Syria national football team facts for kids
The Syria national football team is the official football team that represents Syria in international matches. They are controlled by the Syrian Football Association. The team is often called The Qasioun Eagles (Nusur Qasiun), named after Mount Qasioun near Damascus.
Syria has never played in the FIFA World Cup finals, but they came very close in 2018, reaching the fourth round of qualifications. The team has won several important regional tournaments, including the 2012 WAFF Championship, the 1957 Arab Games, the 1987 Mediterranean Games, and the 2024 Intercontinental Cup. Since December 2010, the team has not been able to play their home games in Syria.
Nickname(s) | نُسُور قَاسِيُون, Nusur Qasiun (The Qasioun Eagles) |
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Association | Syrian Football Association (SFA) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | AFC (Asia) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-confederation | WAFF (West Asia) UAFA (Arab world) |
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Head coach | José Lana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Omar Al Somah | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Maher Al-Sayed (109) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Firas Al-Khatib (36) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home stadium | Various | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | SYR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 83 ![]() |
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Highest | 68 (1 July 2018) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 152 (September 2014, March 2015) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 76 ![]() |
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Highest | 53 (October 1974) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 125 (September 1984) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Beirut, Lebanon; 26 April 1942) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Cairo, Egypt; 6 September 1965) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Athens, Greece; 25 November 1949) ![]() ![]() (Alexandria, Egypt; 16 October 1951) |
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Asian Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 7 (first in 1980) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Round of 16 (2023) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arab Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 7 (first in 1963) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Runners-up (1963, 1966, 1988) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WAFF Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 8 (first in 2000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (2012) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Contents
- Team History: From Beginnings to Today
- Early Days: 1936–1969
- Success in Arab Competitions: 1970s
- Important Moments and Missed Chances: 1980–1996
- Hopes and Disappointments: 1996–2007
- Steady Progress and First Major Title: 2007–2012
- Playing Away from Home: 2013–2016
- World Cup Qualifiers: Almost There in 2018
- Asian Cup: A Missed Chance in 2019
- Qualification Setbacks: 2019–2024
- New Beginnings: 2024–Present
- Home Stadiums
- Team Image and Rivalries
- Player Records
- Tournament Records
- Honours
- See also
Team History: From Beginnings to Today
Early Days: 1936–1969
The Syrian Football Federation started in 1936. This was 10 years before Syria became an independent country in 1946. The team joined FIFA in 1937 and the AFC in 1969.
Syria played its first official football match on April 26, 1942. They played against Lebanon and won 2–1. This game was part of a competition called the Coupe Hauteclocque.
In 1949, Syria played its first official World Cup qualifying match against Turkey. They lost 7–0. One of their biggest losses happened five days later against Greece, where they lost 8–0.
At the 1951 Mediterranean Games, Syria lost 8–0 to Egypt. However, they achieved their first big success in 1953, winning a silver medal at the Arab Games. They lost to Egypt in the final.
In 1957, Syria won their first gold medal at the Arab Games in Beirut. They beat Tunisia 3–1 in the final.
Between 1958 and 1961, the Syrian team joined with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic national football team. Syria also reached the finals of the Arab Cup twice in the 1960s, but lost both times.
Success in Arab Competitions: 1970s
In the 1970s, Syria often played in the Palestine Cup, which was similar to the Arab Cup. In 1973, they reached the final of the Palestine Cup but lost to Tunisia 4–0.
The team also did well in the 1974 Kuneitra Cup. They reached the final but lost to Morocco after a penalty shootout.
In 1976, Damascus hosted the Arab Games. The Syrian team won bronze medals in the football tournament.
Important Moments and Missed Chances: 1980–1996
Syria's team played in the 1980 Olympics because Iran withdrew. Even though they lost most of their games, they gained valuable experience. They even managed a 0–0 draw against a strong Spain.
The Syrian team played in three Asian Nations Cup tournaments in the 1980s (1980, 1984, 1988). They reached the finals of the Arab Nations Cup in 1988 but lost to Iraq.
In the 1986 World Cup qualifiers, Syria came very close to making history. They won their first two rounds but lost to Iraq in the final qualifying round.
One of their biggest achievements in the 1980s was winning the gold medal at the 1987 Mediterranean Games held in Latakia, Syria. They even beat the French team 2–1.
In 1992, Syria hosted the 1992 Arab Games. The national team finished fourth in the football tournament.
Hopes and Disappointments: 1996–2007
At the 1997 Arab Games, Syria reached the final but lost 1–0 to Jordan.
