Iraq national football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Iraq women's national football team.
Iraq
Nickname(s) Lions of Mesopotamia
Usood Al-Rafidain (اسود الرافدين)
Association Iraq Football Association
Sub-confederation WAFF (West Asia)
UAFA (Arab League)
Confederation AFC (Asia)
Head coach Radhi Shenaishel
Captain Younis Mahmoud
Most caps Younis Mahmoud (148)
Top scorer Hussein Saeed (78)
Home stadium Basra Sports City
FIFA code IRQ
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 104 Increase 1 (5 May 2016)
Highest 39 (October 2004)
Lowest 139 (July 1996)
Elo ranking
Current 73 (31 March 2015)
Highest 26 (December 1982)
Lowest 86 (15 November 2013)
First international
 Morocco 3–3 Iraq Iraq
(Beirut, Lebanon; 19 October 1957)
Biggest win
Iraq Iraq 13–0 Ethiopia Ethiopia
(Irbid, Jordan; 18 August 1992)
Biggest defeat
 Turkey 7–1 Iraq Iraq
(Adana, Turkey; 6 December 1959)
 Brazil 6–0 Iraq Iraq
(Malmö, Sweden; 11 October 2012)
 Chile 6–0 Iraq 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
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

Main article: 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

Main article: 2011 AFC Asian Cup
The Iraqi national football team pose ahead of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Oman in Doha in 2012

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

Main article: 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

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup 11 Oct '16 8 Jun '17 28 Mar '17 1 Sep '16 5 Sep '17
1  Japan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 Aug '17 15 Nov '16 1 Sep '16 6 Oct '16 28 Mar '17
1  Saudi Arabia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to fourth round 6 Oct '16 5 Sep '17 11 Oct '16 28 Mar '17 1 Sep '16
1  United Arab Emirates 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Sep '16 23 Mar '17 31 Aug '17 15 Nov '16 6 Oct '16
1  Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 Mar '17 13 Jun '17 6 Sep '16 5 Sep '17 11 Oct '16
1  Thailand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 Nov '16 6 Sep '16 23 Mar '17 13 Jun '17 31 Aug '17
First match(es) will be played on 1 September 2016. Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers

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 England Umbro
1986–1994 Germany Adidas
1996 Germany Puma
2000 Belgium Patrick
2003–2004 Germany Jako
2004–2006 Denmark Jack & Jones
2006 Italy Diadora
2006 Italy Lotto
2007 Germany Adidas
2007 England Umbro
2008–2014 China Peak
2014 Germany Adidas
2014–present Germany Jako

Team logo

Unlike most other national teams, Iraq kits usually have the country's flag on them rather than the FA's logo. However, the flag has occasionally been replaced with the following logos:

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualifications record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA GP W D L GS GA
Uruguay 1930 to Mexico 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 6321116
Argentina 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Spain 1982 Did not qualify 430152
Mexico 1986 Group stage 23rd 3 0 0 3 1 4 85121311
Italy 1990 Did not qualify 6321115
United States 1994 137423713
France 1998 4202148
South Korea Japan 2002 146353715
Germany 2006 6321177
South Africa 2010 8323116
Brazil 2014 167362012
Russia 2018 To be determined 6330136
Total Group stage 1/21 3 0 0 3 1 4 9145222418991

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D * L GF GA
Saudi Arabia 1992 to Saudi Arabia 1995 Did not enter
Saudi Arabia 1997 to Germany 2005 Did not qualify
South Africa 2009 Group stage 7th 3 0 2 1 0 1
Brazil 2013 to Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Best: Group stage 1/9 3 0 2 1 0 1

Summer Olympics

Olympic Games record
Year Result Position GP W D* L GS GA
United Kingdom 1908 to Australia 1956 Did not enter
Italy 1960 to Canada 1976 Did not qualify
Soviet Union 1980Quarterfinals8th412145
United States 1984Group stage14th301236
South Korea 1988Group stage10th311154
1992–present See Iraq national under-23 team
TotalBest:Quarterfinals3/1710244 1215

AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian Cup Finals record
Year Result Position GP W D* L GS GA
Hong Kong 1956Did not enter
South Korea 1960
Israel 1964
Iran 1968
Thailand 1972Group stage6th302114
Iran 1976Fourth place4th410336
Kuwait 1980Withdrew
Singapore 1984
Qatar 1988
Japan 1992Did not enter
United Arab Emirates 1996Quarterfinals6th4 2 0 2 6 4
Lebanon 2000Quarterfinals7th4 1 1 2 5 7
China 2004Quarterfinals8th4 2 0 2 5 7
IndonesiaMalaysiaThailandVietnam 2007Champions1st 6 3 3 0 7 2
Qatar 2011 Quarterfinals8th4 2 0 2 3 3
Australia 2015 Fourth place4th6 2 1 3 8 9
United Arab Emirates 2019 Qualified 0 0 0 0 0 0
TotalBest: Champions9/1735 13 7 15 38 42

