Lebanon national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | رجال الأرز (The Cedars) |
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Association | Lebanese Football Association (LFA) (الاتحاد اللبناني لكرة القدم) |
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Confederation | AFC (Asia) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-confederation | WAFF (West Asia) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head coach | Miodrag Radulović | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Mohamad Haidar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Hassan Maatouk (123) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Hassan Maatouk (26) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home stadium | Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | LBN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | NR (7 February 2019) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Highest | 77 (September 2018) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 178 (April–May 2011) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 96 ![]() |
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Highest | 46 (27 April 1940) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 164 (28 July 2011) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine; 27 April 1940) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Tokyo, Japan; 28 September 1967) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Baghdad, Iraq; 25 November 1959) ![]() ![]() (Doha, Qatar; 27 March 1985) |
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Asian Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 3 (first in 2000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Group stage (2000, 2019, 2023) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arab Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 8 (first in 1963) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Third place (1963) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
WAFF Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 7 (first in 2000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Group stage (2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2019) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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The Lebanon national football team represents Lebanon in football. It is controlled by the Lebanese Football Association (LFA). The team is known as "the Cedars" because of Lebanon's national tree.
Lebanon joined FIFA in 1936. Their first official game was in 1940 against Mandatory Palestine. The team has never played in the FIFA World Cup. However, they have played in the AFC Asian Cup three times. Their home stadium is the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut. They also play in other places like the Saida Municipal Stadium in Sidon.
In 2011, Lebanon almost made it to the 2014 World Cup. They won against South Korea but did not qualify. In the 2019 Asian Cup, they were close to reaching the knockout stage. But they were eliminated because of a tiebreaker rule. Lebanon also plays in other tournaments like the Arab Cup and the WAFF Championship. They have won third place in the Arab Cup (1963) and the Arab Games (1957 and 1997) when they hosted these events.
The team's main colors are red and white, just like the Lebanese flag. From 2016 to 2018, Lebanon had a great run. They went 16 games without losing. This helped them reach their highest FIFA ranking ever, 77th, in September 2018.
Contents
- Team History: How Lebanon's Football Began
- Early Days of Lebanese Football (1933–1947)
- Joining Regional Competitions (1953–1963)
- AFC Membership and More Games (1964–1971)
- Challenges During the Civil War (1979–1988)
- Rebuilding After the War (1993–2004)
- World Cup Qualification Attempts (2006–2014)
- First Asian Cup Qualification and Unbeaten Run (2015–2019)
- Recent Years and 2023 Asian Cup (2020–2024)
- Team Identity
- Recent Matches and Future Games
- Coaching Staff
- Players
- Player Records
- Tournament Records
- Honours
- See also
Team History: How Lebanon's Football Began
Early Days of Lebanese Football (1933–1947)
Lebanon was one of the first countries in the Middle East to create a football organization. On March 22, 1933, the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) was formed in Beirut. The LFA joined FIFA in 1936.
The first unofficial match for a Beirut team was in 1935. They played against a Romanian club and lost. In 1939, the Beirut team played against Syria's Damascus team. They lost the first game but won the second.
Lebanon's first official FIFA-recognized match was on April 27, 1940. They played against Mandatory Palestine and lost 5–1. Camille Cordahi scored Lebanon's first official goal in this game.
In 1942, Lebanon played their first official match against Syria. They lost 2–1. These early games helped build the foundation for Lebanese football.
Joining Regional Competitions (1953–1963)
In 1953, Lebanon played in their first international tournament. It was the Arab Games in Egypt. They finished last in their group but won their fifth-place match 9–1 against Palestine.
In 1956, Lebanon played a famous game against Hungary. They lost 4–1, and the famous player Ferenc Puskás scored two goals for Hungary.
In 1957, Lebanon hosted the Arab Games. They finished third after winning their group. They also hosted the Mediterranean Games in 1959.

Lebanon hosted the first Arab Cup in 1963. They finished third in the tournament. This was a big step for Lebanese football.
AFC Membership and More Games (1964–1971)
Lebanon joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1964. This meant they could play in Asian tournaments.

They played in the 1964 Arab Cup and finished fourth. In 1966, they reached the semi-finals of the Arab Cup but finished fourth again.
In 1967, Lebanon played in the Olympic qualifiers. They had a huge 11–1 win against the Philippines. This is still Lebanon's biggest win ever! But they did not qualify for the Olympics.