Syria achieved one of its biggest wins on June 4, 1997, beating the Maldives 12–0. They repeated this score five days later. These matches were part of the 1998 World Cup qualifiers.
The Syrian team reached the finals of the West Asian Football Championship twice, in 2000 and 2004, but lost to Iran both times.
In the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Syria did not make it to the next stage after losing to Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan.
In 2007, the team played in the 2007 Nehru Cup. They won all their group matches but lost 1–0 to India in the final.
Steady Progress and First Major Title: 2007–2012
In 2007, Syria reached the semifinals of the WAFF Cup. A year later, in the 2008 WAFF Cup, they also reached the semifinals.
In the 2009 Nehru Cup, Syria again reached the final but lost to India in a penalty shootout.
The Syrian team qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, which was their first time in the tournament since 1996. They were eliminated in the group stage. Soon after, they were removed from the 2014 World Cup qualifiers because they used a player who was not allowed to play.
In December 2012, Syria won its first major trophy! They beat Iraq in the final of the West Asia Cup with a score of 1–0. This was a historic moment for Syrian football.
Playing Away from Home: 2013–2016
Due to challenges in their country, the Syrian team had to withdraw from the WAFF Cup in 2013. For several years, they could not play matches in their home stadiums.
Syria did not qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. In 2016, they participated in the 2016 King's Cup, losing in the semifinals but winning the third-place match against the United Arab Emirates.
World Cup Qualifiers: Almost There in 2018
Because of ongoing issues in Syria, the team was not allowed to play home games in their own country. Malaysia stepped in to host all of Syria's home matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Syria finished second in their group during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. This meant they moved on to the third round and also qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
On September 5, 2017, Syria made history by qualifying for the play-offs of a FIFA World Cup for the first time ever! They finished third in their group, thanks to a dramatic 2–2 draw against Iran in their last match. This was their best performance in World Cup qualifiers.
Syria vs. Australia
In the play-offs, Syria faced Australia. On October 5, 2017, in Malacca, Syria drew 1–1 with Australia. Omar Al Somah scored a penalty in the 85th minute to tie the game.
Five days later, in the return match in Sydney, Omar Al Somah scored again early in the game. However, Australia's Tim Cahill scored twice, including a goal in extra time. Australia won, ending Syria's dream of reaching the World Cup. Even with only 10 players for part of extra time, Syria fought hard, with Al Somah hitting the post from a free kick in the final moments.
Asian Cup: A Missed Chance in 2019
At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Syria drew 0–0 with Palestine in their first match. However, they did not make it out of the group stage after losing to Australia and Jordan.
Qualification Setbacks: 2019–2024
In the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, Syria started strong, winning their first few matches. They defeated the Philippines, Maldives, and Guam. They also had an important 2–1 win against China.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last matches were played in 2021. Syria secured first place in their group, which meant they qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the third stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
In the third stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Syria had a tough time. They lost to Iran and South Korea, and drew with the UAE and Iraq. After a loss to Lebanon, their coach was replaced.
At the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, Syria showed good form, beating Tunisia 2–0. However, they lost their other group matches and did not advance.
In the final 2022 World Cup qualifying matches, Syria lost to the UAE and South Korea, leading to another coaching change. The team finished fifth in their group.
First Knockout Stage: 2023 AFC Asian Cup
Syria qualified for their seventh AFC Asian Cup in 2023. For the first time in their history, they made it to the knockout stage! They were one of the best third-place teams in the group stage. In the Round of 16, Syria played against Iran. The game ended in a 1–1 draw after extra time, but Syria lost in a penalty shootout.
Recent Challenges: 2024
After two losses to North Korea and Japan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Syria finished third in their group. This meant they missed out on another World Cup chance and will now compete in the Asian Cup qualifying third round.
New Beginnings: 2024–Present
In December 2024, following big changes in Syria, the Syrian Football Federation announced new home kit and logo colors for the national team. They changed from red to green. This decision was made to show a new start for Syrian football, aiming for fairness and honesty. The team now wears an all-green home kit.
Home Stadiums
Syria's national team plays its home matches at different stadiums across the country.
Home stadiums list | ||||
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Image | Stadium | Capacity | Location | Last match |
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Aleppo International Stadium | 53,200 | Aleppo | v ![]() (18 November 2009; 2011 Asian Cup Q) |
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Abbasiyyin Stadium | 30,000 | Damascus | v ![]() (22 December 2010; Friendly) |
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Al-Hamadaniah Stadium | 15,000 | Aleppo | v ![]() (22 February 2006; 2007 Asian Cup Q) |
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Al-Jalaa Stadium | 10,000 | Damascus | v ![]() (26 March 2004; Friendly) |
Team Image and Rivalries
Main Rivals
Syria's biggest football rivals are usually teams from nearby countries in the Levant region, like Lebanon and Jordan.
