The Iraq national soccer team, known as the "Lions of Mesopotamia," has a rich and storied history marked by significant achievements and the contributions of notable players and coaches.

History

Founded in 1948, the Iraq national soccer team became a member of FIFA in 1950. Over the decades, the team has experienced various phases of success and challenges, reflecting the broader socio-political landscape of the country.

Major Successes

• Asian Cup Victory (2007): Iraq's most significant achievement came when they won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007. Despite the turmoil in their home country, the team displayed remarkable unity and skill to defeat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final.
• Olympic Games Participation: Iraq reached the quarterfinals in the 2004 Athens Olympics, which was a notable accomplishment on the world stage.
• Arab Nations Cup: Iraq has won the Arab Nations Cup four times (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988), showcasing their dominance in the region during those years.
• Gulf Cup of Nations: Iraq has also been successful in the Gulf Cup, securing the title four times (1979, 1984, 1988, and 2013).

Notable Players

• Younis Mahmoud: A legendary forward and captain of the national team, Mahmoud was instrumental in leading Iraq to the 2007 Asian Cup victory, scoring the winning goal in the final.
• Hussein Saeed: Regarded as one of Iraq's greatest players, Saeed was the top scorer for Iraq in the 1980s and is remembered for his prolific goal-scoring record.
• Ahmed Radhi: Famous for scoring Iraq’s only goal in their first and only FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986, Radhi is an icon in Iraqi football history.
• Ali Adnan: Known for his versatility and defensive skills, Adnan has played in top leagues in Europe and is one of the prominent modern-era players from Iraq.

Notable Coaches

• Jorvan Vieira: The Brazilian coach led Iraq to their historic 2007 Asian Cup triumph, earning praise for his ability to unify and inspire the team during challenging times.
• Ammar Souayah: Known for his brief but impactful tenure with the team, Souayah helped stabilize the squad during transitional periods.
• Radhi Shenaishil: A former player turned coach, Shenaishil has been involved with the national team in various capacities, contributing to player development and team strategy.

Throughout its history, the Iraq national soccer team has demonstrated resilience and tenacity, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride. Their journey in international soccer continues to inspire fans both within the country and around the world.