Notable regional tournaments

Year Tournament Result GP W D* L GS GA
Kuwait 1964Arab Nations Cup Champions431062
Iraq 1966Arab Nations Cup Champions6510205
Qatar 1976Gulf Cup of Nations Runners-up7421238
Iraq 1979Gulf Cup of Nations Champions6600231
India 1982Asian Games Gold medal6501112
Oman 1984Gulf Cup of Nations Champions7421125
Saudi Arabia 1985Arab Nations Cup Champions431073
Morocco 1985Pan Arab Games Gold medal440071
Saudi Arabia 1988Gulf Cup of Nations Champions642081
Jordan 1988Arab Nations Cup Champions624072
Jordan 1999Pan Arab Games Silver medal7412179
Jordan 2000WAFF Championship Third place5320102
Syria 2002WAFF Championship Champions431062
Qatar 2005West Asian Games Gold medal4310133
Jordan 2007WAFF Championship Runners-up421152
Saudi Arabia 2012Arab Nations Cup Third place531164
Kuwait 2012WAFF Championship Runners-up421142
Bahrain 2013Gulf Cup of Nations Runners-up540173

Notable friendly tournaments

Year Tournament Result GP W D* L GS GA
Libya 1966Tripoli Fair Tournament Runners-up420253
Libya 1967Tripoli Fair Tournament Champions321073
Iraq 1972Palestine Cup of Nations Runners-up531194
Tunisia 1975Palestine Cup of Nations Runners-up4211102
Malaysia 1977Merdeka Tournament Runners-up7331112
Malaysia 1978Merdeka Tournament Runners-up8512126
Malaysia 1981Merdeka Tournament Champions6411164
Singapore 1984Merlion Cup Champions5410103
Kuwait 1989Peace and Friendship Cup Champions522195
Jordan 1992Jordan International Tournament Runners-up5401202
India 1995Nehru Cup Champions532083
Malaysia 1995Merdeka Tournament Champions431073
India 1997Nehru Cup Champions6510143
United Arab Emirates 1999International Friendship Cup Champions312063
China 2000Shanghai Four Nations Tournament Runners-up210134
Iran 2003LG Cup Runners-up210135
Bahrain 2003Prime Minister's Cup Runners-up311144
Jordan 2006LG Cup Runners-up210112
United Arab Emirates 2009UAE International Cup Champions220020
Japan 2015Kirin Challenge Cup Runners-up100104
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Matches

Records versus other nations

Rivalries

Statistics vs.  Kuwait
Played1 Wins2 Draws3 Losses GF GA
3215984432
1. Only matches recognized by FIFA.
2. Wins for Iraq.
3. Includes matches won or lost on P.K.

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 fixtures

      Win       Draw       Lose

2016

2017

Coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach Iraq Radhi Shenaishil
Assistant coach Iraq Rahim Hameed
Assistant coach Iraq Karim Salman
Team manager Iraq Basil Gorgis
Goalkeeping coach Spain Juan Carlos Lopez
Fitness coach Spain Gonzalo Rodriguez
Team doctor Iraq Qasim Mohammed

Players

Current squad

0#0 Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Fahad Talib (1994-10-21) 21 October 1994 0 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
12 1GK Jalal Hassan (1991-05-18) 18 May 1991 27 0 Iraq Al-Shorta

2 2DF Saad Natiq (1994-03-19) 19 March 1994 3 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
3 2DF Dhurgham Ismail (1994-05-23) 23 May 1994 34 3 Turkey Rizespor
4 2DF Herdi Siamand (1983-01-13) 13 January 1983 1 0 Iraq Erbil
6 2DF Ali Adnan (1993-12-19) 19 December 1993 40 3 Italy Udinese
13 2DF Faisal Jassim (1991-10-01) 1 October 1991 3 0 Iraq Al-Minaa
15 2DF Ali Rehema (1983-08-08) 8 August 1983 113 2 Qatar Al-Wakrah
23 2DF Waleed Salem (1992-01-05) 5 January 1992 31 1 Iraq Al-Shorta

5 3MF Osama Rashid (1992-01-17) 17 January 1992 15 0 Portugal Farense
9 3MF Bashar Rasan (1996-12-22) 22 December 1996 3 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
11 3MF Humam Tariq (1996-02-10) 10 February 1996 33 1 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
19 3MF Mahdi Kamel (1995-01-06) 6 January 1995 14 1 Iraq Al-Shorta
20 3MF Amjad Attwan (1997-03-12) 12 March 1997 3 0 Iraq Al-Shorta
21 3MF Saad Abdul-Amir (1992-01-19) 19 January 1992 55 1 Saudi Arabia Al-Qadisiyah