Syria vs. Lebanon
Matches against Lebanon are very important to Syrian fans because of their shared history. Syria has played 25 official games against Lebanon. The first match was in 1942. Syria has won 15 of these matches, drawn 5, and lost 5.
Syria vs. Jordan
Syria's first official match against Jordan was on August 1, 1953, which Syria won 3–1. Over the years, games between Syria and Jordan have become very popular due to their close history and location.
Team Nickname
The Syrian national team is known as Nosour Qasioun, which means The Eagles of Qasioun. This name refers to Mount Qasioun, a mountain that overlooks the capital city of Damascus.
Team Kits
The team's colors are based on the colors of the Flag of Syria. The home kit used to be red. After the changes in December 2024, the team's home color became green. The away kit is always white.
Kit supplier | Period | Notes |
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Diadora | 2005–2010 | |
Adidas | 2011–2014 | |
Lotto | 2015–2017 | |
Jako | 2018–2020 | |
Uhlsport | 2021–2022 | |
Jako | 2022– |
Player Records
Most Appearances
These players have played the most games for the Syrian national team.
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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1 | Maher Al-Sayed | 109 | 29 | 1999–2013 |
2 | Mahmoud Al-Mawas | 101 | 16 | 2012–present |
3 | Ali Diab | 97 | 4 | 2004–2013 |
4 | Mosab Balhous | 86 | 0 | 2006–2016 |
5 | Raja Rafe | 84 | 32 | 2002–2015 |
Top Goalscorers
These players have scored the most goals for the Syrian national team.
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
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1 | Firas Al-Khatib | 36 | 72 | 0.5 | 2001–2019 |
2 | Raja Rafe | 32 | 84 | 0.38 | 2006–2016 |
3 | Maher Al-Sayed | 29 | 109 | 0.27 | 1999–2013 |
4 | Omar Khribin | 27 | 62 | 2012–present | |
5 | Said Bayazid | 24 | 24 | 1 | 1997–2001 |
Tournament Records
FIFA World Cup
Syria has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals.
FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |||
1930 to 1938 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | ||||||||||||||
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Withdrew | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | |||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||
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Withdrew | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | |||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 | |||||||||
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8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 4 | ||||||||||
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||
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6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 4 | ||||||||||
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6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 30 | 5 | ||||||||||
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6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 40 | 6 | ||||||||||
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6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||
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10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 23 | 10 | ||||||||||
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Disqualified | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | |||||||||
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Did not qualify | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 37 | 22 | |||||||||
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18 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 31 | 23 | ||||||||||
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6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 12 | ||||||||||
Total | 0/20 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 109 | 47 | 24 | 38 | 217 | 132 |
AFC Asian Cup
Syria has played in the AFC Asian Cup seven times, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in 2023.

AFC Asian Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Not a AFC member | Not a AFC member | ||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||
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Group stage | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 8 | ||
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | ||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 3 | |||||||
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6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 10 | ||||||||
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6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 6 | ||||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 2 | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 7 | |||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 11 | |
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Round of 16 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 7 | |
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To be determined | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 12 | |||||||
Total | Round of 16 | 25 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 19 | 30 | 75 | 42 | 12 | 21 | 146 | 79 |
WAFF Championship
Syria won the WAFF Championship once, in 2012.
FIFA Arab Cup
Syria has been a runner-up in the Arab Cup three times.
FIFA Arab Cup record | ||||||||
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Year | Round | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | |
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Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4 | |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Runners-up | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 4 | |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Runners-up | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |
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Fourth place | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
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Group stage | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | |
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Group stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | |
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To be determined | |||||||
Total | 0 Titles | 28 | 11 | 6 | 11 | 38 | 32 |
Arab Games
Syria has won one gold medal at the Arab Games.
Mediterranean Games
Syria has won one gold medal at the Mediterranean Games.
Honours
Regional Titles
- WAFF Championship
- Arab Cup
Runners-up (3): 1963, 1966, 1988
- Palestine Cup of Nations
- Arab Games
- Mediterranean Games
- West Asian Games
Friendly Tournament Titles
- AIFF Intercontinental Cup (1): 2024
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Siria para niños
- Syria national under-23 football team
- Syria national under-20 football team
- Syria women's national football team
- Syrian Football Association