Lebanon also tried to qualify for the 1972 Asian Cup. They reached the semi-finals but lost to Iraq.
Challenges During the Civil War (1979–1988)
Lebanon faced many difficulties during its civil war (1975–1990). The national team still tried to play in international games.

In 1979, they played in the Asian Cup qualifiers but were eliminated. In 1984, they could not travel for the Asian Cup qualifiers due to safety reasons.
Lebanon also tried to qualify for the 1986 World Cup. They played four games but had to withdraw because of the war. All their results were later canceled by FIFA.
Rebuilding After the War (1993–2004)
After the civil war ended, Lebanon's team started to rebuild. In 1993, they played in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. They did not qualify but showed good progress.
Lebanon hosted the 2000 Asian Cup. This was their first time playing in the finals of this big tournament. They drew two games and lost one, finishing last in their group. Abbas Chahrour scored Lebanon's first goal in the competition.
In the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Lebanon scored 26 goals in six games. This was the most in their group.
World Cup Qualification Attempts (2006–2014)
Lebanon continued to try and qualify for major tournaments. In 2006, they had to withdraw from the Asian Cup qualifiers due to the 2006 Lebanon War.
In 2007, Lebanon won against India to reach the third round of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. But they finished last in their group.
In 2011, Lebanon made history in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. They beat Bangladesh and then had a huge 2–1 victory against South Korea at home. This win sent them to the final round of World Cup qualifiers for the first time ever!

In the final round, they were in a tough group with teams like South Korea and Iran. They even beat Iran 1–0. However, some players were later banned for manipulating game results. Lebanon finished last in their group and did not qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
After failing to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup, the LFA decided to bring in new players. They looked for players with Lebanese family who lived in other countries. This was to make the team stronger.
First Asian Cup Qualification and Unbeaten Run (2015–2019)
In 2015, Miodrag Radulović became the new coach. He led Lebanon in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. They finished second in their group, which meant they qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup! This was the first time Lebanon qualified for the Asian Cup on their own (they hosted it in 2000).
Under Radulović, Lebanon had an amazing 16-game unbeaten streak from 2016 to 2018. They won eight games and drew eight. This helped them reach their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 77th in September 2018.

At the 2019 Asian Cup, Lebanon lost their first two games to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In their last group game, they needed to win by four goals against North Korea to advance. They won 4–1, with two goals from Hilal El-Helwe. This was Lebanon's first-ever win at the Asian Cup! However, they were eliminated because of a tiebreaker rule based on yellow cards.
Recent Years and 2023 Asian Cup (2020–2024)

In 2020, former captain Jamal Taha became the head coach. Lebanon qualified for the 2023 Asian Cup and the final round of 2022 World Cup qualification. In the World Cup qualifiers, they had a good start but finished last in their group.
In 2023, Lebanon played in friendly tournaments to prepare for the Asian Cup. They finished second in the Intercontinental Cup and third in the 2023 King's Cup.

Miodrag Radulović returned as coach for the 2023 Asian Cup in January 2024. Lebanon played the opening game against hosts Qatar and lost 3–0. They drew 0–0 with China. In their final game against Tajikistan, they needed a win to move on. They scored first, but a red card meant they played with 10 men. Tajikistan scored twice late in the game, and Lebanon was knocked out.
Lebanon played in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers from November 2023 to June 2024. They finished third in their group, which means they will play in the final round of qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup. Their captain, Hassan Maatouk, retired after these games. He is the team's all-time top scorer and has played the most games.
Team Identity
Team Nickname
The Lebanon national football team is called "the Cedars." This nickname comes from the cedar tree, which is a very important national symbol of Lebanon.
Team Uniforms
The team's main colors are red and white. These colors are from the national flag of Lebanon. Sometimes, green is used for the goalkeeper's uniform. At home, they usually wear a red shirt, shorts, and socks with white details. Their away uniform is white with red details.
In their first unofficial game in 1935, they wore white shirts with the cedar tree symbol. In 1940, for their first FIFA game, they wore a white uniform with a black collar. In the 1960s, they had a red shirt with a white band and a green cedar tree.
For the 2000 Asian Cup, they wore red Adidas shirts. In the 2019 Asian Cup, their red uniforms were made by Capelli Sport. The cedar tree symbol was also on these shirts. Since 2023, their uniforms have been made by Kelme.
