Iraq national football team

{{main|History of the Iraq national football team}}

File:Iraqi Football National team 1951.jpg and Ankara.]]

On 8 October 1948, the Iraq Football Association was founded.{{cite web|title=Iraqi Football History|url=https://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/iraqi-football-history/|website=IraqSport|language=en|last=Mubarak|first=Hassanin|date=21 March 2013|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119125236/https://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/iraqi-football-history/|url-status=live}} The Iraq FA joined FIFA in 1950 and in April 1951, Iraq played their first match: a 5–0 win over the Civil Cantonment (CC) team of Habbaniyah.{{cite web|title=Iraq Select gives C.C. a dizzy game|url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/newspapers/iraq19510417-01.1.6|publisher=The Iraq Times|date=17 April 1951|last=George|first=George}} Iraq's first ever official international game came in the opening game of the 1957 Arab Games in Beirut where Iraq drew 3–3 to Morocco with goals from Ammo Baba, Youra Eshaya (both from Iraq's Assyrian minority) and Fakhri Mohammed Salman.{{cite web|title=Iraq and Morocco draw 3–3|url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/newspapers/iraq19571021-01.1.13|publisher=The Iraq Times|date=21 October 1957}} One of the members of Iraq's first national team was Youra Eshaya, who in 1954 became the first Iraqi footballer to play in England for Bristol Rovers Colts.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In 1962, Iraq appointed their first foreign manager, Romanian coach Cornel Drăgușin. Iraq won their first trophy in 1964 when they won the Arab Cup, winning three and drawing one of their four games. In the following edition, they retained their Arab Cup title, beating Syria 2–1 in the final in Baghdad.

In 1972, Iraq played at their first ever AFC Asian Cup but failed to win a game in the tournament. In March 1973, Iraq played their first ever FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They finished second in their group, a point behind Australia, therefore failing to qualify for the next round. In the remaining years of the 1970s, Iraq reached the second round of the Asian Games (1974), lost the Arabian Gulf Cup final (1976), finished fourth at the AFC Asian Cup (1976), finished fourth in the Asian Games (1978) and finally hosted and won the Arabian Gulf Cup (1979).{{cite web|title=Trophy Cabinet|url=http://www.the-afc.com/about-afc/memberassociations/iraqi-football-association|language=en|access-date=11 September 2019|archive-date=11 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911041149/http://www.the-afc.com/about-afc/memberassociations/iraqi-football-association|url-status=live}} The 1976 Asian Cup would be the last Asian Cup that Iraq appeared in for the next 20 years, as they withdrew from the next four editions.

The 1980s was arguably Iraq's most successful period in their history. They started the decade off disappointingly, being knocked out in the first round of qualifiers for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. In 1982, they won the gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games. In 1984, Iraq won the Arabian Gulf Cup. The following year, they won the 1985 Arab Cup and also won the gold medal at the 1985 Arab Games.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

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.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

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 controversially 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.{{Cite web |last=FIFA |title=Iraq v Belgium {{!}} Group Matches {{!}} 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ {{!}} Highlights |url=https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/iraq-v-belgium-group-matches-1986-fifa-world-cup-mexico-highlights/1c31b323-f1fa-48ca-9eb3-aa3e3bef9cc3?gl=vn |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=FIFA+ |language=en}} Iraq played against hosts Mexico in the third game, losing 1–0 and being eliminated from the World Cup.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In the following years, Iraq won the 1988 Arabian Gulf Cup and won the 1988 Arab Cup. Overall, Iraq won nine competitions in the 1980s and played in their only World Cup, leading many to believe that this was the golden era of Iraqi football. In 1989, Iraq competed in qualifying for a berth in the 1990 World Cup finals, but they lost a crucial game against Qatar.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Following the Gulf War in 1990, Iraq was banned from participating in the Asian Games and in most Arab competitions. The ban wasn't extended to the Asian Cup and World Cup.

In 1993, Iraq participated in qualifiers for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Grouped with China, Yemen, Jordan and Pakistan in the first stage, Iraq proved to be too strong for the rest, with the team only failing to win twice, a draw to Jordan and loss to China.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In the final round, Iraq was grouped with Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Iran and North Korea.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} On the first matchday, Iraq lost 3–2 to North Korea in a dramatic way, being 2–0 ahead in the second half. After an Iraqi player was sent off, North Korea pulled back in the 67th minute, equalized in the 77th minute and scored the winner in the 82nd minute.{{Cite web |date=1993-10-16 |title=North Korea grab dramatic win against 10-man Iraq |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/47965/north-korea-grab-dramatic-win-against-10-man-iraq |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} They then tied 2–2 with South Korea.{{Cite web |date=1993-10-20 |title=SOCCER : Iraq Gets Key Tie Under New Coach in Cup Qualifying |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-20-sp-47615-story.html |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} and then defeated Iran 2–1 by goals of Ahmed Radhi and Alaa Kadhim.{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/31165ab2fa8adc031ccdae269933bdc4 |title=Associated Press |website=Associated Press News |access-date=25 June 2023 |archive-date=25 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625111625/https://apnews.com/article/31165ab2fa8adc031ccdae269933bdc4 |url-status=dead }}

Iraq missed out on a World Cup spot by two points. By drawing their last game with Japan 2–2, they denied the Japanese a place in the finals in a match referred to by the Japanese media as the Agony of Doha.{{cite web|title=28 October 1993 - The Agony Of Doha|url=http://tdifh.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/28-october-1993-agony-of-doha.html|website=This Day in Football History|language=en|date=28 October 2015|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810141222/http://tdifh.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/28-october-1993-agony-of-doha.html|url-status=live}} The loss against North Korea proved to be the difference with the other teams, as North Korea lost their other 4 matches and finished bottom of the group.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Iraq participated in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, their first Asian Cup campaign for 20 years of withdrawing from the previous four. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to the United Arab Emirates due to a golden goal scored by Abdulrahman Ibrahim. In 1996, Iraq was ranked 139th in the world, which is their worst FIFA ranking in their history due to inactivity after withdrawing from several tournaments.

In 1997, Iraq participated in qualifiers for the 1998 FIFA World Cup but were knocked out at the first round following two defeats by Kazakhstan.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

This period is known as 'The Dark Era' as Uday Hussein, the son of Saddam Hussein and then-president of IFA, abused his control of Iraqi football and tortured players who played poorly, punishing them by sending them to prison, making them bathe in raw sewage and kick concrete balls, and shaving their heads among many other punishments.{{cite web|title=Footballers who paid the penalty for failure|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/apr/19/iraq.football|website=The Guardian|language=en|date=19 April 2003|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617090143/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/apr/19/iraq.football|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/1373322/Saddams-son-tortured-defeated-footballers.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130014721/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/1373322/Saddams-son-tortured-defeated-footballers.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2017|title=Saddam's son tortured defeated footballers - Telegraph|date=30 November 2017}}

The 2000s was considered to be the rebirth of a new Iraqi football golden generation. However, Iraq had a rocky beginning.

Iraq played in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup but were knocked out at the quarter-final stage again, this time by Japan in a 4–1 loss.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Iraq reached the final round of 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time since 1994 but lost five of their eight second-round games and therefore failed to make the finals.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Iraq won their first ever WAFF Championship in 2002, beating Jordan 3–2 in the final after extra time.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In 2004, Iraq lost the opening match against Uzbekistan then they won against Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia respectively, to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup before getting knocked out by China.{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5561947 | title=Iraq team's magical run hits a speed bump | website=NBC News | date=31 July 2004 | access-date=7 April 2023 | archive-date=14 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414210436/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5561947 | url-status=dead }}

In the same year they were knocked out at the second round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by Uzbekistan.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Iraq were ranked as high as 39th in the World Rankings in October 2004 which is their highest ranking position in their history. The following year, Iraq won the gold medal in the West Asian Games by beating Syria in the final via a penalty shootout. In 2007, Iraq were knocked out at the group stage of the Arabian Gulf Cup after a controversial defeat to Saudi Arabia.{{cite web|title=The game that shook a nation: 2007 Gulf Cup|url=https://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/the-game-that-shook-a-nation-2007-gulf-cup/|website=Iraq Sport|language=en|last=Mubarak|first=Hassanin|date=9 May 2013|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903205620/https://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/the-game-that-shook-a-nation-2007-gulf-cup/|url-status=dead}} Akram Salman was sacked and Jorvan Vieira appointed as head coach. Under him, Iraq reached the final of the WAFF Championship but lost 2–1 to Iran.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

File:Asian Cup Australia-Iraq II.jpg in Group A of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup; Iraq won the game 3–1 on their way to winning the cup.]]

