| Nickname(s) | Lions of Mesopotamia Usood Al-Rafidain (اسود الرافدين) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Iraq Football Association | ||
| Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||
| Sub-confederation | WAFF (West Asia) UAFA (Arab League) | ||
| Head coach | Radhi Shenaishil | ||
| Captain | Younis Mahmoud | ||
| Most caps | Younis Mahmoud (148) | ||
| Top scorer | Hussein Saeed (78) | ||
| Home stadium | Basra Sports City | ||
| FIFA code | IRQ | ||
| |||
| FIFA ranking | |||
| Current | 104  1 (5 May 2016) | ||
| Highest | 39 (October 2004) | ||
| Lowest | 139 (July 1996) | ||
| First international | |||
 Morocco 3–3 Iraq  (Beirut, Lebanon; 19 October 1957) | |||
| Biggest win | |||
 Iraq 13–0 Ethiopia  (Irbid, Jordan; 18 August 1992) | |||
| Biggest defeat | |||
 Turkey 7–1 Iraq  (Adana, Turkey; 6 December 1959)  Brazil 6–0 Iraq  (Malmö, Sweden; 11 October 2012)  Chile 6–0 Iraq (Copenhagen, Denmark; 14 August 2013) | |||
| World Cup | |||
| Appearances | 1 (first in 1986) | ||
| Best result | Round 1, 1986 | ||
| Asian Cup | |||
| Appearances | 8 (first in 1972) | ||
| Best result | Champions, 2007 | ||
| FIFA Confederations Cup | |||
| Appearances | 1 (first in 2009) | ||
| Best result | Round 1, 2009 | ||
The Iraq national football team (Arabic: المنتخب العراقي لكرة القدم) represents Iraq in international football. It is known by its fans as Usood Al-Rafidain (Arabic: اسود الرافدين) which literally meaning Lions of Mesopotamia.
Iraq is one of the most successful national teams in the Arab League, having won four Arab Nations Cup (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988). On the Asian level Iraq is one of the powerhouses having won the AFC Asian Cup once (2007), the Gold Medal of the Asian Games (1982), three Gulf Cups of Nations (1979, 1984, 1988), and West Asia Championship (2002).
Iraq have been awarded the AFC National Team of the Year award two times (2003 and 2007), being the only team from West Asia to win this award.
History
Early years
The Iraq national football team's first international match was played in 1957 in Lebanon where the team tied Morocco 3-3. The first FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Iraq took part in was the 1974 qualifiers.
Iraqi football reached a peak in the 1970s and 1980s – Iraq qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and 3 times for the Olympic Games in Moscow, Los Angeles and Seoul. Iraq also won the 1982 Asian Games, the Arab Nations Cup 4 consecutive times, the Gulf Cup of Nations 3 times, and the 1985 Pan Arab Games fielding a B team. Iraq finished in 4th place in the 1976 AFC Asian Cup – the last Asian Cup Iraq would participate in until 1996.
1986 FIFA World Cup
Iraq were seeded into the first round of qualifiers where they faced Qatar and Jordan. Iraq topped Group 1B with 6 points, and advanced to the second round. Iraq faced United Arab Emirates in two legs. Iraq defeated UAE 3–2 in Dubai. Iraq lost with 2–1 to UAE in the second leg. Iraq won 4–4 aggregate on away goals and advanced to the final round. In the final round, Iraq tied Syria 0–0 in Damascus. Iraq defeated Syria 3–1 in the second leg in Taif. Iraq won 3–1 on aggregate and qualified to the 1986 FIFA World Cup
At their first game of the Group B at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Iraq played well against Paraguay, losing narrowly 1–0 despite scoring a goal that was wrongly disallowed by the referee. Iraq recorded their first World Cup goal in the second game, scoring against Belgium in a 1–2 defeat despite having ten men, with Ahmed Radhi scoring a goal for Iraq. Following defeat with Belgium, Iraq were eliminated from the World Cup. Iraq played against hosts Mexico in the third game and lost 1–0.
The Dark Era (1990-99)
During the rule of the government of Saddam Hussein, Saddam's son, Uday Hussein, was in charge of the Iraqi Olympic Committee and, by extension, the national football team. Under Uday's leadership, motivational lectures to the team included threats to cut off players' legs, while missing practice sessions would lead to a term in prison. A loss brought flogging with electric cable, or a bath in raw sewage. After the Gulf War, Iraq was banned from participating in the Asian Games and in most Arab competitions. In 1996 Iraq was ranked 139th in the world, the worst FIFA ranking in Iraqi football history.
In 1990, Iraq competed in qualifying for a berth in the 1990 World Cup finals, but they lost a crucial game against Qatar.