Home Stadiums
The Lebanon national team plays its home games in different stadiums. The main one is the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut. It was built in 1957 and is the biggest stadium in Lebanon, with 49,500 seats.
The first game at this stadium was in 1957, and Lebanon won 1–0. This stadium was also a main venue for the 2000 Asian Cup. In 2011, over 40,000 fans watched Lebanon win 2–1 against South Korea there.
The team also plays at the Saida Municipal Stadium in Sidon, which holds 22,600 people. Other stadiums they use include the Tripoli Municipal Stadium and the Beirut Municipal Stadium.
Media and Documentaries
In 2022, FIFA and Netflix released a documentary series called Captains. It followed six national team captains during their 2022 World Cup qualification journeys. Hassan Maatouk, the captain of Lebanon, was one of the featured players.
Recent Matches and Future Games
As of July 23, 2025, the Lebanon national football team has played 403 official matches. They have won 116 games, drawn 105, and lost 182. They have scored 482 goals and let in 603 goals. Lebanon's biggest win was 11–1 against the Philippines in 1967. The team's longest winning streak is eight matches, and their longest unbeaten run is 16 games.
Here are some of their recent and upcoming matches:
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024 Matches
4 September 2024 2024 Merdeka Tournament SF | Lebanon ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
16:30 UTC+8 | Stadium: Bukit Jalil National Stadium Attendance: 460 Referee: Mohamad Kamil Zakaria Bin Ismail (Malaysia) |
8 September 2024 2024 Merdeka Tournament Final | Lebanon ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
21:00 UTC+8 | Stadium: Bukit Jalil National Stadium Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Thoriq Alkatiri (Indonesia) |
12 October 2024 2024 VFF Tri-Nations Series | Lebanon ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
Nam Dinh, Vietnam |
18:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: Thiên Trường Stadium | |||
Note: The tournament was cancelled due to Lebanon withdrawing following the 2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon |
15 October 2024 2024 VFF Tri-Nations Series | Vietnam ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
Nam Dinh, Vietnam |
18:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: Thiên Trường Stadium | |||
Note: The tournament was cancelled due to Lebanon withdrawing following the 2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon |
14 November 2024 Friendly | Thailand ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Rangsit, Thailand |
20:00 UTC+7 | Stadium: Thammasat Stadium Attendance: 5,816 Referee: Tam Ping Wun (Hong Kong) |
19 November 2024 Friendly | Myanmar ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
Yangon, Myanmar |
17:00 UTC+6:30 | Stadium: Thuwunna Stadium Referee: Lê Vũ Linh (Vietnam) |
12 December 2024 Friendly | Kuwait ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Doha, Qatar |
18:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium |
15 December 2024 Friendly | Kuwait ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Doha, Qatar |
18:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Suheim bin Hamad Stadium |
2025 Matches
20 March 2025 Friendly | Lebanon ![]() |
4–0 | ![]() |
Al Khor, Qatar |
21:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Al-Khor SC Stadium |
25 March 2025 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Lebanon ![]() |
5–0 | ![]() |
Al-Wakrah, Qatar |
21:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium Attendance: 282 Referee: Venikatesh Ramachandran (India) |
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Note: Lebanon was required to play all their home matches at a neutral venue due to the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict. |
28 May 2025 Friendly | Oman ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Muscat, Oman |
20:00 UTC+4 | Stadium: Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex |
10 June 2025 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Yemen ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Sulaibikhat, Kuwait |
20:30 UTC+3 | Stadium: Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Stadium Attendance: 1,512 Referee: Mahmood Salim Al Majarafi (Bahrain) |
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Note: Yemen was required to play their home matches at a neutral venue due to the ongoing Yemeni civil war. |
September 2025 Friendly tournament | Indonesia ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Jakarta, Indonesia |
--:-- |
September 2025 Friendly tournament | Kuwait ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Jakarta, Indonesia |
--:-- |
9 October 2025 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Lebanon ![]() |
v | ![]() |
TBD |
--:-- | Stadium: TBD | |||
Note: Lebanon will be required to play all their home matches at a neutral venue due to the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict. |
14 October 2025 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Bhutan ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Thimphu, Bhutan |
--:-- | Stadium: Changlimithang Stadium |
18 November 2025 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Brunei ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei |
--:-- | Stadium: Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium |
25–26 November 2025 2025 Arab Cup qualification | Lebanon ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Qatar |
--:-- |
2026 Matches
31 March 2026 2027 Asian Cup qualification | Lebanon ![]() |
v | ![]() |
TBD |
--:-- | Stadium: TBD | |||
Note: Lebanon will be required to play all their home matches at a neutral venue due to the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict. |
Coaching Staff
Players
Current Squad
