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Turkmenistan national football team facts for kids

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Turkmenistan
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Emerald
Greens
Karakum Warriors
Association Türkmenistanyň Futbol Federasiýasy (TFF)
Confederation AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation CAFA (Central Asia)
Head coach Rovshen Meredov
Captain Altymyrat Annadurdyýew
Most caps Arslanmyrat Amanow (63)
Top scorer Wladimir Baýramow (16)
Home stadium Ashgabat Stadium
FIFA code TKM
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 136 Decrease 9 (7 February 2019)
Highest 86 (April 2004)
Lowest 174 (September 2007)
Elo ranking
Current 154 Decrease 6 (3 March 2019)
Highest 83 (31 March 2004)
Lowest 154 (27 March 2018)
First international
 Kazakhstan 1–0 Turkmenistan 
(Almaty, Kazakhstan; 1 June 1992)
Biggest win
 Turkmenistan 11–0 Afghanistan 
(Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; 19 November 2003)
Biggest defeat
 Tajikistan 5–0 Turkmenistan 
(Dushanbe, Tajikistan; 22 June 1997)
 Kuwait 6–1 Turkmenistan 
(Kuwait City, Kuwait; 10 February 2000)
 Qatar 5–0 Turkmenistan 
(Doha, Qatar; 31 May 2004)
 Bahrain 5–0 Turkmenistan 
(Riffa, Bahrain; 3 August 2005)
 South Korea 5–0 Turkmenistan 
(Goyang, South Korea; 5 June 2021)
 Iran 5–0 Turkmenistan 
(Tehran, Iran; 21 March 2024)
Asian Cup
Appearances 2 (first in 2004)
Best result Group stage (2004, 2019)
CAFA Nations Cup
Appearances 1 (first in 2023)
Best result Group stage (2023)
AFC Challenge Cup
Appearances 4 (first in 2008)
Best result Runners-up (2010, 2012)

The Turkmenistan national football team (Turkmen: Türkmenistanyň milli futbol ýygyndysy) plays for Turkmenistan in international men's football games. The team is managed by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan. Their main home stadium is the Kopetdag Stadium. The team is part of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Team History and Key Moments

After Turkmenistan became an independent country, its football team played its first game. This was against Kazakhstan on June 1, 1992. They also played against another Central Asian country, Uzbekistan, on June 28 of the same year.

Early 2000s: Asian Cup Debut

North Korea-Pyongyang-Kim Il-Sung Stadium-Football game with Turkmenistan-01
Turkmenistan playing against North Korea in June 2008.

Turkmenistan made it to the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. They won their qualification group to get there. In late 2003, they had a huge win against Afghanistan, scoring 11–0. Many players scored multiple goals in that match.

In December 2003, the team reached the top 100 in the FIFA rankings for the first time. They were ranked 99th. At the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China, Turkmenistan was in a tough group. They played against Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. They were knocked out after the group stage.

2010s: Challenge Cup Success

In February 2010, Ýazguly Hojageldyýew became the team's coach. Under his leadership, Turkmenistan reached the final of the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup in Sri Lanka. They lost to North Korea in a penalty shootout.

In March 2011, Turkmenistan qualified for the final round of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. They beat Pakistan and Taiwan. They also had a draw with India. Later in 2011, they played against Indonesia for a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They drew the first game 1–1 but lost the second, so they did not qualify.

In March 2012, the team went to Nepal for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup final tournament. They won against Nepal and Maldives. They drew with Palestine. In the semifinals, Turkmenistan beat the Philippines 2–1. However, they lost the final match to North Korea again, with a score of 1–2.

In October 2012, Turkmenistan played in the 2012 VFF Cup in Vietnam. They finished as runners-up, winning against Vietnam and Laos. They lost the final to a South Korean university team.

In March 2013, Turkmenistan had a big 7–0 win against Cambodia in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. They also got a 3–0 win by default when Brunei did not show up for their match. Even though they lost to the Philippines, they still qualified for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup finals.