7 4FW Hammadi Ahmad (1989-10-18) 18 October 1989 35 6 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
8 4FW Mohannad Abdul-Raheem (1993-09-22) 22 September 1993 24 5 Iraq Al-Zawraa
10 4FW Younis Mahmoud (Captain) (1979-02-18) 18 February 1979 148 57 Iraq Al-Talaba
17 4FW Alaa Abdul-Zahra (1987-12-22) 22 December 1987 89 14 Iraq Al-Zawraa
18 4FW Marwan Hussein (1992-01-26) 26 January 1992 11 0 Iraq Al-Shorta

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Iraq squad within the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Mohammed Gassid (1986-12-10) 10 December 1986 55 0 Iraq Al-Zawraa v.  Syria, 18 March 2016
GK Karrar Ibrahim (1994-09-19) 19 September 1994 0 0 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
GK Ali Yaseen (1993-08-09) 9 August 1993 0 0 Iraq Al-Naft v.  Thailand, 8 September 2015

DF Ahmad Ibrahim (1992-02-25) 25 February 1992 53 1 Unattached v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
DF Mustafa Nadhim (1993-09-23) 23 September 1993 13 3 Iraq Naft Al-Wasat v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015 INJ
DF Karrar Mohammed (1989-12-06) 6 December 1989 0 0 Iraq Al-Zawraa v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
DF Sameh Saeed (1992-05-26) 26 May 1992 10 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya v.  Vietnam, 8 October 2015
DF Hussein Falah (1994-07-01) 1 July 1994 2 0 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Vietnam, 8 October 2015
DF Hamza Adnan (1996-02-08) 8 February 1996 1 0 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Vietnam, 8 October 2015
DF Safa Jabbar (1993-07-20) 20 July 1993 1 0 Iraq Zakho v.  Jordan, 3 October 2015
DF Rebin Sulaka (1992-04-12) 12 April 1992 1 0 Norway Elverum Fotball v.  Chinese Taipei, 3 September 2015
DF Burhan Jumaah (1996-07-01) 1 July 1996 0 0 Iraq Erbil v.  Lebanon, 26 August 2015
DF Samal Saeed (1984-05-27) 27 May 1984 66 2 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya v.  Japan, 11 June 2015
DF Ali Bahjat (1987-03-03) 3 March 1987 26 0 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Japan, 11 June 2015

MF Ali Husni (1994-05-23) 23 May 1994 11 1 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Thailand, 24 March 2016 INJ
MF Karrar Jassim (1987-03-15) 15 March 1987 64 6 Iraq Naft Al-Wasat v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
MF Yaser Kasim (1991-05-10) 10 May 1991 17 3 England Swindon Town v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
MF Ali Qasim (1996-03-05) 5 March 1996 5 1 Iraq Al-Minaa v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
MF Ahmed Yasin (1991-04-22) 22 April 1991 42 4 Sweden AIK v.  Vietnam, 8 October 2015
MF Osama Ali (1988-06-25) 25 June 1988 5 0 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya v.  Jordan, 3 October 2015
MF Ahmad Ayad (1991-01-19) 19 January 1991 15 0 Iraq Al-Shorta v.  Lebanon, 26 August 2015
MF Hussein Abdul-Wahed (1980-02-08) 8 February 1980 5 0 Iraq Al-Zawraa v.  Lebanon, 26 August 2015
MF Amjad Waleed (1990-06-01) 1 June 1990 0 0 Iraq Naft Al-Wasat v.  Lebanon, 26 August 2015
MF Saif Salman (1993-07-01) 1 July 1993 37 0 Saudi Arabia Al-Ittihad v.  Japan, 11 June 2015 SUS

FW Ayman Hussein (1996-03-22) 22 March 1996 2 0 Iraq Al-Naft v.  Syria, 18 March 2016 INJ
FW Justin Meram (1988-12-04) 4 December 1988 17 2 United States Columbus Crew v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
FW Mazen Faiadh (1997-04-02) 2 April 1997 0 0 Iraq Al-Naft v.  Chinese Taipei, 17 November 2015
FW Abdul-Qadir Tariq (1994-07-01) 1 July 1994 1 0 Iraq Al-Talaba v.  Lebanon, 26 August 2015
FW Amjad Radhi (1990-07-17) 17 July 1990 35 2 Unattached v.  Japan, 11 June 2015
FW Hussein Ali Wahid (1992-10-08) 8 October 1992 3 1 Iraq Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya v.  Japan, 11 June 2015

Notes:

  • SUS Player suspended
  • INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury
  • RET Retired from the national team
  • WD Player withdrew from the squad for non-injury related reasons

