The Iraq national soccer team, known as the "Lions of Mesopotamia," has a rich history marked by resilience and impressive achievements despite facing numerous challenges. The team is governed by the Iraq Football Association and has been a member of FIFA since 1950.

History and Major Successes

• AFC Asian Cup Victory (2007): The most significant achievement in Iraq's soccer history came in 2007 when the team won the AFC Asian Cup. This victory was particularly poignant as it united a nation during a time of turmoil, with the final match seeing Iraq defeat Saudi Arabia 1-0.
• Olympic Participation: Iraq has competed in the Olympics, most notably reaching the semifinals in the 2004 Athens Olympics, finishing fourth overall.
• Gulf Cup of Nations: Iraq has won the Gulf Cup of Nations four times, in 1979, 1984, 1988, and 2013, further establishing their dominance in the region.
• FIFA World Cup Qualification: Iraq qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1986, held in Mexico. Although they did not advance past the group stage, it remains a historic milestone for the team.

Notable Players

• Younis Mahmoud: A legendary forward and captain, Mahmoud is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup final. He is one of Iraq's most celebrated players.
• Hussein Saeed: Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, Saeed is Iraq’s all-time leading scorer and was instrumental in the team's successes in the 1980s.
• Ahmed Radhi: Famous for scoring Iraq’s only World Cup goal in 1986, he is considered one of the greatest Iraqi footballers of all time.

Notable Coaches

• Jorvan Vieira: The Brazilian coach led Iraq to their historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory, becoming a national hero in the process.
• Amjad Atwan: Although primarily known for his playing career, he has also contributed to the team in various coaching capacities, helping to nurture new talent.

The Iraq national soccer team continues to be a symbol of national pride and unity, with its players and coaches inspiring generations of fans and aspiring athletes across the country.