In July 2007, Iraq kicked off their 2007 AFC Asian Cup campaign. The squad was made mainly of players that won the 2000 AFC Youth Championship, finished fourth at the 2004 Olympic Games and second at the 2006 Asian Games. Vieira only had two months to prepare his team for the tournament, and the team suffered from very poor facilities. The Iraq FA struggled to provide the team with enough kits for the tournament and Iraq had not been able to play any previous games in their own country for security reasons and most of the players had had family members killed in the war.{{Cite news |last=Mubarak |first=Hassanin |date=2024-01-03 |title=‘I don’t think we’ll get here again’: how Iraq went from chaos to Asian Cup winners |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/03/i-dont-think-well-get-here-again-how-iraq-went-from-chaos-to-asian-cup-winners |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

The team started the tournament with a 1–1 draw against joint-hosts Thailand before producing a 3–1 win over favourites Australia. A draw with Oman followed to put Iraq into the quarter-finals where two goals from Younis Mahmoud against Vietnam put Iraq into the semi-finals for the second time in their history. They manages to knock out one of the best Asian teams, South Korea in the semis via a penalty shootout in which Noor Sabri made a crucial save. After the game, a suicide bomber killed 30 football fans who were celebrating the semi-final win over South Korea and this almost led to the Iraqi team withdrawing from the final,{{Cite web |title=When Iraq scripted a fairy tale in 2007 |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/when_iraq_scripted_a_fairy_tale_in_2007.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} but they decided to go on in honour of the dead and succeeded in doing that after defeating Saudi Arabia 1–0 in the final, a game that they dominated from start to finish and that was won by a Younis Mahmoud header. This tournament win is seen as one of the greatest upsets in international history as a war-torn country became international champions in what is described as one of sport's greatest 'fairytales'.{{cite web|title=Iraq in historic Asian Cup win|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2007afcasiancup/2007/07/2008525184927362150.html|website=Al-Jazeera|language=en|date=29 July 2007|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920053309/http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2007afcasiancup/2007/07/2008525184927362150.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Il calcio riporta la festa in Iraq Al Maliki: "È il trionfo dell'impossibile"|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2007/07/sezioni/sport/calcio/iraq-coppa-asia/iraq-coppa-asia/iraq-coppa-asia.html|website=repubblica.it|language=it|date=29 July 2007|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831220613/http://www.repubblica.it/2007/07/sezioni/sport/calcio/iraq-coppa-asia/iraq-coppa-asia/iraq-coppa-asia.html|url-status=live}}

Vieira stated during the final that he would resign after the Asian Cup.{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/07/28/asia.iraq.reut/ |title=Iraq coach will quit after final |access-date=18 August 2019 |archive-date=18 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818154407/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/07/28/asia.iraq.reut/ |url-status=live }} He was replaced by Egil Olsen in September 2007.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/2738539/olsen-takes-iraq-job|title=Olsen takes Iraq job|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818155909/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/2738539/olsen-takes-iraq-job|url-status=live}}

Under Egil Olsen, Iraq advanced from the first round by beating Pakistan 7–0 on aggregate. Then they were drawn with Australia, China, and Qatar for the second round.{{Cite web |date=2007-11-28 |title=2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw {{!}} MyFootball |url=https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/2010-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-draw |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=www.myfootball.com.au |language=en}} On the first matchday, Iraq tied China. As a consequence, Olsen was sacked and replaced by Adnan Hamad.{{Cite news |date=2008-02-24 |title=Asian champions Iraq fire coach Olsen |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-32121220080224 |access-date=2023-07-18}}

The next two matches saw Iraq lose twice to Qatar and Australia. However, Iraq bounced back with an 1–0 win on Australia and 2–1 win against China.{{Cite news |date=2008-06-15 |title=Iraq ousts China from World Cup qualifying |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/sports/15iht-soccerasia15.13717525.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |issn=0362-4331}}

On 26 May 2008, FIFA decided to suspend Iraq from all international competitions after the Iraq Football Association was disbanded by the government on 20 May 2008.{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-fifairaq_urgent&prov=reuters&type=lgns |title=FIFA suspends Iraq from international competition |date=26 May 2008 |access-date=26 May 2008 |work=Yahoo! Sports }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The suspension was provisionally and conditionally lifted on 29 May 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/releases/newsid=781993.html?cid=rssfeed&att= |title=Suspension of Iraqi Football Association provisionally and conditionally lifted |date=29 May 2008 |access-date=29 May 2008 |publisher=FIFA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607000427/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/releases/newsid%3D781993.html?cid=rssfeed&att= |archive-date=7 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}

Iraq needed 1 point to advance to the final stage on the last matchday, but failed to advance to the final round of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as a 1–0 defeat to Qatar saw them finish in third in the group. Following this, the Iraq FA decided to disband the team and sacked Hamad.{{Cite web|url = https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/soccer/iraq-sack-coach-hamad-367505.html|title = Iraq sack coach Hamad|date = 26 June 2008|access-date = 18 August 2019|archive-date = 18 August 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190818154411/https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/soccer/iraq-sack-coach-hamad-367505.html|url-status = live}}

Qatar fielded ineligible player Emerson in the 2–0 defeat to Iraq on 26 March 2008, prompting FIFA to controversially{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=574715&sec=worldcup2010&cc=5739 |title=FIFA unable to shake off Qatar controversy |date=22 September 2008 |access-date=8 August 2011 |publisher=ESPN SoccerNet |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026133013/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=574715&sec=worldcup2010&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }} suspend him but clear Qatar of any wrongdoing, in direct contradiction to its decisions against Singapore. Iraq appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but it was rejected by the CAS, saying that Iraq submitted documents and appeal fees too late.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=3615906 |title=Iraq loses last appeal to get back into World Cup |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=8 August 2011 |publisher=ESPN SoccerNet }}

Jorvan Vieira was reappointed in September 2008. After a disappointing 2009 Arabian Gulf Cup, Vieira was sacked and replaced by Bora Milutinovic.{{Cite web|url = https://www.thenational.ae/sport/milutinovic-is-iraq-s-new-cup-coach-1.486037|title = Milutinovic is Iraq's new Cup coach|date = 10 April 2009|access-date = 18 August 2019|archive-date = 18 August 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190818154834/https://www.thenational.ae/sport/milutinovic-is-iraq-s-new-cup-coach-1.486037|url-status = live}}

In 2009, Iraq participated in only their second FIFA tournament ever: the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, which they qualified for by winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. They started the tournament with a 0–0 draw with hosts South Africa, before losing 1–0 to UEFA Euro 2008 winners Spain. Iraq drew the last game 0–0 with New Zealand and were knocked out.

On 20 November 2009, the FIFA Emergency Committee suspended the Iraq FA due to government interference;{{cite web|title=Iraqi Football Association suspended

|url=https://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2009/m=11/news=iraqi-football-association-suspended-1137701.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811044845/http://www.fifa.com/live-scores/news/y=2009/m=11/news=iraqi-football-association-suspended-1137701.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2016|website=FIFA.com|language=en|date=20 November 2009}} the suspension was lifted on 19 March 2010.{{cite web|title=FIFA lifts suspension on Iraq|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fifa-lifts-suspension-iraq|website=FourFourTwo|language=en|date=19 March 2010|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215124941/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fifa-lifts-suspension-iraq|url-status=live}}

File:Iraq national football team 2011.jpg match against China in Doha.]]