Previous squads

World Cups

Asian Cups

Confederations Cups

Records

Players with over 100 caps

As of 29 March 2016
Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.
# Name Caps Goals First cap Latest cap
1 Younis Mahmoud 148 57 19 July 2002 29 March 2016
2 Hussein Saeed 137 78 5 September 1976 3 March 1990
3 Ahmed Radhi 121 62 21 February 1982 20 June 1997
4 Adnan Dirjal 116 8 11 December 1978 3 March 1990
5 Nashat Akram 114 17 5 October 2001 4 June 2013
6 Ali Rehema 113 2 8 June 2005 29 March 2016
7 Hawar Mulla Mohammed 112 19 31 August 2001 12 June 2012
8 Mahdi Karim 109 11 12 October 2001 22 December 2014
9 Raad Hammoudi 104 0 8 February 1976 21 February 1987
10 Falah Hassan 103 29 22 July 1970 14 March 1986
Emad Mohammed 27 31 January 2001 28 May 2012
12 Hassan Farhan 101 2 21 August 1973 29 March 1982

The records are collected based on data from RSSSF.

Top 10 goalscorers

As of 29 March 2016
Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.
# Name Career Goals Caps Goal ratio
1 Hussein Saeed 1976–1990 78 137 0.57
2 Ahmed Radhi 1982–1997 62 121 0.51
3 Younis Mahmoud 2002– 57 148 0.39
4 Ali Kadhim 1970–1980 35 82 0.43
5 Falah Hassan 1969–1986 29 103 0.28
6 Emad Mohammed 2001–2012 27 103 0.26
7 Razzaq Farhan 1998–2006 25 62 0.40
8 Laith Hussein 1986–2002 21 80 0.26
9 Hesham Mohammed 1998–2004 19 43 0.44
Hawar Mulla Mohammed 2001–2012 112 0.17

The records are collected based on data from RSSSF.

Trivia

  • Iraq holds the Asian record for having scored in 27 consecutive matches between 1992 and 1996.[18]

Honours

Major tournaments

Group stage (1): 1986
Group stage (1): 2009
Winners (1): 2007
Fourth place (2): 1976, 2015

Regional tournaments

Winners (4): 1964, 1966, 1985, 1988
Third place (1): 2012
Winners (3): 1979, 1984, 1988
Runners-up (2): 1976, 2013
Semi-finals (1): 2010
Winners (1): 2002
Runners-up (2): 2007, 2012
Third place (2): 2000, 2010[n1]
Fourth place (1): 2004
Winners (1): 1982
Winners (1): 2005
Winners (1): 1985
Runners-up (1): 1999
^[n1] No third place match was played, so it can be assumed that Iraq and Yemen (the two losing semi-finalists) shared third place.
^[n2] Since 2002, the Asian Games has been part of the olympic team record.

Friendly tournaments

  • UAE International Cup
Winners (1): 2009
  • International Friendship Cup
Winners (1): 1999
Winners (2): 1995, 1997
Winners (2): 1981, 1995
Runners-up (2): 1977, 1978
  • Peace and Friendship Cup
Winners (1): 1989
Winners (1): 1984
  • Tripoli Fair Tournament
Winners (1): 1967
Runners-up (1): 1966

See also

References

    1. FIFA provisionally suspends Iraq, Associated Press, 26 May 2008. Archived 24 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
    2. Socceroos qualifier against Iraq to proceed, The Age, 29 May 2008.
    3. President’s promise to lift the ban on Iraq soon, Iraq123 News, 10 February 2014.
    4. "Wolfgang Sidka dismissed as Iraq coach despite 2014 World Cup qualifying progress". Goal.com. 2 August 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
    5. "Brazil legend Zico agrees deal to coach Iraq". Espn Fc. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
    6. Archived 2 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
    7. Archived 28 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
    8. Archived 27 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
    9. AFC green-light to Arbil as venue
    10. "عبد الخالق مسعود : الفيفا يوافق على إقامة مباراة دولية لكن بشروط !!".
    11. Al-Mutamar Newspapers (Arabic)
    12. "JAKO Blog - JAKO-Team im Irak". Jako.de. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
    13. 1 2 3 4 Ali Khaled. "Storied Gulf Cup rivalry between Iraq and Kuwait survives war".
    14. 1 2 Duerden, John. "Asia awaits neighbourly rivalry". ESPN. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
    15. 1 2 Montague, James (13 January 2011). "Pitch Warfare: Iran face Iraq in soccer grudge match". CNN. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
    16. 1 2 3 "Iran-Iraq classic rivalry". Iran Daily (4924). 5 November 2014. p. 11.
    17. "Asian Cup: Iran claims Iraq's Alaa Abdul-Zahra tested positive, lodges complaint about quarter-final result". 25 January 2015.
    18. fifa.com: Aussies face tough test

    External links

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