During the qualifying for the 1994 World Cup, Iraq faced Japan in Doha in the final match of the final qualifying round on 28 October 1993, where Iraq needed a win to advance. However, Japan produced a 2–2 tie, which resulted in elimination for both teams. During the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup they failed to reach the final round of qualifying, coming second behind Kazakhstan.
The Golden Generation (2000-2007)
Iraq participated in and won the West Asian Championship in 2002. Iraq failed to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup after losing crucial matches at home against Saudi Arabia and Iran.
After qualifying to the Asian Cup 2004, Iraq was drawn with Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan in the tournament. Iraq finished second in this group by winning 2-1 against Saudi Arabia and 3-2 against Turkmenistan, and losing 1-0 to Uzbekistan. In quarter-final clash against China, Iraq lost 3-0.
In November 2004, Iraq failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, losing out to Uzbekistan. Despite this, Iraq won the 2004 AFC Team of the Year award by the end of the year. In 2005, Iraq won the Gold medal of the West Asian Games.
2007 AFC Asian Cup
Iraq's first major honour was the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. The tournament started with a 1–1 draw with Thailand in Bangkok. That was followed by a 3–1 win against Australia and a 0–0 draw with Oman. The quarter-finals saw them beat Vietnam 2–0, and the semi-final against favourites South Korea went to penalties that ended goalless after extra time. Noor Sabri was Iraq's hero when he saved Korea's fourth spot-kick from Yeom Ki-hun. After Ahmed Menajed had made it 4-3 to the West Asians, Korean Kim Jung-woo hit the post to send the nation through to their first Asian Cup final.
The final was against local rivals Saudi Arabia, and Younis Mahmoud scored the only goal on 72 minutes to win the tournament for Iraq. This victory secured Iraq's first Asian Cup title. As the winner, Iraq represented the AFC at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
As a result of winning the 2007 Asian Cup, Iraq qualified for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, that took place in South Africa in June 2009, in which matches that were scheduled against the hosts, Spain, and New Zealand. In the opener, Iraq was able to hold South Africa to a 0–0 draw. And only lost to Spain 1–0 and was 0–0 at half-time. Though Spain defeated South Africa 2–0 which was necessary for Iraq to advance to the next stage, needing to beat New Zealand by 2 goals, but only tied 0–0.
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
On 26 May 2008, FIFA provisionally suspended the Iraq Football Association from competition for one year, following a decision by the Iraqi government to disband the country's national sports federations.[1] However the decision was overturned by FIFA on 29 May 2008, since the Iraqi government reversed its earlier decision in dissolving the Iraq Football Association.[2][3]
In June 2008, Iraq failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, gaining two wins over China and Australia, a tie against China, but lost their final game in the group 1–0 to Qatar. They ended up with 7 points from 6 games behind Qatar and Australia
2011 AFC Asian Cup
Iraq qualified automatically for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. They were drawn against Iran, North Korea and United Arab Emirates in Group D. After a 2–1 loss against Iran, and 1–0 win against United Arab Emirates, Iraq went into the match against North Korea needing only a draw to progress. Iraq won 1–0 and advanced to the quarterfinals as runners-up. On 23 January, Iraq lost to Australia, 1–0, in the quarterfinal. The match went into extra time with Harry Kewell heading in a goal in the 117th minute just inside the 18-yard box.
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
Under coach Wolfgang Sidka, Iraq were drawn into the second round of qualifiers where they faced Yemen. Iraq defeated Yemen 2–0 in Arbil on 23 July before drawing 0–0 in Al Ain five days later. Iraq advanced to the third round of qualifiers where they were grouped with Jordan, China and Singapore. The top two teams from the group progressed to the fourth round. The Iraq Football Association (IFA) has announced it won't be renewing the contract of national team boss Wolfgang Sidka on 2 August 2011.[4]
On 29 August 2011, Brazilian legend Zico has signed a one-year contract to become the new coach of Iraq.[5] Iraq topped Group A with 15 points, with Jordan coming in second with 12 points. They made it for the first time since 2001 to the fourth and final qualifying round. In the final qualification stage, Iraq was drawn with Jordan, Japan Australia and Oman.
On 28 November 2012, Zico resigned as head coach. The Iraqi FA appointed Vladimir Petrović as head coach of Iraq on 25 February 2013.[6]
After 3 consecutive losses in June, Iraq failed to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, finishing bottom of the group in the final qualifying round, with 1 win, 2 draws and 5 losses out of 8 games played. After a shocking 6-0 loss to Chile, Iraq's football association fired Petrović on 10 September 2013, blaming a string of "bad results".[7]
2015 AFC Asian Cup
The Iraqi FA appointed Hakeem Shaker as head coach of Iraq.[8] Iraq qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup as group runners-up, and were drawn with Japan, Jordan, and Palestine. Due to bad results at the Gulf Cup, Hakeem Shaker was sacked and the FA appointed Radhi Shenaishil as caretaker coach.