The following 25 players were chosen for the friendly match against Oman and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen, in May and June 2025.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Antoine Al Douaihy | 18 March 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | GK | Mostafa Matar | 10 September 1995 | 37 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | GK | Ali Sabeh | 24 June 1994 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Mohammad El Hayek | 19 February 2000 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Khalil Khamis | 12 January 1995 | 15 | 1 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Mohamad Safwan | 10 March 2003 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Nassar Nassar | 1 January 1992 | 32 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | DF | Hussein Zein | 27 January 1995 | 44 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | DF | Kassem El Zein | 2 December 1990 | 55 | 2 | ![]() |
DF | Hasan Farhat | 21 September 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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8 | MF | Ali Tneich | 16 July 1992 | 29 | 1 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Mohamad Haidar (captain) | 8 November 1989 | 104 | 6 | ![]() |
11 | MF | Majed Osman | 9 June 1994 | 14 | 2 | Free agent |
12 | MF | Hasan Srour | 18 December 2001 | 21 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | MF | Ahmad Kheir El Dine | 7 July 1995 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | MF | Jihad Ayoub | 30 March 1995 | 23 | 1 | ![]() |
16 | MF | Walid Shour | 10 June 1996 | 33 | 0 | Free agent |
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7 | FW | Zein Farran | 21 July 1999 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Malek Fakhro | 14 December 1997 | 8 | 3 | ![]() |
14 | FW | Gabriel Bitar | 23 August 1998 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | FW | Karim Mekkaoui | 19 April 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | FW | Daniel Kuri | 22 January 1999 | 15 | 0 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Samy Merheg | 6 December 2006 | 8 | 6 | ![]() |
22 | FW | Ali Kassas | 25 February 2003 | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
Recent Call-ups
These players were part of the national team in the last 12 months but are not in the current squad.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Shaker Wehbe | 15 January 1997 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Mehdi Khalil | 19 September 1991 | 58 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Pedro Budib | 7 April 2004 | 2 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Mohamad Baker El Housseini | 18 December 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Hussein Sharafeddine | 13 October 1997 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Jad Smaira | 9 November 2003 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | George Felix Melki | 23 July 1994 | 33 | 1 | ![]() |
2024 Merdeka Tournament |
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MF | Hassan Kourani | 22 January 1995 | 12 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Rabih Ataya | 16 July 1989 | 56 | 5 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Bassel Jradi | 6 July 1993 | 26 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Karim Darwich | 2 November 1998 | 31 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Omar Chaaban | 3 January 1994 | 22 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Husseyn Chakroun | 10 November 2004 | 4 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Leonardo Farah Shahin | 10 August 2003 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Khalil Bader | 27 July 1999 | 12 | 2 | ![]() |
2024 Merdeka Tournament |
Player Records
- Players in bold are still active with Lebanon.
Most Games Played

Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Years Played |
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1 | Hassan Maatouk | 123 | 26 | 2006–2024 |
2 | Mohamad Haidar | 104 | 6 | 2011–present |
3 | Abbas Ahmad Atwi | 88 | 8 | 2002–2016 |
4 | Roda Antar | 83 | 20 | 1998–2016 |
5 | Youssef Mohamad | 81 | 3 | 1999–2016 |
6 | Nader Matar | 71 | 4 | 2012–2024 |
Jamal Taha | 71 | 12 | 1993–2000 | |
8 | Walid Ismail | 69 | 1 | 2010–2019 |
9 | Nour Mansour | 67 | 3 | 2010–2024 |
10 | Vardan Ghazaryan | 66 | 21 | 1995–2001 |
Top Goal Scorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Average | Years Scored |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hassan Maatouk (list) | 26 | 123 | 0.21 | 2006–2024 |
2 | Vardan Ghazaryan | 21 | 66 | 0.32 | 1995–2001 |
3 | Roda Antar | 20 | 83 | 0.24 | 1998–2016 |
4 | Mohamad Ghaddar | 19 | 46 | 0.41 | 2006–2017 |
5 | Levon Altounian | 18 | 18 | 1 | 1956–1967 |
6 | Haitham Zein | 17 | 50 | 0.34 | 1997–2004 |
7 | Mahmoud El Ali | 12 | 46 | 0.26 | 2007–2012 |
Jamal Taha | 12 | 71 | 0.17 | 1993–2000 | |
9 | Mardik Tchaparian | 10 | 10 | 1 | 1956–1963 |
Joseph Abou Mrad | 10 | 21 | 0.48 | 1953–1967 |
Tournament Records
Overview | |||
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Event | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
World Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Asian Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Arab Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
WAFF Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Summer Olympics | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Asian Games | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Arab Games | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Mediterranean Games | 0 | 0 | 1 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Lebanon first tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 1986. But they had to withdraw because of the civil war. Their first full qualification campaign was in 1994. Since then, they have tried to qualify for every World Cup.
