The Iraq national football team (Arabic: منتخب الْعِرَاق لِكُرَةُ الْقَدَم) represents Iraq in men's international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association (IFA), the governing body for football in Iraq. Iraq's usual home venue is the Basra International Stadium.[3]
Iraq has made one FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986, scoring its only goal against Belgium. Iraq is one of eight current AFC nations to have won the AFC Asian Cup, claiming the title in 2007 in spite of difficult conditions and limited preparation. Iraq defeated some of the favourites in the competition including Australia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. This qualified them for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup where they earned two points in the group stage; they later finished fourth at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.[4]
Iraq is the current holder of the Arabian Gulf Cup, having hosted and won the tournament in 2023, and is also the Arab Cup's most successful nation with four titles.[5] Iraq is known for its passionate football fans and the national team is seen as a symbol of hope and unity for Iraqi people.[6] The team reached its highest FIFA World Ranking of 39th in October 2004.[7]
- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 14 November 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Iraq 2-0 Hong Kong: Iraq hosts competitive football for first time in eight years". BBC. 10 October 2019.
- ^ Peter, Ashish (30 December 2018). "AFC Asian Cup 2019: Group D Preview - Iran, Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen". Goal.com.
- ^ "Iraq celebrates Gulf Cup football win as it returns to hosting international tournaments". Middle East Eye. 20 January 2023.
- ^ "A united Iraq to face down Japan in Asian Cup". SBS News. 14 January 2015.
- ^ "Arab Cup an opportunity for all Arabs: Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports". Gulf Times. 27 April 2021.