In January 2014, Rahym Kurbanmämmedow took over as coach. The team played in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup but was eliminated in the group stage. This meant they could not qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. After this, the coaching staff was changed.

Turkmenistan football team 2015
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Iran in Tehran.

In 2015, Amangylyç Koçumow became the new head coach. The team started their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification badly, losing to Guam national football team 0–1. On June 16, 2015, Turkmenistan played a match outside Ashgabat for the first time. They drew 1–1 with Iran in Dashoguz. They then lost to Oman. In home games in October 2016, Turkmenistan beat India and Guam. They also played a friendly match with the UAE, losing 1–5. In November 2016, Turkmenistan surprisingly beat Oman 2–1 at home. They finished third in their group, which was not enough for the World Cup but gave them a chance to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Return to the AFC Asian Cup

JPN-TUR 20190109 Asian Cup 3
Turkmenistan at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Turkmenistan qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup for the second time. They finished second in their qualification group behind Bahrain. In the tournament, Turkmenistan was in a group with Japan, Uzbekistan, and Oman.

In their first match, they played well against Japan and even led at halftime. But they eventually lost 2–3. The next game against Uzbekistan was tough, and they lost 0–4. Turkmenistan then lost to Oman 1–3, which meant they were out of the tournament without any points. Coach Ýazguly Hojageldyýew left the team after this.

In March 2019, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan hired Croatian coach Ante Miše. His first game was a 0–0 friendly draw with Uganda.

In the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification, Turkmenistan was in a group with Malaysia, Bahrain, and Bangladesh. They lost to Malaysia and Bahrain. Even though they won against Bangladesh, they did not qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. In 2023, Turkmenistan also played in the first 2023 CAFA Nations Cup.

In November 2023, they lost to Uzbekistan and drew with Hong Kong in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Team Look and Home Grounds

TUR-UZB 20190113 Asian Cup 10
The Turkmenistan national football team in their green home kit.

Team Kits

The team has had different kit suppliers over the years.

  •  ????–2007: Nike (USA)
  • 2007–2010: Jako (Germany)
  • 2010–2011: Adidas (Germany)
  • 2012–2016: Umbro (UK)
  • 2016–2018: Joma (Spain)
  • 2019–2023: Jako (Germany)
  • 2023–2024: Hummel (Denmark)
  • 2024–present: Kelme (Spain)

Home Stadiums

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Olympic Stadium
Ashgabat Olympic Stadium.

Since 1992, the main home stadium for the Turkmenistan national football team has been the Köpetdag Stadium in Ashgabat. This stadium was built in 1997 and was renovated in 2015. It can hold 26,503 fans.

From 2003 to 2012, the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium was also used as a main home ground. This stadium was renovated between 2013 and 2017 and can hold 45,000 spectators. However, it is not currently used for football matches.

The national team has also played home games in other cities in Turkmenistan. These include the Sport Toplumy Stadium in Dashoguz and the Sport Toplumy Stadium in Balkanabat.

Recent Matches and Upcoming Games

Here are some of the recent match results for the Turkmenistan national football team.

      Win       Draw       Loss

Matches in 2024

  • June 6: World Cup qualification vs. Uzbekistan . Turkmenistan lost 3–1.
  • June 11: World Cup qualification vs.  Hong Kong. The match ended in a 0–0 draw.
  • October 10: Friendly match vs. Malta . This match was cancelled.

Matches in 2025

  • March 25: AFC Asian Cup Qualification vs. Chinese Taipei . Turkmenistan won 2–1.
  • June 10: AFC Asian Cup Qualification vs.  Thailand. Turkmenistan won 3–1.

Team Management

Coaching Staff

Role Name
Head coach Turkmenistan Rovshen Meredov
Assistant coach Turkmenistan Myrat Baýramow
Turkmenistan Wladislaw Golowanow
Turkmenistan Güwançmyrat Annadurdyýew
Goalkeeper coach Turkmenistan Begençguly Ýusupow

Coaching History

Many coaches have led the Turkmenistan national team over the years. Some notable coaches include Baýram Durdyýew, Rahym Gurbanmämmedow, and Ýazguly Hojageldyýew. The current head coach is Rovshen Meredov.