Lebanon reached the final round of World Cup qualification for the first time in 2014. They beat Bangladesh and then had a historic 2–1 win against South Korea. This sent them to the final round. In that round, they finished last in their group and did not qualify.
Champions Runners-up Third place
FIFA World Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Host | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pos. | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Ref. |
1930 to 1982 | Did not enter | Did not enter | — | ||||||||||||||
1986 | ![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
1990 | ![]() |
Did not enter | Did not enter | — | |||||||||||||
1994 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 3rd of 5 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||
1998 | ![]() |
2nd of 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | |||||||||
2002 | ![]() ![]() |
2nd of 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 5 | |||||||||
2006 | ![]() |
2nd of 4 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 5 | |||||||||
2010 | ![]() |
First round win, 4th of 4 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 17 | |||||||||
2014 | ![]() |
Second round win, 2nd of 4, 5th of 5 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 22 | |||||||||
2018 | ![]() |
2nd of 5 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 6 | |||||||||
2022 | ![]() |
2nd of 5, 6th of 6 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 21 | |||||||||
2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
Total | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0/22 | 69 | 23 | 17 | 29 | 102 | 92 |
AFC Asian Cup

Lebanon first tried to qualify for the Asian Cup in 1972. They reached the semi-finals but lost. They did win a third-place match.
Lebanon played in the Asian Cup finals for the first time in 2000 because they hosted the event. They drew two games and lost one, finishing last in their group.
In 2019, Lebanon qualified for the Asian Cup finals on their own for the first time. They lost their first two games. In their last group game, they won 4–1 against North Korea. This was their first-ever win at the Asian Cup! However, they were eliminated because of a tiebreaker rule based on yellow cards.
Champions Runners-up Third place
AFC Asian Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Host | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pos. | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Ref. |
1956 to 1968 | Did not enter | Did not enter | — | ||||||||||||||
1972 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 2nd of 3, semi-final loss | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||
1976 | ![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
1980 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 3rd of 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||
1984 | ![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
1988 | ![]() |
Did not enter | Did not enter | — | |||||||||||||
1992 | ![]() |
— | |||||||||||||||
1996 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 2nd of 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||
2000 | ![]() |
Group stage | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | Squad | Qualified as hosts | |||||||
2004 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 3rd of 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||
2007 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
2011 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | Preliminary round win, 4th of 4 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 14 | ||||||||
2015 | ![]() |
3rd of 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 14 | |||||||||
2019 | ![]() |
Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | Squad | 2nd of 5, 1st of 4 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 26 | 10 | |
2023 | ![]() |
Qualified | 2nd of 5 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 8 | ||||||||
Total | Group stage | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 12 | — | 3/18 | 50 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 72 | 68 | — |
FIFA Arab Cup
Lebanon has played in most Arab Cup tournaments. They hosted the first Arab Cup in 1963 and finished third.
They also finished fourth in the 1964 and 1966 Arab Cups. Since then, they have not made it past the group stage.