Iraq qualified automatically for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. They were drawn against Iran, North Korea and UAE in Group D. After a 2–1 loss against Iran, and 1–0 win against UAE, Iraq went into the match against North Korea needing only a draw to progress. Iraq won 1–0 and advanced to the quarterfinals as group 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

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 IFA announced it would not renew Wolfgang Sidka's contract on 2 August 2011.{{Cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/08/02/2601165/wolfgang-sidka-dismissed-as-iraq-coach-despite-2014-world |title=Wolfgang Sidka dismissed as Iraq coach |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-date=12 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012132000/http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/08/02/2601165/wolfgang-sidka-dismissed-as-iraq-coach-despite-2014-world |url-status=live }} On 29 August 2011, Brazilian legend Zico signed a one-year contract to become the new coach of Iraq.{{cite web | url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/950634/brazil-legend-zico-agrees-deal-to-coach-iraq?cc=5739 | title=Soccer on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights | access-date=19 April 2013 | archive-date=27 September 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927162117/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/950634/brazil-legend-zico-agrees-deal-to-coach-iraq?cc=5739 | url-status=live }}

Iraq topped Group A with 15 points, and in the final qualification stage was drawn with Jordan, Japan, Australia and Oman. Iraq started with 1–1 draws against Jordan away and Oman at home. After their slow start, Iraq lost 1–0 to Japan away and lost a crucial home match against Australia 2–1, moving them into bottom position with 2 points. On 14 November 2012, Iraq won 1–0 against Jordan in Doha which elevated them to third in Group B, behind Australia on goal difference and ahead of Oman.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

On 28 November 2012, Zico resigned as head coach.{{cite web | url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zico-resigns-as-iraq-national-team-coach.aspx?pageID=238&nid=35693 | title=Zico resigns as Iraq national team coach - Turkish News | date=28 November 2012 | access-date=18 April 2013 | archive-date=3 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203045300/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zico-resigns-as-iraq-national-team-coach.aspx?pageID=238&nid=35693 | url-status=live }} The Iraqi FA appointed Vladimir Petrović as his replacement on 25 February 2013.{{Cite web |url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-asian-cup-news-centre/asiancup2015-all-news/25284-iraq-appoints-head-coach-petrovic-250213.html |title=AFC Asian Cup |access-date=18 April 2013 |archive-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301033314/http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-asian-cup-news-centre/asiancup2015-all-news/25284-iraq-appoints-head-coach-petrovic-250213.html |url-status=dead }} However, on 11 June 2013, Iraq lost 1–0 to Japan in Doha and were eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.{{Cite web |title=Japan beat Iraq 1-0 in World Cup qualifier |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/soccer/japan-beat-iraq-1-0-in-world-cup-qualifier-idUSL3E8KB4G3/}}

Iraq were in a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifying group alongside Saudi Arabia, China and Indonesia. After losing consecutively against China and Saudi Arabia, Iraq was in danger of missing out on the Asian Cup. They kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with a 2–0 away win over Indonesia on 19 November 2013, and on the last matchday, Iraq booked their spot with a commanding 3–1 win at the Sharjah Stadium against China. Due to bad results at the 22nd Arabian 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.{{Cite web |title=Iraq 1-0 Jordan (Jan 12, 2015) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/391466/iraq-jordan |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN |language=en}} In the next match, Iraq faced Japan and lost the match 0–1.{{Cite web |title=Iraq vs Japan: AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 (Match 16) |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/video/iraq_vs_japan_afc_asian_cup_australia_2015_match_16.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} Iraq then beat Palestine 2–0 and qualified to knockout stage as the Group D runner-up.{{Cite web |title=AFC Asian Cup Group D: Iraq 2-0 Palestine |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/afc_asian_cup_group_d_iraq_2-0_palestine.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=the-AFC |language=en}} Iraq defeated Iran in the quarter-finals in penalties, 7–6, after the game ended 3–3 after 120 minutes of play.{{Cite web |title=Iran 3-3 Iraq (Jan 23, 2015) Game Analysis |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/413557 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN |language=en}} They faced South Korea in the semi-finals but lost 0–2.{{Cite web |title=South Korea 2-0 Iraq (26 Jan, 2015) Final Score - ESPN (UK) |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/413640/iraq-south-korea |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN |language=en}} Iraq finished the AFC Asian Cup in fourth place, after losing 2–3 to United Arab Emirates in third/fourth place play-off.{{Cite web |title=UAE 3-2 Iraq (30 Jan, 2015) Final Score - ESPN (UK) |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/413878/united-arab-emirates-iraq |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

For the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Iraq were drawn with Thailand, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.{{Cite web |title=Báo VietnamNet |url=https://vietnamnet.vn/en/vietnam-draw-tough-qualifier-group-of-2018-fifa-world-cup-E128255.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=VietNamNet News |language=vietnamese}}

In August 2015, Yahya Alwan was appointed coach for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.{{Cite web |title=Iraq U-23 football coach Alwan steps up to senior side |url=https://boxscorenews.com/iraq-u-football-coach-alwan-steps-up-to-senior-side-p127094-68.htm |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=boxscorenews.com}} After initially starting well with a 5–1 win against Chinese Taipei, two consecutive draws against Thailand and Vietnam left Iraq in real danger of missing out on the final round. On 24 March 2016, Iraq tied 2–2 with Thailand and Alwan was replaced with Abdul-Ghani Shahad. Five days later, he led Iraq to the final round and 2019 AFC Asian Cup by beating Vietnam 1–0.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

On 15 April 2016, Radhi Shenaishil became the new coach of Iraq in order to lead the team in the final round.{{Cite web |url=http://footballchannel.asia/2016/04/15/post10662/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 June 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209121517/http://footballchannel.asia/2016/04/15/post10662/ |url-status=dead }} For the final round, Iraq was drawn with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Thailand. After seven matchdays, Iraq only managed to collect 4 points by beating Thailand and tie 1–1 with Australia. As a result, Shenaishil was sacked on April 10, 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://socceriraq.net/2017/04/10/iraq-sack-national-team-manager-radhi-shenaishil/|title = Iraq sack National Team manager Radhi Shenaishil|date = 10 April 2017}}

Basim Qasim was appointed for the remainder of the qualifiers and Iraq finished fifth in the final round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

File:IRN-IRQ_20190116_Asian_Cup_24.jpg match against Iran in Dubai.]]

The 2019 Asian Cup draw put Iraq in Group D, with Iran, Vietnam, and Yemen.{{Cite web|url=https://us.soccerway.com/international/asia/asian-cup-qualification/2019/3rd-round/group-b/g9662/|title=2019 Asian Cup Qualification|website=Soccerway|access-date=9 December 2018}}

On 3 September 2018, Srečko Katanec was appointed as head coach on a three-year contract to lead Iraq in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.{{cite web | url = http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/latest/news/katanec-excited-to-lead-iraq | title = Katanec excited to lead Iraq | website = the-afc.com | access-date = 7 September 2018 | archive-date = 27 March 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161750/http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/latest/news/katanec-excited-to-lead-iraq | url-status = live }}

Their first match took place on 8 January 2019 against Vietnam and ended in a 3–2 victory for Iraq.{{cite news |title=Iraq 3–2 Vietnam |url=http://www.the-afc.com/asiancup/news/group-d-iraq-3-2-vietnam |access-date=9 January 2019 |work=AFC |date=8 January 2019}} Their second match against Yemen on January 12 ended in a 3–0 victory, with goals coming from Mohanad Ali, Bashar Resan, and Alaa Abbas. In their final group game, Iraq faced Iran on January 16, resulting in a 0–0 draw. With these performances, Iraq finished second in Group D and advanced to the knockout stage.{{cite news |title=IR Iran 0–0 Iraq |url=http://www.the-afc.com/asiancup/news/group-d-ir-iran-0-0-iraq |access-date=17 January 2019 |work=AFC |date=16 January 2019}}