Iraq began the 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 1–0 win over Jordan. The goal was scored by Yaser Kasim. In next match, Iraq faced Japan and lost the match 0–1. Iraq then beat Palestine 2–0 and qualified to knockout stage as the Group D runner-up behind Japan with six points. Iraq defeated Iran in the quarter-finals in penalties, 7–6, after the game ended 3–3 after 120 minutes of play. They faced South Korea in the semi-finals but lost 0–2 and failed to progress to the final. Iraq finished the AFC Asian Cup in fourth place, after lost 2–3 to United Arab Emirates in third/fourth place play-off.
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
The FA appointed Akram Salman as head coach of Iraq after the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, but he resigned after 3 friendlies, winning 2 matches against Congo DR and losing to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup final. On 1 August 2015, the FA appointed Yahya Alwan as head coach.
On 29 March 2016, Iraq advanced to the final round after beating Vietnam 1–0, thus finishing as runners–up of the group.
Yahya Alwan was sacked for the team's poor performance at the 2018 World Cup qualifications. Former coach Radhi Shenaishil made himself available to be the next head coach, stating that it was his mission to help the national team when it needs help. He was appointed as head coach on 10 April 2016.
For the final round, Iraq got drawn with Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
Group B Template:2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Third Round Group B table
Home matches in Iraq
Home matches dilemma
Iraq played their home games on neutral territory in the 1980s due to the Iraq-Iran war, but still qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and three Olympic Games (Moscow, Los Angeles and Seoul). In qualification for the 2002 World Cup, Iraq played at home against Iran, Bahrain, and Thailand in the Al Shaab Stadium in Baghdad, but Saudi Arabia refused to play against the nation because of the tensions between that country and the regime of Saddam Hussein. In 2003, the war in Iraq forced Iraq to play their "home" matches outside the country for security reasons, and so fixtures were held in Jordan, Syria, Qatar or the UAE.
Due to the Iraq war and post war events, Iraq was unable to host home matches in Iraq. In 2009 the Iraq Football Association (IFA) asked FIFA to end its ban imposed on hosting official matches in Iraq. Iraq resumed playing on home soil on 10 July 2009, winning a friendly 3–0 against Palestine in Franso Hariri Stadium, Arbil. Iraq played the same opponents three days later, in Al-Shaab Stadium in Baghdad, this time winning 4–0 in front of a crowd of over 50,000. The same month, the AFC Executive Committee approved the stadium at Arbil as a venue for matches involving the Iraqi national team, and clubs in continental tournaments.[9]
On 2 September 2011, Iraq played their first FIFA World Cup qualifier on home ground for the first time in years. They played against Jordan in front of a crowd of 24,000 people in the Franso Hariri Stadium in Arbil. On 22 March 2013, FIFA lifted a ban on international football friendlies in Iraqi stadiums on Thursday, permitting matches in Baghdad for the first time since the 2003 US-led invasion, an Iraqi football official said.
On 26 March 2013, Iraq played their first International friendly match in Baghdad since 2009 against Syria in front of a crowd of 50,000+ people in the Al-Shaab Stadium in Baghdad. However, on 3 July 2013, FIFA barred Iraq from hosting international football friendlies due to a massive surge in nationwide violence, barely three months after world football's governing body gave Baghdad the go-ahead.
On 4 May 2015, FIFA lifted a ban on international football friendlies in Iraqi stadiums.[10]
Fan chanting
Iraq national team supporters are known for chanting "O Victorious Baghdad" for Iraqi teams matches.[11]
Always remains High, O Victorious Baghdad, ( أتضلي دايما فوق، منصورة يا بغداد )
And to see your eternal Glory, O Victorious Baghdad. ( و نشوفج بعز دوم ، منصورة يا بغداد )
O Victorious Baghdad, O Victorious Baghdad, ( منصورة يا بغداد، منصورة يا بغداد )
Another famous chant is "هسه يجي الثاني" which literally translates into "the second goal is coming" this is usually being chanted repeatedly after Iraq scores a goal to motivate the players to score another.
Colours
Iraq's traditional home kit is white with green trimmings. However, in recent years Iraq's home shirts have featured black trimmings rather than green, such as in the 2007 and 2015 Asian Cups. In the 2014 Gulf Cup their home kit did not feature any green or black trimmings but instead featured golden designs. Iraq's away kits are usually green with white trimmings. In the past, Iraq have worn black third kits, however this is no longer the case. During the 1986 World Cup Iraq wore light blue home shirts and yellow away shirts, but these colours have not featured on an Iraq kit since.