Lebanon's FIFA Arab Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||||||
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Host nation(s) and year |
Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Outcome | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Ref | |||
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Third place | 3rd of 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 4 | Squad | Qualified as invitees | ||||||||||
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Fourth place | 4th of 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | Squad | Qualified as invitees | ||||||||||
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4th of 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 10 | Squad | Qualified as invitees | |||||||||||
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Did not participate | Withdrew | — | |||||||||||||||||
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Group stage | 6th of 10 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Squad | 2nd of 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
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Did not participate | No qualifying tournament | — | |||||||||||||||||
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Group stage | 9th of 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Squad | 3rd of 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||
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8th of 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | Squad | Qualified as invitees | |||||||||||
2009 | Cancelled | 2nd of 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||||||
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Group stage | 10th of 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | Squad | Qualified as invitees | ||||||||||
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Group stage | 10th of 16 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | Squad | Win | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||||
Total | Best: third place | 8/10 | 27 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 37 | 38 | — | Total | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 6 | — | |||
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WAFF Championship
Lebanon has played in most WAFF Championship tournaments. They have never made it past the group stage. Their first time in this tournament was in 2000.
Summer Olympic Games
Lebanon's senior team has never qualified for the Summer Olympics. They tried to qualify in 1960, 1968, and 1972 but did not succeed. Since 1992, the Olympic football tournament is only for teams with players under 23 years old.
Lebanon's Summer Olympic Games record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||||||
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Host nation, city and year |
Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Outcome | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Ref | |||
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Did not participate | Did not participate | — | |||||||||||||||||
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Withdrew | 3rd of 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 15 | ||||||||||||
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Withdrew | |||||||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 3rd of 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 9 | ||||||||||||
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First round loss | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||||||
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Did not participate | Did not participate | — | |||||||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||||||
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Did not participate | Did not participate | — | |||||||||||||||||
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See Lebanon national under-23 football team | See Lebanon national under-23 football team | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | Best: N/A | 0/19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | — | Total | 12 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 20 | 27 | — | |||
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Asian Games
Lebanon's senior team only played in the Asian Games once, in 1998. They won one game but did not make it to the knockout round.
Lebanon's Asian Games record | |||||||||||||
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Host nation, city and year |
Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Ref | |||
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Did not participate | — | |||||||||||
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Group stage | 12th of 23 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 7 | Squad | ||||
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See Lebanon national under-23 football team | — | |||||||||||
Total | Best: group stage | 1/13 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 7 | — | — | |||
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Arab Games
Lebanon played in the first Arab Games in 1953. They hosted the 1957 Arab Games and finished third. They also came third in 1997, again as hosts.
Lebanon's Arab Games record | ||||||||||||
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Host nation, city and year |
Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Ref | ||
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Group stage | 5th of 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Squad | |||
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Third place | 3rd of 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 6 | Squad | |||
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Fourth place | 4th of 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 9 | Squad | |||
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Group stage | 7th of 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | Squad | |||
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Did not participate | — | ||||||||||
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Third place | 3rd of 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | Squad | |||
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Second stage | 5th of 11 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | Squad | |||
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Did not participate | — | ||||||||||
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— | |||||||||||
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See Lebanon national under-23 football team | — | ||||||||||
Total | Best: third place | 6/11 | 27 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 43 | 42 | — | — | ||
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Mediterranean Games
Lebanon first played in the Mediterranean Games in 1959, when they hosted it. They finished last. They also played in 1963 and 1987 but did not get past the group stage.
Lebanon's Mediterranean Games record | |||||||||||||
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Host nation, city and year |
Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Ref | |||
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Did not participate | — | |||||||||||
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— | ||||||||||||
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Third place | 3rd of 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Squad | ||||
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Group stage | 7th of 9 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | Squad | ||||
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Did not participate | — | |||||||||||
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Group stage | 6th of 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | Squad | ||||
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See Lebanon national under-20 football team | — | |||||||||||
Total | Best: third place | 3/10 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 16 | — | — | |||
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Other Tournaments
Lebanon won their first unofficial tournament, the 1964 Tripoli Fair Tournament, in 1964. They also finished third in the 1998 Friendship Tournament and the 2009 King's Cup. In 2023, they were runners-up in the Intercontinental Cup and third in the 2023 King's Cup. In 2024, they were runners-up in the 2024 Merdeka Tournament.
Tournament | Round | Ref | |
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Champions | ||
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Group stage | ||
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Group stage | ||
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Group stage | ||
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Group stage | ||
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Third place | ||
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Third place | ||
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Group stage | ||
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Runners-up | ||
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Semi-finals | ||
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Third place | ||
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Runners-up | ||
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Honours
Regional Tournaments
- Arab Cup
Third place (1): 1963
- Arab Games
- Mediterranean Games
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol del Líbano para niños
- List of men's national association football teams
- Lebanese Premier League
- Lebanese football league system
- Football in Lebanon
- Sport in Lebanon