In the Round of 16, Iraq faced Qatar. Despite their efforts, Iraq suffered a 1–0 defeat, with Bassam Al-Rawi scoring the only goal, ending their journey in the tournament. Qatar later won the tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/round_of_16_qatar_1-0_iraq.html|title=Round of 16: Qatar 1-0 Iraq|website=the-AFC|access-date=14 April 2023|archive-date=14 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414202354/https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/round_of_16_qatar_1-0_iraq.html|url-status=live}}

Iraq participated in the second round of the Asian qualifiers. They were placed in Group C alongside Bahrain, Iran, Cambodia, and Hong Kong and reached the final round with five wins from eight matches including a 2–1 victory against Iran.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/news/md5_-_group_c_iraq_2-1_ir_iran.html|title=MD5 - Group C: Iraq 2-1 IR Iran|website=the-AFC|access-date=14 April 2023|archive-date=14 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414202353/https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/news/md5_-_group_c_iraq_2-1_ir_iran.html|url-status=live}}

Iraq went 19 consecutive matches without losing between 2019 and 2021 and moved up from 89th to 68th in the FIFA rankings during Katanec's tenure. Katanec departed in July 2021 after six months of unpaid wages and filed a complaint with FIFA.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

On 31 July 2021, Dutchman Dick Advocaat was appointed head coach of Iraq.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup/latest/news/dick-advocaat-appointed-iraq-head-coach|title=Dick Advocaat appointed Iraq head coach|access-date=11 September 2021|archive-date=11 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911124229/https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup/latest/news/dick-advocaat-appointed-iraq-head-coach|url-status=live}} Under Advocaat, Iraq made to a slow start to the final round of World Cup Qualifiers, drawing four games and losing two, and on 21 November 2021, Advocaat resigned. Željko Petrović took charge of the team for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, where Iraq were eliminated from the group stage. Petrović was sacked after two further winless qualifying games and Abdul-Ghani Shahad was appointed as an interim manager, but Iraq were eliminated after finishing fourth in the group.

Iraq was drawn in Group D, with Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.{{cite web | url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2302626/sport | title=2023 AFC Asian Cup: The full group stage review | date=13 May 2023 }} On 15 January 2024, Iraq overcame Indonesia 3–1.{{cite web | url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-lost-31-to-iraq-in-asian-cup-opener | title=Indonesia Lost 3-1 to Iraq in Asian Cup Opener }} Four days later, Iraq created the biggest shock in the tournament, stunning Japan (who had been undefeated in the last 11 matches) by beating them 2–1 in the second group match to ensure first place in the group; both Iraq goals were scored by Aymen Hussein.{{Cite web |title=Iraq stun Japan to seal Asian Cup last-16 spot |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iraq-stun-japan-seal-asian-cup-last-16-spot-2024-01-19/ |access-date=2024-04-05}} With the outcome confirmed, Iraq largely rotated their squad on the final match against Vietnam, and ended up triumphant 3–2 to make history by earning a perfect record of nine points.{{cite web | url=https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-bid-farewell-to-asian-cup-with-23-defeat-to-iraq-in-group-ds-last-match/276750.vnp | title=Vietnam bid farewell to Asian Cup with 2-3 defeat to Iraq in Group d'S last match | Culture - Sports | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus) | date=24 January 2024 }} However, Iraq suffered a shock defeat in the Round of 16, losing 2–3 to Jordan to exit the tournament. The result was controversial due to a second yellow card shown to Aymen Hussein by the referee for his celebration after he had scored to take a 2–1 lead.{{cite web | url=https://footbalium.com/international-competitions/afc-asian-cup/64523-iraq-2-3-jordan-shocking-added-time-comeback-sees-jordanians-in-the-quarter-final/ | title=Iraq 2-3 Jordan: Shocking added-time comeback sees Jordanians in the quarter-final | date=29 January 2024 }}

On 7 November 2022, Jesús Casas was appointed head coach of Iraq to lead the national team until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web | url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/jesus_casas_appointed_as_new_iraq_coach_1.html | title=Jesus Casas takes charge of Iraq | access-date=8 January 2023 | archive-date=17 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117110746/https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/jesus_casas_appointed_as_new_iraq_coach_1.html | url-status=live }} In the first tournament under Casas' leadership, Iraq hosted and won the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup, beating Oman 3–2 after extra time in the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/01/iraq-wins-arabian-gulf-cup-championship-defeating-oman-basra|title=Iraq wins Arabian Gulf Cup championship defeating Oman in Basra|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=19 January 2023|last=Lucente|first=Adam|access-date=19 January 2023|archive-date=19 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119202634/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/01/iraq-wins-arabian-gulf-cup-championship-defeating-oman-basra|url-status=live}}

Iraq was placed in Group F of the second round alongside Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia.{{Cite web |last=Nag |first=Utathya |date=July 27, 2023 |title=FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers: Indian football team drawn with Asian champions Qatar in Group A |url=https://olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-football-afc-qualifiers-second-round-draw-india-group |access-date=May 15, 2024}} After four wins in a row against Indonesia, Vietnam and back to back wins against Philippines, Iraq progressed to the next round and qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.{{cite web | url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-iraq-defeats-philippines-enter-third-round-south-korea-palestine-result-news-report/article67995584.ece | title=Iraq defeats Philippines to enter third round | date=26 March 2024 | access-date=29 March 2024}}

{{Commons|Iraq national football team kits}}

The Iraqi national football team's traditional home colour is green, while the away colour is white and the third colour is black. Iraq's kits have previously been manufactured by brands such as Puma, Nike, Diadora, Jack & Jones, Lotto, Peak, Givova, Umbro and Adidas. The current kit supplier is Jako.{{cite web |url=http://www.jako.de/de/blog/jako-team-im-irak/ |title=JAKO Blog – JAKO-Team im Irak |publisher=Jako.de |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-date=1 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101205901/http://www.jako.de/de/blog/jako-team-im-irak/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.umbro.com/en/football/club-kits/iraq-21-22-home-and-away-kits/ |title=The Lions of Mesopotamia |date=3 June 2021 |publisher=Umbro |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606222736/https://www.umbro.com/en/football/club-kits/iraq-21-22-home-and-away-kits/ |url-status=live }}

File:Pergamon Museum Berlin 2007113.jpg in Babylon]]

The Iraqi team is commonly known as Usood al-Rafidayn ({{langx|ar|أُسُودُ الرَّافِدَيْن}}), meaning "Lions of Mesopotamia". In ancient Mesopotamia, the Babylonian lion was a symbol of power, impetuosity, ferocity, prestige and dominance.{{cite web |url=https://www.youm7.com/story/2017/9/6/%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89/3401139 |title=سر تسمية منتخبات العالم على أسماء حيوانات.. الأسود تسيطر على الألقاب |publisher=youm7.com |access-date=4 June 2021 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604114237/https://www.youm7.com/story/2017/9/6/%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89/3401139 |url-status=live }} This is reflected in the sculpted lions in Babylon, where the processional path is ornamented with ceramic tile bas-reliefs representing a prestigious lion from the time of Nebuchadnezzar II. This kind of representation aimed to glorify the king, master of the beasts, and also represent the defeat of the enemy.Brent A. Strawn (2005), "What is stronger than a lion? Leonine images and metaphor in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East", Fribourg (CH) Moreover, the Mesopotamian royal inscriptions depict the king as a ferocious lion to whom nothing can be resisted.Christine Dumas-Reungoat (2003), "Créatures composites en Mésopotamie", Kentron, pp. 91–113Breniquet Catherine (2002), "Animals in Mesopotamian art", in Collins B.J, A history of the animal world in ancient Near East, Leiden, Brill, 145-68Elena Cassin (1981), "Revue de l'histoire des religions", Le roi et le lion, pp. 355–401 The presence of lions in ancient Iraqi civilization was based on the belief, or desire, that the animals represented would bring with them the virtues they symbolized, so that they could be transmitted to the owners.Elena Cassin (1987), "Le semblable et le différent. Symbolisme du pouvoir dans le Proche-Orient ancien", Paris, Éd. La Découverte

