Iraqi national football team

Iraqi national football team
Iraq Football Association · Public domain · source
Name	Iraq
Confederation	AFC
Sub-confederation	WAFF
Coach	Djamel Belmadi
Captain	Jalal Hassan
Most caps	Noor Sabri
Top scorer	Hussein Saeed
Home stadium	Basra International Stadium
Fifa trigramme	IRQ
Fifa max	39
Fifa max date	July 2004
Fifa min	139
Fifa min date	October 2015

Iraqi national football team represents Iraq in international association football and is governed by the Iraq Football Association. Formed in the 1920s and entering FIFA competitions in 1950s, the team has competed in FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, Olympic Games qualifiers, and regional tournaments such as the Arab Cup and Gulf Cup. The squad's successes have intersected with national events including the Iran–Iraq War, Gulf War, and Iraq War periods, shaping sporting infrastructure and international relations with associations like Asian Football Confederation and FIFA.

History

Iraq played early international fixtures against sides from British Mandate of Palestine, Syria and Turkey before joining FIFA and AFC. The team won its first major continental title at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup in a campaign remembered alongside figures such as coach Jorvan Vieira, captain Younis Mahmoud, and players like Nawaf Falah and Khalid Salman. Iraq's qualifying run to the 1986 FIFA World Cup featured players including Hussein Saeed and manager Ezzedine Fadhil, marking Iraq's sole World Cup appearance to date. Political upheaval during the 1990s and 2000s affected fixtures, leading to home matches played in venues in Qatar, Jordan, and Iran while negotiations with FIFA and AFC addressed security and hosting. Iraq has participated in multi-sport events, including the Asian Games and Pan Arab Games, and produced notable moments such as victories over Japan, Australia, and South Korea in continental competition.

Team identity and kit

The team's colors—traditionally green, white, and black—reflect national symbols used by entities such as the Coat of arms of Iraq and have been produced by manufacturers like Adidas, Nike, and Kappa. Iconic shirts worn by players like Younis Mahmoud, Hussein Saeed, and Brwa Nouri were unveiled at tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns. Badges have incorporated elements from the Flag of Iraq and emblems used by the Iraq Football Association. Sponsorship deals have involved regional firms and global brands, negotiated through sports agencies linked to organizations like AFC Commercial Ventures and broadcast partners including beIN Sports.

Home stadium and venues

Iraq's historic home fixtures were staged at grounds such as the Al-Shaab Stadium and Basra International Stadium, with renovations tied to projects involving the Iraq Ministry of Youth and Sports and funding from regional partners like authorities in Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. During sanctions and conflict periods, the team hosted matches at neutral venues in Doha's Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Amman's King Abdullah II Stadium, and Tehran's Azadi Stadium. Stadium safety and certification followed standards from FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations and AFC Club Licensing requirements, while fan culture in cities such as Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil influenced venue selection for qualifiers and friendlies.

Competitive record

Iraq's major achievements include the 2007 AFC Asian Cup title and qualification for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. The team reached advanced stages of AFC Asian Cup tournaments and contested FIFA World Cup qualification rounds across cycles involving opponents like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia. Regional competitions such as the Gulf Cup of Nations and Arab Nations Cup have yielded podium finishes, with squads managed by coaches including Adnan Hamad, Najeh Humoud, and Branko Ivanković. Iraq also competes in youth pathways—FIFA U-20 World Cup, AFC U-23 Championship, and Asian Games—producing players who advanced to senior sides.

Players and staff

Squads have combined domestic league talent from Iraqi Premier League clubs like Al-Shorta SC, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Al-Zawraa SC with diaspora and foreign-based professionals in Saudi Pro League, Qatar Stars League, and Turkey Süper Lig. Notable internationals include Younis Mahmoud, Hussein Saeed, Mahdi Kamil, Saad Abdul-Amir, Yaser Kasim, Ali Adnan, Ziyad Tariq, Ibraheem Al-Dabagh, and goalkeepers such as Noor Sabri and Mohammed Gassid. The technical staff often comprises head coaches, assistant coaches, fitness trainers, and medical teams sourced from networks linked to UEFA and CONMEBOL professionals; recent appointments have included coaches with experience in leagues like Ligue 1 and Eredivisie.

Coaching history

Iraq's managerial history features domestic and international figures—Jorvan Vieira, Adnan Hamad, Branko Ivanković, Wolfgang Sidka, Berti Vogts, and Zico—who navigated qualifiers against teams such as South Korea and China while coordinating with the Iraq Football Association. Tactical trends shifted from defensive formations in earlier decades to more possession-based systems influenced by coaching philosophies from Brazil, Germany, and Spain. Coaching appointments have been subject to scrutiny by national authorities, media outlets like Al Jazeera, and continental bodies including AFC Competitions Committee.

Media coverage and supporters

Coverage of the national team is provided by broadcasters and outlets such as Al Jazeera Sports, beIN Sports, Safa Sport, BBC Arabic, and national broadcasters like Iraqiya TV. Supporters' groups in cities including Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and Erbil organize displays at matches and maintain online communities on platforms tied to organizations like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Diaspora fans in countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Australia follow fixtures and contribute to charity matches featuring former internationals like Younis Mahmoud and Hussein Saeed. The relationship between supporters, media, and the Iraq Football Association influences ticketing policies, matchday security coordinated with agencies like local police and stadium authorities, and campaigns promoting youth development through academies associated with clubs such as Al-Shorta SC and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

Category:National association football teams in Asia Category:Football in Iraq