | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | |
| 18:55 UTC+3 | Stadium: Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium |
| 29 September 27th Arabian Gulf Cup | Saudi Arabia |
v | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | |
| 20:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium |
2027 Matches
| 10 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup | Tajikistan |
v | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | |
| Stadium: Al Shabab Stadium |
| 14 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup | Iraq |
v | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | |
| Stadium: King Saud University Stadium |
| 19 January 2027 AFC Asian Cup | Iraq |
v | Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia | |
| Stadium: Aramco Stadium |
All-Time Records
| Year | GP | W | D | L | Win % | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957–1969 | 43 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 39.53 | Matches |
| 1970–1979 | 119 | 64 | 31 | 24 | 53.78 | Matches |
| 1980–1989 | 148 | 78 | 39 | 31 | 52.70 | Matches |
| 1990–1999 | 62 | 37 | 16 | 9 | 59.68 | Matches |
| 2000–2009 | 143 | 55 | 42 | 46 | 38.46 | Matches |
| 2010–2019 | 170 | 69 | 48 | 53 | 40.59 | Matches |
| 2020–present | 81 | 37 | 24 | 20 | 45.68 | Matches |
| Total | 767 | 357 | 214 | 196 | 46.54 | — |
Coaching Staff
As of 9 May 2025.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | |
| Assistant Coach | |
| Goalkeeping Coach | |
| Fitness Coach | |
| Lead Technical Analyst | |
| Technical Analyst | |
| Data and Insights Analyst | |
| Lead Opposition Scout | |
| Physiotherapist | |
| Chief Medical Officer | |
| Team Doctor | |
| Team Manager | |
| Interpreter | |
| Media Coordinator | |
| Security Coordinator | |
| Kitman |
Current Team Players
The following 26 players were part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Caps and goals are correct as of June 26, 2026, after the match against Senegal.
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Fahad Talib | 21 October 1994 | 21 | 0 | |
| 12 | GK | Jalal Hassan (captain) | 18 May 1991 | 104 | 0 | |
| 22 | GK | Ahmed Basil | 19 August 1996 | 18 | 0 | |
|
|
||||||
| 2 | DF | Rebin Sulaka | 12 April 1992 | 58 | 1 | |
| 3 | DF | Hussein Ali | 1 March 2002 | 29 | 1 | |
| 4 | DF | Zaid Tahseen | 29 January 2001 | 30 | 1 | |
| 5 | DF | Akam Hashim | 16 August 1998 | 17 | 1 | |
| 6 | DF | Munaf Younis | 16 November 1996 | 35 | 1 | |
| 15 | DF | Ahmed Maknzi | 24 September 2001 | 8 | 0 | |
| 23 | DF | Merchas Doski | 7 December 1999 | 34 | 1 | |
| 25 | DF | Mustafa Saadoon | 25 May 2001 | 18 | 0 | |
| 26 | DF | Frans Putros | 14 July 1993 | 29 | 0 | |
|
|
||||||
| 7 | MF | Youssef Amyn | 21 August 2003 | 28 | 2 | |
| 8 | MF | Ibrahim Bayesh | 1 May 2000 | 79 | 8 | |
| 11 | MF | Ahmed Qasem | 12 July 2003 | 6 | 0 | |
| 14 | MF | Zidane Iqbal | 27 April 2003 | 28 | 2 | |
| 16 | MF | Amir Al-Ammari | 27 July 1997 | 54 | 3 | |
| 17 | MF | Ali Jasim | 20 January 2004 | 38 | 2 | |
| 19 | MF | Kevin Yakob | 10 October 2000 | 10 | 0 | |
| 20 | MF | Aimar Sher | 20 December 2002 | 8 | 0 | |
| 21 | MF | Marko Farji | 16 March 2004 | 14 | 0 | |
| 24 | MF | Zaid Ismail | 3 January 2002 | 8 | 0 | |
|
|
||||||
| 9 | FW | Ali Al-Hamadi | 1 March 2002 | 23 | 5 | |
| 10 | FW | Mohanad Ali | 20 June 2000 | 73 | 27 | |
| 13 | FW | Ali Yousif | 19 January 1996 | 8 | 1 | |
| 18 | FW | Aymen Hussein | 22 March 1996 | 97 | 34 | |
Recent Call-ups
The following players have been called up in the last 12 months and can still be chosen for the team.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Kumel Al-Rekabe | 19 August 2004 | 1 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
|
|
||||||
| DF | Ahmed Yahya | 1 July 1995 | 20 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup INJ | |
| DF | Maitham Jabbar | 10 November 2000 | 20 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| DF | Dario Naamo | 14 June 2005 | 1 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| DF | Saad Natiq | 19 March 1994 | 44 | 1 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| DF | Ameer Sabah Khudhair | 3 June 1998 | 0 | 0 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup INJ | |
| DF | Ali Faez | 9 September 1994 | 54 | 4 | v. |
|
|
|
||||||
| MF | Hasan Abdulkareem | 1 January 1999 | 21 | 1 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| MF | Peter Gwargis | 4 September 2000 | 4 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| MF | Jussef Nasrawe | 22 March 2007 | 1 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| MF | Karrar Nabeel | 16 January 1998 | 8 | 0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE | |
| MF | Amjad Attwan | 12 March 1997 | 91 | 5 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| MF | Hussein Ali Al-Saedi | 29 November 1996 | 53 | 6 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| MF | Sherko Karim | 25 May 1996 | 28 | 1 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| MF | Sajjad Jassim | 7 January 1998 | 14 | 1 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| MF | Osama Rashid | 17 January 1992 | 43 | 2 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup INJ | |
| MF | Bashar Rasan | 22 December 1996 | 65 | 4 | v. |
|
| MF | Montader Madjed | 24 April 2005 | 4 | 0 | v. |
|
|
|
||||||
| FW | Amar Muhsin | 27 December 1997 | 8 | 0 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
| FW | Mohammed Jawad | 19 October 1996 | 3 | 0 | 2025 FIFA Arab Cup | |
|
SUS Player suspended |
||||||
Most Games Played
| Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Younis Mahmoud | 148 | 57 | 2002–2016 |
| 2 | Hussein Saeed | 137 | 78 | 1976–1990 |
| 3 | Alaa Abdul-Zahra | 124 | 17 | 2007–2021 |
| 4 | Adnan Dirjal | 122 | 8 | 1978–1990 |
| 5 | Ahmed Radhi | 121 | 62 | 1982–1997 |
| 6 | Ahmed Ibrahim | 117 | 5 | 2010–2022 |
| 7 | Nashat Akram | 113 | 17 | 2001–2013 |
| Hawar Mulla Mohammed | 113 | 20 | 2001–2012 | |
| Ali Rehema | 113 | 2 | 2005–2016 | |
| 10 | Mahdi Karim | 110 | 11 | 2001–2018 |
Top Goal Scorers
| Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hussein Saeed (list) | 78 | 137 | 0.57 | 1976–1990 |
| 2 | Ahmed Radhi | 62 | 121 | 0.51 | 1982–1997 |
| 3 | Younis Mahmoud | 57 | 148 | 0.39 | 2002–2016 |
| 4 | Ali Kadhim | 36 | 84 | 0.43 | 1970–1980 |
| 5 | Aymen Hussein (list) | 34 | 97 | 0.35 | 2015–present |
| 6 | Falah Hassan | 29 | 102 | 0.28 | 1970–1986 |
| 7 | Mohanad Ali | 27 | 73 | 0.37 | 2017–present |
| Emad Mohammed | 27 | 103 | 0.26 | 2001–2012 | |
| 9 | Razzaq Farhan | 25 | 63 | 0.4 | 1998–2007 |
| 10 | Laith Hussein | 22 | 80 | 0.28 | 1986–2002 |
Major Tournament Achievements
FIFA World Cup Record
| FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1930 to 1950 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | ||||||||||||||
| 1954 to 1970 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
| Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 6 | ||||||||||
| Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
| Did not qualify | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Group stage | 23rd | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | Squad | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 11 | ||
| Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 5 | ||||||||||
| 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 13 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 8 | |||||||||||
| 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 37 | 15 | |||||||||||
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 7 | |||||||||||
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 6 | |||||||||||
| 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 12 | |||||||||||
| 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 18 | |||||||||||
| 18 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 20 | 16 | |||||||||||
| Group stage | 48th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | Squad | 21 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 32 | 14 | ||
| To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
| Total: 2/19 | Group stage | 23rd | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 16 | — | 140 | 67 | 37 | 36 | 253 | 133 | |
AFC Asian Cup Record
| AFC Asian Cup record | AFC Asian Cup qualification record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1956 to 1968 | Not an AFC member | Not an AFC member | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Group stage | 6th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Squad | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | Squad | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banned due to Gulf War | Banned due to Gulf War | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | Squad | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | Squad | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | Squad | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Champions | 1st | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 2 | Squad | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | Squad | Qualified as defending champions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | Squad | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Round of 16 | 14th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | Squad | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12th | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 7 | Squad | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Qualified | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 Title | 11/15 | 43 | 18 | 8 | 17 | 54 | 52 | — | 55 | 39 | 10 | 6 | 119 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA Confederations Cup Record
| FIFA Confederations Cup record | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | |
| Did not enter | ||||||||||
| Banned due to Gulf War | ||||||||||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||||
| Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Squad | ||
| Did not qualify | ||||||||||
| Total | Best: Group stage | 1/10 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — | |
Olympic Games Football
| Summer Olympics record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1900 to 1936 | Not an IOC member | Not an IOC member | ||||||||||||||
| 1948 to 1956 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
| Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 10 | ||||||||||
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 5 | |||||||||||
| 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||||
| Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | Squad | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 3 | ||
| Group stage | 14th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | Squad | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 7 | ||
| Group stage | 10th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | Squad | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 6 | ||
| 1992 to present | See Iraq national under-23 football team | See Iraq national under-23 football team | ||||||||||||||
| Total | Quarter-finals | 3/11 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 15 | — | 40 | 21 | 7 | 12 | 65 | 44 | |