Iraq kits throughout history have usually featured the flag of Iraq on them, although the coat of arms of Iraq and the Iraq Football Association logo have both appeared on kits in the past. The national team has occasionally had its own unique logo, the first of which was from 1982 to 1983. This logo was based on the Iraq flag, with Iraqi written at the top of the crest.{{cite web|title=1986 World Cup|url=http://www.iraqi-football.com/1986-world-cup|website=Iraqi-Football.com|language=en|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119135453/http://www.iraqi-football.com/1986-world-cup|url-status=usurped}} From 2000 to 2002, the national team's logo featured a green outline with the word Iraq written at the top in green Arabic text. In the 2005 West Asian Games, the team wore a new logo with the red band of the flag appearing in a large semi-circle shape,{{cite web|title=West Asian Games 2005|url=http://www.iraqi-football.com/2005-wag|website=Iraqi-Football.com|language=en|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020032447/http://www.iraqi-football.com/2005-wag|url-status=usurped}} and in 2007, Iraq briefly reverted to using the logo that they had used from 2000 to 2002. On 23 October 2020, the national team's current logo was revealed, with a star featuring above the crest from 2021 to 2022 to commemorate the nation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory.{{cite web|title=كاتانيتش يعلنُ قائمة المنتخب لوديتي الأردن واوزبكستان|url=https://www.facebook.com/iraqfa/photos/3663601280357755 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/103940539657198/3663601280357755 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|publisher=Iraq Football Association|language=ar|date=1 November 2020}}{{cbignore}}

File:Iraq national football team logo (1983).png|1982–1983

File:Iraq National Team Logo (2007).png|2000–2002,
2007

File:Iraq West Asian Games Badge.png|2005

File:Iraq National Team Badge 2021 v1.svg|2020–2021,
2022–present

File:Iraq National Team Badge 2021 v2.svg|2021–2022

{{main|Iran–Iraq football rivalry|Iraq–Saudi Arabia football rivalry|Iraq–Kuwait football rivalry}}

Due to its geographical location, Iraq maintains strong rivalries with many neighbours.

Iraq's main and traditional rival has been Iran, and they are often considered to be two of the greatest football teams in the Middle East and Asia with one of the greatest rivalries. At the early stage, Iran had proved to be more dominant than Iraq, remaining undefeated from 1964 until 1993. In the contemporary era, especially during the reign of Saddam Hussein, the two countries had bad relations and fought the Iran–Iraq War for eight years.{{cite web|first=James|last=Montague|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/01/11/football.asian.iraq.iran/|title=Pitch Warfare: Iran face Iraq in soccer grudge match|work=CNN|date=13 January 2011|access-date=21 November 2014|archive-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905001230/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/01/11/football.asian.iraq.iran/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=5 November 2014|title=Iran-Iraq classic rivalry|url=http://newspaper.iran-daily.com/newspaper/page/4924/11/21845/0|newspaper=Iran Daily|page=11|number=4924|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905002709/http://newspaper.iran-daily.com/newspaper/page/4924/11/21845/0|url-status=live}} Iraqis have considered any matches against Iran as a must-win encounter and are known to treat it differently from any other football matches.{{Cite web|url = https://www.france24.com/en/20190115-rivalry-revenge-iran-face-iraq-asian-cup|title = Rivalry and revenge: Iran face Iraq at Asian Cup|date = 15 January 2019|access-date = 17 September 2020|archive-date = 10 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210610223257/https://www.france24.com/en/20190115-rivalry-revenge-iran-face-iraq-asian-cup|url-status = live}} Iraq has played 31 matches against Iran with 6 victories, 7 draws, and 18 losses.

Iraq's other rival is Saudi Arabia, and matches between the two teams also draw significant attention from Iraqi fans, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being recognised as the two most successful Arab teams in Asia. The beginnings of the footballing rivalry between them dates back to the 1970s, but it was only after the 1990s that the rivalry between the two Arab nations truly developed since it was previously overshadowed by Iraq's rivalries with Iran and Kuwait.{{Cite web|url=https://socceriraq.net/2018/02/27/match-preview-iraq-vs-saudi-arabia/|title=Match Preview: Iraq vs Saudi Arabia|date=27 February 2018|access-date=14 June 2018|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807075239/http://socceriraq.net/2018/02/27/match-preview-iraq-vs-saudi-arabia/|url-status=live}} One of these reasons for the rivalry to develop is due to the bitter Gulf War, where Iraq fought against Saudi Arabia over Kuwait, an ally of Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1016400/iraq-to-withdraw-from-gulf-cup-of-nations-in-protest-at-host-city-switch|title=Iraq to withdraw from Gulf Cup of Nations in protest at host city switch|date=9 October 2013|access-date=17 September 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126102312/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1016400/iraq-to-withdraw-from-gulf-cup-of-nations-in-protest-at-host-city-switch|url-status=live}} These encounters have also been marred with various controversies and hostilities, such as the 21st Arabian Gulf Cup hosting rights, where Iraq was stripped from hosting with the tournament instead being moved to Bahrain, a move which was believed by Iraqis as a deliberate act by Saudi Arabia to remove Iraq's home advantage. Before that, Iraq was also banned from hosting home games against Saudi Arabia due to the Gulf War. Iraq has played 41 matches against Saudi Arabia with 18 victories, 11 draws, and 12 losses.

Iraq's rivalry with Kuwait was once considered the greatest football rivalry in the Middle East, until being taken over by Iraq's rivalry with Saudi Arabia due to Kuwait's decline. The rivalry began in the mid-1970s. Because of the Gulf War, Iraq and Kuwait were in complete avoidance and never met for more than 15 years until 2005. Iraq has played 39 matches against Kuwait with 17 victories, 12 draws, and 10 losses.

File:Iraq national football team wins Asia Cup (Edgeware Road).jpg]]

Iraq national team supporters are known for chanting "O Victorious Baghdad" ("منصورة يا بغداد") or "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, O Iraq" ("بالروح بالدم نفديك يا عراق") during the Iraqi team's matches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skynewsarabia.com/sport/1298098-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%81%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%94%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%B9%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85|title=بالكمامة والهتافات.. هكذا احتفل "أسود الرافدين" ومشجعوهم|website=skynewsarabia.com|language=ar|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814103852/https://www.skynewsarabia.com/sport/1298098-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%81%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%94%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%B9%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85|url-status=live}}

Another famous chant is "the first goal is coming" ("هسه يجي الاول") which is chanted in the beginning of the match.{{Cite web|url=https://www.emaratalyoum.com/sports/arab-and-international/2019-01-05-1.1169814|title=جمهور العراق يرفع شعار جيب الكأس|website=emaratalyoum.com|date=4 January 2019 |language=ar|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814103854/https://www.emaratalyoum.com/sports/arab-and-international/2019-01-05-1.1169814|url-status=live}} A succeeding chant is "the second goal is coming" ("هسه يجي الثاني"); this is usually chanted repeatedly after Iraq score a goal to motivate the players to score another.

File:Basra_International_Stadium_Opening.JPG during the second opening friendly match between Al-Zawraa and Zamalek in 2013]]

Iraq primarily plays its home matches at Basra International Stadium but has also used various other venues across the country. Since 1980, FIFA has imposed bans on Iraq hosting competitive international matches on six occasions.

