The Azerbaijan national soccer team, governed by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), represents Azerbaijan in international football. The team was established following the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and became a member of FIFA and UEFA in 1994.

Team History

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan national team has been striving to make a mark on the international stage. The team played its first official match on September 17, 1992, against Georgia. Although successes have been limited, the team has shown improvement over the years.

Major Successes

• UEFA Euro Qualifiers: Azerbaijan has participated in multiple UEFA European Championship qualifying campaigns. While they have yet to qualify for the tournament, their performances have shown gradual progress.
• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Similarly, Azerbaijan has partaken in FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds. Though they have not yet reached the World Cup finals, they have occasionally pulled off surprising results against stronger teams.
• Nations League: In the UEFA Nations League, Azerbaijan has competed in League C and D, showcasing their potential and gaining valuable experience.

Notable Players

• Rashad Sadygov: A legendary defender and one of the most capped players in Azerbaijan's history. Sadygov served as the national team captain for many years, earning respect for his leadership and defensive skills.
• Gurban Gurbanov: A former striker who later became a successful coach. He is highly regarded for his goal-scoring ability during his playing days.
• Vagif Javadov: Known for his versatility and attacking prowess, Javadov has been an important figure in Azerbaijan's forward line over the years.

Notable Coaches

• Berti Vogts: The former Germany national team coach took over Azerbaijan in 2008 and brought a wealth of experience, helping to professionalize the team.
• Gurban Gurbanov: Appointed in 2017, Gurbanov, a former player, brought a fresh perspective to the team and is known for his tactical acumen.
• Giovanni De Biasi: An experienced Italian manager, De Biasi took charge in 2020, aiming to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors and improve the team's competitive edge.

While the Azerbaijan national soccer team is still developing on the global stage, the passion for football in the country continues to grow, and the team is determined to achieve greater heights in the future.