Kit manufacturer
The Iraqi national football team kit has previously been manufactured by brands such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Diadora, Jack & Jones, Lotto, Umbro and Peak and its current manufacturer is Jako.[12]
| Period | Kit manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 1984–1986 |  Umbro
|
| 1986–1994 |  Adidas
|
| 1996 | Puma
|
| 2000 |  Patrick
|
| 2003–2004 | Jako
|
| 2004–2006 |  Jack & Jones
|
| 2006 |  Diadora
|
| 2006 | Lotto
|
| 2007 | Adidas
|
| 2007 | Umbro
|
| 2008–2014 |  Peak
|
| 2014 | Adidas
|
| 2014–present | Jako
|
Team logo
Unlike most other national teams, Iraq kits usually have the country's flag on them rather than the FA's logo. The FA's logo did appear instead of the flag in 2002 and from 2014–2015. However, in some cases both the flag and the FA's logo have not featured on the kit and have been replaced with the following logos:
-
Logo on the kit from 1985–1986. -
Logo on the kit in 2000 and also in 2007. -
Logo on the kit in 2005.
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Competition records
FIFA World Cup
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FIFA Confederations Cup
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Summer Olympics
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AFC Asian Cup
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Notable regional tournaments
Notable friendly tournaments
MatchesRecords versus other nationsRivalries
Iraq rivalry with Kuwait is considered as the Arab world's greatest football rivalry of all time.[13] The rivalry began since mid 70's and it was the decade from 1976 until 1986 that saw the golden age of football for arguably the finest teams the region has produced. Both nations Imposed their complete domination on the Gulf region, and from the Gulf Cup's inception in 1970 until 1990, the tournament was won by only two teams; Kuwait seven times (1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990), and despite Iraq's absence in the first three editions and withdrawn in two others, Iraq won it three times (1979, 1984, 1988).[13] Iraq and Kuwait took their increasingly bitter rivalry to a new level. On 11 June 1976, the two met in the semi-final of the Asian Cup in Tehran; Kuwait took the lead twice, Iraq came roaring back twice, And then, in the 10th minute of extra time, Kamel scored the winner for Kuwait. In 1979, the year Iraq clinched their first Gulf Cup and won over Kuwait 3–1, the two met in a qualifier for the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, both managed to qualify to the Olympic Games, and both made it to the quarter-finals in Moscow. Iraq also qualified for the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and 1988 Games in Seoul. The 1982 Asian Games was won as well. Kuwait won the 1980 AFC Asian Cup, which they hosted. The nations also left their mark on the world stage. Kuwait qualified for the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain. Iraq matched that in Mexico 1986.[13] As Iraq and Kuwait traded Gulf titles in 1988 and 1990, few could have imagined that their rivalry on the football field would be replaced by an altogether more catastrophic one on the battlefield. Because of the Gulf war, football would never be the same again. Iraq and Kuwait were in complete avoidance and never met for more than a decade. Kuwait's Blues had a relative recovery of sorts, winning the Gulf Cup in 1996 and 1998, before securing their record 10th title in 2010. Iraqi football, because of the torturer-in-chief Uday Hussein's reign of terror as head of the football association, would take far longer to recover. When it did, it was in glorious fashion, the Lions of Mesopotamia winning the 2007 Asian Cup.[13] Iraq and Iran are rivals.[14][15][16] The rivalry is not such a football-inspired ill-feeling between the two, but more of geography, religion and history.[14] Iran and Iraq are neighbouring countries, sharing a long history. In contemporary era, especially during the reign of Saddam Hussein, the two countries had bad relations and fought the Iran–Iraq War for 8 years.[15][16] In 2001, for the first time in decades, an Iran-Iraq match was not held at a neutral venue.[16] The rivalry between the two teams was escalated after the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. The two sides faced each other in the quarter-final with Iraq prevailing 7–6 on penalties after a sensational 3–3 draw in Canberra; the game was described as one of the best in the tournament's history. After the game, Iranian supporters voiced their anger at the referee's performance, even going as far to claim that he should receive a life ban for the sending off of an Iranian player, and also launched unfounded allegations against Iraqi player Alaa Abdul-Zahra claiming he was doping in an attempt to get Iraq kicked out of the tournament and themselves reinstated into the semi-finals; their complaint was immediately rejected by the AFC. Iraq eventually finished fourth in the tournament with Iran failing to make the semi-finals for the third straight time and the tensions between both sets of supporters have never been greater.[17] Recent results and fixturesWin Draw Lose 2016
2017
Coaching staff
PlayersCurrent squad
Recent call-upsThe following players have also been called up to the Iraq squad within the last 12 months.
Notes:
Previous squadsWorld CupsAsian Cups
Confederations CupsRecordsPlayers with over 100 caps
The records are collected based on data from RSSSF. Top 10 goalscorers
The records are collected based on data from RSSSF. Trivia
HonoursMajor tournaments
Regional tournaments
Friendly tournaments
See also
References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iraq national football team.
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