The first ban came in 1980 after fan and player violence during a match against Kuwait. Although lifted in 1982, the Iran–Iraq War led to a renewed ban. During this period, Iraq played home games at neutral venues but still qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup and three Olympic Games tournaments. The ban ended in 1988 after the war.{{cite web| url = https://ahdaaf.me/2018/03/13/lifting-of-fifas-ban-could-be-the-start-of-a-new-era-for-iraq| title = Lifting of FIFA ban could be the start of a new era for Iraq| website = ahdaaf.me| access-date = 25 March 2018| archive-date = 25 March 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180325233552/https://ahdaaf.me/2018/03/13/lifting-of-fifas-ban-could-be-the-start-of-a-new-era-for-iraq/| url-status = usurped}}

A new ban followed the Gulf War in 1990 which lasted until 1995. Iraq hosted matches during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but was again forced to play abroad following the Iraq War in 2003. Home matches resumed in 2009, but security concerns led to another ban in 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/24801--afc-green-light-to-arbil-as-venue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719231446/http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/24801--afc-green-light-to-arbil-as-venue|url-status=dead|title=AFC green-light to Arbil as venue|archive-date=19 July 2009|access-date=14 April 2023}}

Between 2013 and 2018, Iraq hosted friendlies in Baghdad, Basra, and Karbala, culminating in FIFA lifting the ban in 2018. Basra hosted the 2018 AFC Cup Final,{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/afc-cup-2018-final-air-force-club-third-crown/c4w5obsi9hbr1kzlnlndcr36t|title=AFC Cup 2018: Air Force Club wins historic third crown | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=14 April 2023|archive-date=14 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114154609/https://www.goal.com/en/news/afc-cup-2018-final-air-force-club-third-crown/c4w5obsi9hbr1kzlnlndcr36t|url-status=live}} while the 2019 WAFF Championship was held in Karbala and Erbil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/20330-Erbil,-Karbala-to-host-West-Asian-Football-Federation-Championship|title=Erbil, Karbala to host West Asian Football Federation Championship|access-date=14 April 2023|archive-date=10 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110212224/https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/20330-Erbil,-Karbala-to-host-West-Asian-Football-Federation-Championship|url-status=live}} However, the Iraqi protests in 2019 led to another ban,{{cite web| url = https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/44583/Iraq-cannot-host-World-Cup-Qualifiers-due-to-violent-protests-FIFA| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191112095610/https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/44583/Iraq-cannot-host-World-Cup-Qualifiers-due-to-violent-protests-FIFA| archive-date = 2019-11-12| title = Iraq cannot host World Cup Qualifiers due to violent protests: FIFA - Iraq News - Local News - Baghdadpost}} forcing Iraq to play its home games at neutral venues during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web| url = http://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsection/afc-president-welcomes-fifa-decision-to-lift-iraq-ban| title = AFC president welcomes FIFA decision to lift Iraq ban| website = the-afc.com| access-date = 17 March 2018| archive-date = 17 March 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180317094525/http://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsection/afc-president-welcomes-fifa-decision-to-lift-iraq-ban| url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1259086/sports|title='Iraq football fans are crazy for the game': Yaser Kasim|publisher=Arab News|date=4 March 2018|access-date=17 September 2020|archive-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824115447/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1259086/sports|url-status=live}}

In 2023, Iraq successfully hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 1979,{{cite web | url = https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/arabian-gulf-cup-football-basra-iraq/article66340893.ece | title = Iraq to host football's Gulf Cup for the first time since 1979 | website = sportstar.thehindu | date = 5 January 2023 | access-date = 14 January 2023 | archive-date = 14 January 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230114154827/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/arabian-gulf-cup-football-basra-iraq/article66340893.ece | url-status = live }} and resumed hosting official matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web | url = https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/iraq-wins-indonesia-5-1-in-first-match-of-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers/ | title = Iraq wins Indonesia 5-1 in first match of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

| website = Iraqinews | date = 15 November 2023 }}

{{Main|Iraq national football team results}}

{{further|Iraq national football team results (2020–present)}}

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixture|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 6 June

|time = {{UTZ|16:00|7}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IDN}}

|score = 0–2

|report = [https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288267/400017203 Report (FIFA)]
[https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/asian-qualifiers/2026/2399190 Report (AFC)]

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Hussein {{goal|54|pen.}}
• Jasim {{goal|88}}

|stadium = Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

|location = Jakarta, Indonesia

|attendance = 60,245

|referee = Shaun Evans (Australia)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 11 June

|time = {{UTZ|21:00|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 3–1

|report = [https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288267/400017208 Report (FIFA)]
[https://www.the-afc.com/en/matches/asian-qualifiers/2026/2399192 Report (AFC)]

|team2 = {{fb|VIE}}

|goals1 =

• H. Ali {{goal|12}}
• Jasim {{goal|71}}
• Hussein {{goal|90+2}}

|goals2 =

• Phạm Tuấn Hải {{goal|84}}

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance = 42,791

|referee = Omar Al-Ali (United Arab Emirates)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 5 September

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018468

|team2 = {{fb|OMA}}

|goals1 = Hussein {{goal|13}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance = 63,720

|referee = Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 10 September

|time = {{UTZ|21:00|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|KUW}}

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018480

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium

|location = Kuwait City, Kuwait

|attendance = 58,000

|referee = Hiroyuki Kimura (Japan)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 10 October

|time = {{UTZ|21:00|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018469

|team2 = {{fb|PLE}}

|goals1 =

• Hussein {{goal|31}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance = 44,773

|referee = Adel Al-Naqbi (United Arab Emirates)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 15 October

|time = {{UTZ|20:00|9}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|KOR}}

|score = 3–2

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018475

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

| goals1 =

• Oh Se-hun {{goal|41}}
• Oh Hyeon-gyu {{goal|74}}
• Lee Jae-sung {{goal|83}}

| goals2 =

• Hussein {{goal|50}}
• Bayesh {{goal|90+5}}

|stadium = Yongin Mireu Stadium

|location = Yongin, South Korea

| attendance = 35,198

| referee = Rustam Lutfullin (Uzbekistan)

| result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 14 November

|time = {{UTZ|19:15|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 0–0

|report =

|team2 = {{fb|JOR}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance = 65,000

|referee = Mohammed Al Hoish (Saudi Arabia)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 19 November

|time = {{UTZ|20:00|4}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|OMA}}

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018485

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Amyn {{goal|36}}

|stadium = Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat

|location = Muscat, Oman

|attendance =

|referee = Omar Mohamed Al Ali (United Arab Emirates)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

|date = 22 December

|time = {{UTZ|17:25|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 1–0

|report =

|team2 = {{fb|YEM}}

|goals1 = Hussein {{goal|64}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Sulaibikhat Stadium

|location = Kuwait City, Kuwait

|attendance = 7,203

|referee = Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

|date = 25 December

|time = {{UTZ|20:30|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|BHR}}

|score = 2–0

|report =

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 = Madan {{goal|38||47}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Jaber International Stadium

|location = Kuwait City, Kuwait

|attendance = 13,150

|referee = Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

|date = 28 December

|time = {{UTZ|17:30|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 1–3

|report =

|team2 = {{fb|KSA}}

|goals1 = Ali {{goal|64}}

|goals2 =

• Al-Dawsari {{Goal|57|pen.}}
• Al-Hamdan {{Goal|81||86}}

|stadium = Jaber International Stadium

|location = Kuwait City, Kuwait

|attendance = 54,942

|referee = István Kovács (Romania)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 20 March

|time = {{UTZ|21:15|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score = 2–2