Asian Games Football
| Asian Games record | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | |
| 1951 to 1970 | Did not enter | |||||||||
| Second round | 5th | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 2 | Squad | ||
| Fourth place | 4th | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 4 | Squad | ||
| Gold medalists | 1st | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 2 | Squad | ||
| Quarter-finals | 6th | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | Squad | ||
| 1990 to 1998 | Banned due to Gulf War | |||||||||
| 2002 to present | See Iraq national under-23 football team | |||||||||
| Total | 1 Title | 4/13 | 24 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 41 | 13 | — | |
Regional Tournament Success
WAFF Championship Wins
| WAFF Championship record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad |
| Third place | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 2 | Squad | |
| Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | Squad | |
| Fourth place | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | Squad | |
| Runners-up | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | Squad | |
| Withdrew | ||||||||
| Semi-finals | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | Squad | |
| Runners-up | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | Squad | |
| Group stage | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Squad | |
| Runners-up | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | Squad | |
| Total | 1 Title | 31 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 40 | 22 | — |
FIFA Arab Cup Victories
| FIFA Arab Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| Did not enter | No qualifying tournament | ||||||||||||||
| Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | Squad | No qualifying tournament | |||||||
| Champions | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 5 | Squad | ||||||||
| Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | Squad | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Champions | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 2 | Squad | Qualified as defending champions | |||||||
| 1992 to 2002 | Banned due to Gulf War | Banned due to Gulf War | |||||||||||||
| Third place | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | Squad | No qualifying tournament | |||||||
| Group stage | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Squad | Qualified automatically | |||||||
| Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | Squad | ||||||||
| Total | 4 Titles | 32 | 18 | 10 | 4 | 51 | 24 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Arabian Gulf Cup Triumphs
| Arabian Gulf Cup record | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | |
| 1970 to 1974 | Did not enter | ||||||||
| Runners-up | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 8 | Squad | ||
| Champions | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1 | Squad | ||
| Withdrew | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 2 | Squad | ||
| Champions | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 5 | Squad | ||
| Sixth place | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 9 | Squad | ||
| Champions | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | Squad | ||
| Withdrew | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | Squad | ||
| 1992 to 2003–04 | Banned due to Gulf War | ||||||||
| Group stage | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 7 | Squad | ||
| Group stage | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Squad | ||
| Group stage | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | Squad | ||
| Semi-finals | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 4 | Squad | ||
| Runners-up | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 | Squad | ||
| Group stage | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | Squad | ||
| Semi-finals | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | Squad | ||
| Semi-finals | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | Squad | ||
| Champions | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 3 | Squad | ||
| Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Squad | ||
| To be determined | |||||||||
| Total | 4 Titles | 77 | 39 | 25 | 13 | 137 | 70 | — | |
West Asian Games Medals
| West Asian Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | |
| 1997 to 2002 | Did not enter | |||||||
| Gold medalists | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 3 | ||
| Total | 1 Title | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 3 | |
Arab Games Medals
| Arab Games record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad |
| Did not enter | ||||||||
| Group stage | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8 | Squad | |
| Did not enter | ||||||||
| Group stage | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 2 | Squad | |
| Did not enter | ||||||||
| Gold medalists | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | Squad | |
| 1992 to 1997 | Banned due to Gulf War | |||||||
| Silver medalists | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 9 | Squad | |
| Did not enter | ||||||||
| Group stage | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Squad | |
| 2023 to present | See Iraq national under-23 football team | |||||||
| Total | 1 Title | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 39 | 23 | — |
Other Tournament Highlights
Head-to-Head Records
This list shows how the Iraq national football team has performed against other countries in international matches.