Players: Who Plays for Turkmenistan?

Current Team Squad

These players were chosen for the 2027 Asian Cup qualification match against Thailand in June 2025.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of June 10, 2025, after the match against Thailand.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Rasul Çaryýew (1999-09-30) 30 September 1999 (age 25) 8 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag
17 1GK Rüstem Ahallyýew (2002-11-16) 16 November 2002 (age 22) 4 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag
20 1GK Kakageldi Berdiýew (2004-02-24) 24 February 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Turkmenistan Ahal

2 2DF Zafar Babajanow (1987-02-09) 9 February 1987 (age 38) 12 1 Turkmenistan Altyn Asyr
3 2DF Güýçmyrat Annagulyýew (1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 29) 21 2 Turkmenistan Arkadag
4 2DF Mekan Saparow (captain) (1994-04-22) 22 April 1994 (age 31) 34 2 Turkmenistan Altyn Asyr
5 2DF Abdy Bäşimow (1995-12-12) 12 December 1995 (age 29) 20 1 Turkmenistan Arkadag
12 2DF Ybraýym Mämmedow (1996-01-13) 13 January 1996 (age 29) 8 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag
21 2DF Yhlas Saparmämmedow (1997-02-25) 25 February 1997 (age 28) 9 1 Turkmenistan Arkadag
23 2DF Arzuwguly Sapargulýyew (2001-07-27) 27 July 2001 (age 23) 1 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag

7 3MF Ahmet Ataýew (1990-09-19) 19 September 1990 (age 34) 37 1 Turkmenistan Arkadag
16 3MF Teýmur Çaryýew (2000-11-26) 26 November 2000 (age 24) 10 1 Belarus Torpedo-BelAZ
18 3MF Mirza Beknazarow (2000-05-15) 15 May 2000 (age 25) 7 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag
19 3MF Welmyrat Ballakow (1999-04-04) 4 April 1999 (age 26) 11 0 Turkmenistan Arkadag

6 4FW Meýlis Diniýew (2000-07-11) 11 July 2000 (age 25) 3 0 Turkmenistan Ahal
8 4FW Ýazgylyç Gurbanow (1997-03-07) 7 March 1997 (age 28) 7 1 Turkmenistan Arkadag
9 4FW Altymyrat Annadurdyýew (1993-04-13) 13 April 1993 (age 32) 35 9 Turkmenistan Arkadag
10 4FW Elman Tagaýew (1989-06-02) 2 June 1989 (age 36) 19 3 Turkmenistan Ahal
11 4FW Didar Durdyýew (1993-07-16) 16 July 1993 (age 32) 21 3 Turkmenistan Arkadag
13 4FW Mihail Titow (1997-10-18) 18 October 1997 (age 27) 10 2 Kyrgyzstan Uzgen
14 3MF Şanazar Tirkişow (1997-02-16) 16 February 1997 (age 28) 12 2 Turkmenistan Arkadag
15 3MF Daýanç Meredow (2003-02-15) 15 February 2003 (age 22) 2 0 Turkmenistan Ahal
22 4FW Rahman Myratberdiýew (2001-10-31) 31 October 2001 (age 23) 3 0 Turkmenistan Altyn Asyr

Player Records: Most Games and Goals

Players in bold are still playing for Turkmenistan.

