Iraq Soccer Facts

Iraq has had some notable performances on the world soccer stage. Iraq has been to one FIFA World Cup (in 1986) and Iraq won the Asian Nations Cup in 2007.

  1. World Cup qualifying

    • Iraq has qualified for only one FIFA World cup. It qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

    1986 FIFA World Cup

    • Iraq played in the FIFA World Cup in Mexico in 1986, losing all three games it played. Iraq lost to Paraguay 1-0, to Belgium 2-1 and to Mexico 1-0.

    Asian Natons Cup 2007

    • Iraq won the Asian Nations Cup in 2007. In the group stage, Iraq tied Thailand 1-1, beat Australia 3-1 and tied Oman 0-0. Iraq advanced to the quarterfinals as the top team from its group. The team beat Vietnam 2-0 in the quarterfinals, beat Korea Republic 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless tie in the semifinals and won the final against Saudi Arabia 1-0.

    2004 Olympic Soccer Tournament

    • Iraq finished fourth in the 2004 Olympic soccer tournament in Athens. In the group stage, Iraq beat Portugal 4-2, beat Costa Rica 2-0 and lost to Morocco 2-1. Iraq finished at the top of its group and advanced to the quarterfinals, where it beat Australia 1-0. Iraq lost to Paraguay 3-1 in the semifinals and lost to Italy 1-0 in the third-place game.

    FIFA ranking

    • Iraq's highest-ever FIFA ranking was 39th in October 2004. Iraq's lowest FIFA ranking was 139th in July 1996.