- Key
Positive balance (more wins than losses) Neutral balance (as many wins as losses) Negative balance (more losses than wins)
after match against Senegal
- Draws include Penalty shoot-outs
- Countries that are in italics are now defunct
| Iraq national football team head-to-head records | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Confederation | First | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
| AFC | 1975 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | |
| CAF | 1973 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | |
| UEFA | 2026 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2018 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | |
| AFC | 1973 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 14 | −6 | |
| UEFA | 2009 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| AFC | 1966 | 43 | 21 | 16 | 6 | 73 | 35 | +38 | |
| UEFA | 1986 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2018 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | |
| CAF | 2012 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2012 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | −6 | |
| AFC | 2019 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | |
| CAF | 1984 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| CONCACAF | 1984 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2013 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | −6 | |
| AFC | 1974 | 21 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 27 | 22 | +5 | |
| AFC | 2004 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 3 | +14 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| CAF | 1992 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | |
| CONCACAF | 1980 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | |
| UEFA | 2005 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | |
| UEFA | 1986 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| CAF | 2015 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | |
| UEFA | 1967 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 15 | −8 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| CAF | 1965 | 13 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 13 | −6 | |
| UEFA | 1999 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| CAF | 1992 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | +13 | |
| UEFA | 1979 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | |
| UEFA | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | −3 | |
| CONCACAF | 1988 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | |
| CAF | 1989 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| AFC | 2019 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | |
| AFC | 1974 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 4 | +9 | |
| AFC | 1968 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 8 | +23 | |
| AFC | 1962 | 31 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 21 | 43 | −22 | |
| UEFA | 1988 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | |
| AFC | 1978 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 20 | −8 | |
| AFC | 1964 | 57 | 31 | 14 | 12 | 91 | 54 | +37 | |
| UEFA | 1997 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | −3 | |
| CAF | 2003 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +2 | |
| AFC | 1999 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | +8 | |
| AFC | 1964 | 43 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 56 | 46 | +10 | |
| CAF | 2013 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| AFC | 1959 | 27 | 16 | 9 | 2 | 51 | 11 | +40 | |
| CAF | 1957 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 25 | 9 | +16 | |
| AFC | 2001 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | +13 | |
| AFC | 1974 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 3 | +11 | |
| CAF | 1985 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | |
| CONCACAF | 1986 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | −5 | |
| UEFA | 1992 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| CAF | 1957 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 9 | +1 | |
| AFC | 1977 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | +12 | |
| AFC | 1971 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 9 | +2 | |
| UEFA | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | |
| AFC | 1982 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 5 | +17 | |
| OFC | 1973 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | |
| AFC | 1976 | 31 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 51 | 25 | +26 | |
| AFC | 1969 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 40 | 6 | +34 | |
| CONMEBOL | 1986 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| AFC | 1965 | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 40 | 9 | +31 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2014 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | |
| AFC | 2024 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | |
| UEFA | 1970 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | −4 | |
| AFC | 1975 | 41 | 17 | 10 | 14 | 51 | 45 | +6 | |
| UEFA | 1986 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| UEFA | 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | |
| AFC | 1975 | 44 | 18 | 12 | 14 | 63 | 43 | +20 | |
| CAF | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | −5 | |
| CAF | 2012 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| AFC | 1978 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 5 | +15 | |
| CAF | 2009 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| AFC | 1972 | 26 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 17 | 34 | −17 | |
| AFC | 1965 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 4 | +14 | |
| UEFA | 2009 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | |
| CAF | 1971 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | |
| CAF | 1967 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 | |
| AFC | 1966 | 34 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 47 | 25 | +22 | |
| AFC | 1997 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | |
| AFC | 1968 | 22 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 55 | 23 | +32 | |
| CONCACAF | 2004 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | |
| CAF | 1957 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 14 | −4 | |
| UEFA | 1959 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | −7 | |
| AFC | 1999 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | |
| CAF | 1977 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | |
| AFC | 1973 | 38 | 14 | 16 | 8 | 55 | 36 | +19 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2003 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | −3 | |
| AFC | 2000 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | −2 | |
| CONMEBOL | 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | |
| AFC | 2007 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 6 | +8 | |
| AFC | 1993 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 7 | +29 | |
| UEFA | 1980 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | |
| CAF | 1988 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | |
| Total | 767 | 357 | 214 | 196 | 1,198 | 734 | +464 | ||
FIFA World Rankings
Last update was on 19 November 2025.