Most Appearances

Amanow Arsalnmyrat
Arslanmyrat Amanow has played the most games for Turkmenistan.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Arslanmyrat Amanow 63 14 2009–2024
2 Bahtiýar Hojaahmedow 40 1 2008–2017
Kamil Mingazow 40 3 1992–2004
4 Serdar Annaorazow 39 0 2012–2019
Omar Berdiýew 39 1 2000–2010
Begençmuhammet Kulyýew 39 11 1997–2006
7 Ahmet Ataýew 37 1 2012–present
8 Gurbangeldi Durdyýew 36 2 1992–2004
9 Altymyrat Annadurdyýew 35 9 2015–present
Wladimir Baýramow 35 16 2000–2013
Şöhrat Söýünow 35 0 2011–present

Top Goalscorers

Wladimir Baýramow 2008
Wladimir Baýramow is Turkmenistan's top scorer with 16 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Wladimir Baýramow 16 35 0.46 2000–2013
2 Arslanmyrat Amanow 14 63 0.22 2009–2024
3 Çaryýar Muhadow 13 18 0.72 1992–2000
4 Rejepmyrat Agabaýew 12 30 0.4 1994–2004
5 Begençmuhammet Kulyýew 11 39 0.28 2000–2013
6 Berdymyrat Şamyradow 10 24 0.42 2008–2015
7 Guwançmuhammet Öwekow 9 23 0.39 2003–2010
Muslim Agaýew 9 25 0.36 1994–2007
Altymyrat Annadurdyýew 9 35 0.26 2015–present
10 Didargylyç Urazow 6 18 0.33 1996–2003
Mämmedaly Garadanow 6 22 0.27 2004–2011
Ruslan Mingazow 6 30 0.2 2009–present

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup

Turkmenistan has not yet qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They have played in many qualification rounds.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1990 Part of  Soviet Union Part of  Soviet Union
United States 1994 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
France 1998 Did not qualify 6 2 0 4 8 13
South Korea Japan 2002 6 4 0 2 12 7
Germany 2006 8 4 1 3 21 10
South Africa 2010 10 3 2 5 9 13
Brazil 2014 2 0 1 1 4 5
Russia 2018 8 4 1 3 10 11
Qatar 2022 6 3 0 3 8 11
Canada Mexico United States 2026 6 0 2 4 4 14
Total 0/8 52 20 7 25 76 84

AFC Asian Cup

Turkmenistan has played in the AFC Asian Cup twice.

AFC Asian Cup record AFC Asian Cup qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Hong Kong 1956 to Qatar 1988 Part of  Soviet Union Part of  Soviet Union
Japan 1992 Not an AFC member Not an AFC member
United Arab Emirates 1996 Did not qualify 4 0 1 3 3 8
Lebanon 2000 4 3 0 1 15 6
China 2004 Round 1 12th 3 0 1 2 4 6 6 4 2 0 10 2
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 2007 Did not enter Did not enter
Qatar 2011 Did not qualify AFC Challenge Cup
Australia 2015
United Arab Emirates 2019 Group stage 21st 3 0 0 3 3 10 14 7 2 5 19 21
Qatar 2023 Did not qualify 9 4 0 5 11 16
Total Best: Group stage 2/18 6 0 1 5 7 16 37 18 5 14 58 53

AFC Challenge Cup

Turkmenistan has done well in the AFC Challenge Cup, reaching the finals twice.

AFC Challenge Cup record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
Bangladesh 2006 Did not enter
India 2008 Group stage 3 1 1 1 6 2
Sri Lanka 2010 Runners-up 5 3 2 0 6 2
Nepal 2012 Runners-up 5 3 1 1 9 4
Maldives 2014 Group stage 3 1 0 2 6 6
Total Best: Runners-up 16 8 4 4 27 14

Team Rivalries

TUR-UZB 20190113 Asian Cup 12
A match between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan at the 2019 Asian Cup.

The main rivals for the Turkmenistan national team are other countries in Central Asia. These include the national teams of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Games between these Central Asian teams are always very exciting for fans. Football is a way for these countries to compete.

FIFA Ranking History

Team Achievements

Continental Awards

  • AFC Challenge Cup
    • Med 2.png Runners-up (2): 2010, 2012

Friendly Tournament Wins

  • Turkmenistan President's Cup (1): 1997
  • HCM City Cup (1): 2008

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Turkmenistán para niños

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