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018467

|team2 = {{fb|KUW}}

|goals1 =

• Hashim {{Goal|90+3}}
• Bayesh {{Goal|90+11}}

|goals2 = Nasser {{Goal|39||70}}

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance =

|referee = Ma Ning (China)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 25 March

|time = {{UTZ|21:15|3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|PLE}}

|score =2–1

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018490

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 =

• Abou Ali {{goal|88}}
• Mahajna {{goal|90+7}}

|goals2 =

• Hussein {{goal|34}}

|stadium = Amman International Stadium

|location = Amman, Jordan

|attendance =

|referee = Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 5 June

|time = {{UTZ||3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|IRQ}}

|score =

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018466

|team2 = {{fb|KOR}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Basra International Stadium

|location = Basra, Iraq

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|date = 10 June

|time = {{UTZ||3}}

|team1 = {{fb-rt|JOR}}

|score =

|report = https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288263/288276/400018470

|team2 = {{fb|IRQ}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Amman International Stadium, Amman

|location = Amman, Jordan

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{Main|Iraq national football team results}}

{{updated|29 January 2024.}}

{{Main|List of Iraq national football team managers}}As of 27 March 2025.{{Cite web|title=Oficial: Jesús Casas, primera gran aventura sin Luis Enrique|url=https://as.com/futbol/internacional/oficial-jesus-casas-primera-gran-aventura-sin-luis-enrique-n/|date=2022-11-06|website=Diario AS|language=es|access-date=9 November 2022|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109021015/https://as.com/futbol/internacional/oficial-jesus-casas-primera-gran-aventura-sin-luis-enrique-n/|url-status=live}}

{{for|all past and present players who have appeared for the national team|List of Iraq international footballers}}

The following 30 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification from 20 to 25 March 2025.{{cite web |title=Jesus Casas announces the national team's roster to face Kuwait and Palestine|url=https://x.com/IraqXtra_ar/status/1899776492063572330/ |website=Twitter.com |publisher=IraqXtra |date=12 March 2025 |format=Tweet}}

Caps and goals correct as of 25 March 2025, after the game against {{fb|PLE}}.

{{nat fs g start}}

{{nat fs g player|no=1|pos=GK|name=Ahmed Basil|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|8|19}}|caps=8|goals=0|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=12|pos=GK|name=Jalal Hassan|other=captain|age={{bda|1991|5|18|df=y}}|caps=91|goals=0|club=Al-Zawraa|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=22|pos=GK|name=Ali Kadhim|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|11|4}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Zakho|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Kumel Al-Rekabe|age={{bda|2004|8|19|df=y}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Ariana|clubnat=SWE}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=2|pos=DF|name=Rebin Sulaka|age={{bda|df=yes|1992|4|12}}|caps=49|goals=1|club=Erbil|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=3|pos=DF|name=Hussein Ali|age={{bda|df=yes|2002|3|1}}|caps=19|goals=1|club=Heerenveen|clubnat=NED}}

{{nat fs g player|no=4|pos=DF|name=Manaf Younis|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|11|16}}|caps=21|goals=1|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=5|pos=DF|name=Frans Putros|age={{bda|1993|7|14|df=y}}|caps=21|goals=0|club=Port|clubnat=THA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=6|pos=DF|name=Akam Hashim|age={{bda|df=yes|1998|08|16}}|caps=3|goals=1|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=13|pos=DF|name=Alai Ghasem|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|2|16}}|caps=9|goals=0|club=Örebro|clubnat=SWE}}

{{nat fs g player|no=15|pos=DF|name=Ahmed Yahya|age={{bda|df=yes|1997|5|27}}|caps=10|goals=0|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=23|pos=DF|name=Merchas Doski|age={{bda|1999|12|7|df=y}}|caps=21|goals=0|club=Viktoria Plzeň|clubnat=CZE}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Charbel Shamoon|age={{bda|df=yes|2004|2|10}}|caps=1|goals=0|club=Western United|clubnat=AUS}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Adam Rasheed|age={{bda|df=yes|2006|7|10}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Maribor|clubnat=SVN}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=8|pos=MF|name=Ibrahim Bayesh|age={{bda|df=yes|2000|5|1}}|caps=65|goals=8|club=Al-Riyadh|clubnat=KSA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=9|pos=MF|name=Mohamed Al-Taay|age={{bda|2000|6|15|df=y}}|caps=4|goals=0|club=Western Sydney Wanderers|clubnat=AUS}}

{{nat fs g player|no=11|pos=MF|name=Zidane Iqbal|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|4|27}}|caps=18|goals=1|club=Utrecht|clubnat=NED}}

{{nat fs g player|no=14|pos=MF|name=Peter Gwargis|age={{bda|df=yes|2000|9|4}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Duhok|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=16|pos=MF|name=Amir Al-Ammari|age={{bda|df=yes|1997|7|27}}|caps=40|goals=2|club=Cracovia|clubnat=POL}}

{{nat fs g player|no=17|pos=MF|name=Ali Jasim|age={{bda|df=yes|2004|1|20}}|caps=24|goals=2|club=Almere City|clubnat=NED}}

{{nat fs g player|no=19|pos=MF|name=Youssef Amyn|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|8|21}}|caps=19|goals=2|club=Al-Wehda|clubnat=KSA}}

{{nat fs g player|no=20|pos=MF|name=Osama Rashid|age={{bda|df=yes|1992|1|17}}|caps=37|goals=2|club=Erbil|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=21|pos=MF|name=Haron Ahmed|age={{bda|df=yes|1994|7|24}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Duhok|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Amjad Attwan|age={{bda|df=yes|1997|3|12}}|caps=84|goals=4|club=Zakho|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Lucas Shlimon|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|2|15}}|caps=4|goals=0|club=Örebro|clubnat=SWE}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Marko Farji|age={{bda|2004|3|16|df=y}}|caps=2|goals=0|club=Strømsgodset|clubnat=NOR}}

{{nat fs break}}

{{nat fs g player|no=7|pos=FW|name=Ali Yousif|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|1|19}}|caps=5|goals=0|club=Al-Zawraa|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=10|pos=FW|name=Mohanad Ali|age={{bda|df=yes|2000|6|20}}|caps=57|goals=21|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ}}

{{nat fs g player|no=18|pos=FW|name=Aymen Hussein|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|3|22}}|caps=86|goals=32|club=Al-Wakrah|clubnat=QAT}}

{{nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Ali Al-Hamadi|age={{bda|df=yes|2002|3|1}}|caps=14|goals=3|club=Stoke City|clubnat=ENG}}

{{nat fs end}}

The following players have been called up within the last 12 months and remain eligible for selection.

{{nat fs r start|background=#008000|color=white}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Mohammed Hassan Ahmad|age={{bda|2002|4|1|df=y}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Ishøj|clubnat=DEN|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Fahad Talib|age={{bda|df=yes|1994|10|21}}|caps=18|goals=0|club=Al-Talaba|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 19 November 2024^CLB}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=GK|name=Hussein Hassan|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|10|5}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Al-Karkh|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 19 November 2024^CLB}}

{{nat fs break|background=#008000}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Ali Adnan Kadhim|age={{bda|1993|12|19|df=y}}|caps=95|goals=5|club=Al-Najma|clubnat=KSA|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Ali Faez|age={{bda|df=yes|1994|9|9}}|caps=50|goals=3|club=Al-Najaf|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Zaid Tahseen|age={{bda|2001|1|29|df=y}}|caps=16|goals=1|club=Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Mustafa Saadoon|age={{bda|2001|5|25|df=y}}|caps=10|goals=0|club=Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Mohanad Jeahze|age={{bda|df=yes|1997|4|10}}|caps=5|goals=0|club=Sarpsborg 08|clubnat=NOR|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Halo Fayaq|age={{bda|2001|5|23|df=y}}|caps=0|goals=0|club=Erbil|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup^INJ}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Saad Natiq|age={{bda|df=yes|1994|3|19}}|caps=40|goals=1|club=Al-Talaba|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|KOR}}, 15 October 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=DF|name=Hassan Raed|age={{bda|df=yes|2000|9|23}}|caps=11|goals=0|club=Al-Shorta|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|PLE}}, 10 October 2024^INJ}}