Source:
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 | 59 | ||||
| 56 | 2024 | 18 | 55 | 59 | ||||
| 63 | 2023 | 14 | 63 | 70 | ||||
| 68 | 2022 | 11 | 68 | 74 | ||||
| 75 | 2021 | 17 | 68 | 75 | ||||
| 69 | 2020 | 2 | 69 | 70 | ||||
| 70 | 2019 | 22 | 70 | 80 | ||||
| 88 | 2018 | 12 | 82 | 91 | ||||
| 79 | 2017 | 14 | 79 | 122 | ||||
| 119 | 2016 | 12 | 87 | 128 | ||||
| 89 | 2015 | 16 | 82 | 114 | ||||
| 103 | 2014 | 11 | 81 | 115 | ||||
| 110 | 2013 | 19 | 89 | 110 | ||||
| 92 | 2012 | 20 | 70 | 97 | ||||
| 78 | 2011 | 20 | 78 | 109 | ||||
| 100 | 2010 | 15 | 80 | 107 | ||||
| 88 | 2009 | 13 | 77 | 100 | ||||
| 72 | 2008 | 12 | 58 | 77 | ||||
| 68 | 2007 | 20 | 64 | 84 | ||||
| 83 | 2006 | 14 | 52 | 92 | ||||
| 54 | 2005 | 10 | 44 | 74 | ||||
| 44 | 2004 | 21 | 39 | 45 | ||||
| 43 | 2003 | 12 | 43 | 75 | ||||
| 53 | 2002 | 10 | 50 | 72 | ||||
| 72 | 2001 | 18 | 69 | 85 | ||||
| 79 | 2000 | 11 | 78 | 89 | ||||
| 78 | 1999 | 13 | 78 | 108 | ||||
| 94 | 1998 | 1 | 70 | 101 | ||||
| 68 | 1997 | 9 | 68 | 98 | ||||
| 98 | 1996 | 7 | 98 | 139 | ||||
| 110 | 1995 | 3 | 76 | 110 | ||||
| 88 | 1994 | 0 | 61 | 88 | ||||
| 65 | 1993 | 15 | 57 | 66 | ||||
Team Honours
Continental Titles
- Asian Games
Regional Titles
- WAFF Championship
- Arab Cup
Champions (4): 1964, 1966, 1985, 1988 (record)
Third place (1): 2012
- Arabian Gulf Cup
- West Asian Games
- Arab Games
Friendly Tournament Wins
- Merdeka Tournament
- Nehru Cup
- King's Cup
- Tripoli Fair Tournament
- International Friendship Championship
- Merlion Cup
- Peace and Friendship Cup
- UAE Four Nations Friendship Tournament
- UAE International Cup
- Palestine Cup
- Jordan International Tournament
- Four Nations Tournament
- LG Cup
- Bahrain Prime Minister's Cup
Awards
- World Soccer Team of the Year: 2007
- AFC National Team of the Year: 2003, 2007
Summary of Honours
| Competition | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Asian Games | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| WAFF Championship | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Arab Cup | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Arabian Gulf Cup | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| West Asian Games | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arab Games | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 13 | 6 | 2 | 21 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Irak para niños