{{nat fs break|background=#008000}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Saad Abdul-Amir|age={{bda|df=yes|1992|1|19}}|caps=80|goals=3|club=Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Ahmed Yasin|age={{bda|df=yes|1991|04|22}}|caps=68|goals=6|club=Zakho|clubnat=IRQ|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Montader Madjed|age={{bda|df=yes|2005|4|24}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Hammarby|clubnat=SWE|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 19 November 2024^CLB}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Danilo Al-Saed|age={{bda|df=yes|1999|2|24}}|caps=5|goals=0|club=AIK|clubnat=SWE|latest= v. {{fb|JOR}}, 14 November 2024^WD}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Safaa Hadi|age={{bda|df=yes|1998|10|14}}|caps=40|goals=1|club=Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|KOR}}, 15 October 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Louaï El Ani|age={{bda|df=yes|1997|7|12}}|caps=4|goals=0|club=Al-Talaba|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|KOR}}, 15 October 2024}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Mohammed Qasim Majid|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|12|6}}|caps=24|goals=2|club=Al-Najaf|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 5 September 2024^PRE}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Hasan Abdulkareem|age={{bda|df=yes|1999|4|17}}|caps=13|goals=1|club=Al-Zawraa|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 5 September 2024^PRE}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Hiran Ahmed|age={{bda|df=yes|2000|4|6}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 5 September 2024^PRE}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=MF|name=Bashar Resan|age={{bda|df=yes|1996|12|22}}|caps=64|goals=3|club=Pakhtakor|clubnat=UZB|latest= v. {{fb|VIE}}, 11 June 2024}}

{{nat fs break|background=#008000}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Amin Al-Hamawi|age={{bda|df=yes|2003|12|17}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Wisła Płock|clubnat=POL|latest=26th Arabian Gulf Cup}}

{{nat fs r player|no=|pos=FW|name=Pashang Abdulla|age={{bda|1994|5|29|df=y}}|caps=3|goals=0|club=Duhok|clubnat=IRQ|latest= v. {{fb|OMA}}, 5 September 2024^PRE}}

{{nat fs break|background=#008000}}

^SUS Player suspended

^INJ Player injured

^PRE Player was named in preliminary squad

^CLB Player refused by club or unable to attend due to club commitments

^RET Player retired from the national team

^WD Player withdrew for non-injury related reasons

{{nat fs end|background=#008000}}

{{Main|Iraq national football team records and statistics}}

{{See also|List of Iraq international footballers}}

{{Updated|25 March 2025}}.{{cite book|last1=Mubarak|first1=Hassanin|title=Iraqi national team matches 2010-2019|year=2020}}

:Players in bold are still active with Iraq.

{{Main|List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps}}

File:Younis Mahmoud 2011.jpg

{{See also|List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals}}

File:Hussein Saeed.jpg

{{For|the all-time record of the national team against opposing nations|Iraq national football team records and statistics}}

{{main|Iraq at the FIFA World Cup}}

{{main|Iraq at the AFC Asian Cup}}

|}

{{Main|Football at the Summer Olympics}}

{{Main|Football at the Asian Games}}

{{Main|Iraq national football team records and statistics}}

The list shown below shows the Iraq national football team all−time international record against opposing nations.{{Cite web |title=Iraq - Record against... |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/irak-team/11/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=worldfootball.net |date=11 January 2023 |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111005424/https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/irak-team/11/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=World Football Elo Ratings |url=https://www.eloratings.net/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.eloratings.net |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804013015/http://www.eloratings.net/ |url-status=live }}

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Positive Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Neutral Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Negative Record|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{updated|25 March 2025}} after match against {{fb|PLE}}

All friendly and international matches have been approved, except for Olympic matches.

[https://web.archive.org/web/20191026115529/https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/administration/01/79/87/75/circularno.1324-fifa-coca-colaworldranking.pdf A-level matches]

Last update was on 26 November 2023.

Source:{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/IRQ|title=Iraq Men's Ranking|access-date=6 December 2021|archive-date=5 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205220416/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/IRQ|url-status=live}}

{{Color box|blue|border=darkgray}} Best Ranking  {{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Worst Ranking  {{Color box|green|border=darkgray}} Best Mover  {{Color box|red|border=darkgray}} Worst Mover  

:This is a list of honours for the senior Iraq national team

{{football squad on pitch|align=right

| GK = Sabri

| RB = Abdul-Amir

| RCB = Rehema

| LCB = Ghulam

| LB = Abbas

| RDM = Akram

| LDM = Munir

| LM = Mohammed

| RM = Karim

| AM = Jassim

| CF = Mahmoud (C)

| caption = Iraq's starting line-up against Saudi Arabia in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup Final, a match they won 1–0.

}}

• AFC Asian Cup
• 25px Champions (1): 2007
• Asian Games
• File:Med 1.png Gold medal (1): 1982

• WAFF Championship
• File:Med 1.png Champions (1): 2002
• File:Med 2.png Runners-up (3): 2007, 2012, 2019
• File:Med 3.png Third place (1): 2000
• Arab Cup
• File:Med 1.png Champions (4; record): 1964, 1966, 1985, 1988
• File:Med 3.png Third place (1): 2012
• Arabian Gulf Cup
• File:Med 1.png Champions (4): 1979, 1984, 1988, 2023
• File:Med 2.png Runners-up (2): 1976, 2013
• West Asian Games
• File:Med 1.png Gold medal (1): 2005
• Arab Games
• File:Med 1.png Gold medal (1): 1985
• File:Med 2.png Silver medal (1): 1999

• Merdeka Tournament
• Winners: 1981, 1995
• Runners-up: 1977, 1978
• Nehru Cup
• Winners: 1995, 1997
• Tripoli Fair Tournament
• Winners: 1967
• Runners-up: 1966
• International Friendship Championship
• Winners: 2019
• Third place: 2018
• Merlion Cup
• Winners: 1984
• Peace and Friendship Cup
• Winners: 1989
• UAE Four Nations Friendship Tournament
• Winners: 1999
• UAE International Cup
• Winners: 2009
• King's Cup
• Winners: 2023
• Palestine Cup
• Runners-up: 1972, 1975
• Jordan International Tournament
• Runners-up: 1992
• Third place: 2022, 2023
• Four Nations Tournament
• Runners-up: 2000
• LG Cup
• Runners-up: 2003
• Bahrain Prime Minister's Cup
• Runners-up: 2003

• World Soccer Team of the Year: 2007
• AFC National Team of the Year: 2003, 2007

{{portal|Association football|Iraq}}

• Iraq national under-23 football team
• Iraq national under-20 football team
• Iraq national under-17 football team

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Iraq national association football team}}

• {{official website|https://ifa.iq/}} {{in lang|ar}}
• [https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/associations/IRQ Iraq] at FIFA
• [https://www.the-afc.com/en/west/iraq.html Iraq] at AFC

{{Iraq national football team}}

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| title = Asian Champions

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| title = AFC Men's Team of the Year

| years = 2007

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| title = Iraq squads – FIFA World Cup

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{{Iraq squad 1986 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{Navboxes

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{{Iraq squad 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

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{{Iraq squad 1972 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 1976 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 1996 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2000 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2004 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2007 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2011 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2015 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2019 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Iraq squad 2023 AFC Asian Cup}}

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{{AFC Asian Cup winners}}

{{Asian Games football men's tournament winners}}

{{FIFA Arab Cup winners}}

{{Arabian Gulf Cup winners}}

{{Football in Iraq}}

{{AFC teams}}

{{National sports teams of Iraq}}

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{{Portal bar|Association football|Iraq}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iraq National Football Team}}

Category:AFC Asian Cup–winning countries

Category:Asian national association football teams

Category:Football in Iraq

Category:National sports teams established in 1948