Syria national football team

Syria
Nickname(s)نُسُور قَاسِيُون, Nusur Qasiun
(The Qasioun Eagles)[1]
AssociationSyrian Football Association (SFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationWAFF (West Asia)
UAFA (Arab world)
Head coachJosé Lana
CaptainOmar Al Somah
Most capsMaher Al-Sayed (109)
Top scorerFiras Al-Khatib (36)
Home stadiumVarious
FIFA codeSYR
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 93 2 (3 April 2025)[2]
Highest68 (1 July 2018)
Lowest152 (September 2014, March 2015)
First international
 Lebanon 1–2  
(Beirut, Lebanon; 26 April 1942)[3]
Biggest win
  13–0 Muscat and Oman
(Cairo, Egypt; 6 September 1965)
Biggest defeat
 Greece 8–0  
(Athens, Greece; 25 November 1949)
 Egypt 8–0  
(Alexandria, Egypt; 16 October 1951)
Asian Cup
Appearances7 (first in 1980)
Best resultRound of 16 (2023)
Arab Cup
Appearances7 (first in 1963)
Best resultRunners-up (1963, 1966, 1988)
WAFF Championship
Appearances8 (first in 2000)
Best resultChampions (2012)

The Syria national football team (Arabic: منتخب سُورِيَا لِكُرَّةُ الْقَدَم) represents Syria in international football, and is controlled by the Syrian Arab Federation for Football, the governing body for football in Syria. Syria has never qualified for the World Cup finals, but did reach the fourth qualification round in 2018. The team was banned by FIFA from playing at home since December 2010.[5] Internationally, Syria won the 2012 WAFF Championship, 1957 Arab Games, 1987 Mediterranean Games and the 2024 Intercontinental Cup.

History

1936–1969: The beginnings

The Syrian Football Federation was founded in 1936, 10 years before independence from the French in 1946. It has been affiliated with FIFA since 1937 and has been a member of AFC since 1969.[6][7] In 1939, Syria played its first unofficial matches under the name of Damascus XI with Beirut XI in Beirut, resulting in a 5–4 win.[8] Over the following years, the two teams competed in 16 unofficial matches until 1963, with the Damascus XI winning seven, drawing two, and losing seven.[8]

Syria's first official football match took place on 26 April 1942, against Lebanon, as part of the Coupe Hauteclocque.[9] The game, held at the AUB field in Beirut, ended in a 2–1 victory for "the Qasioun Eagles", in front of 3,000 spectators.[9] The Coupe Hauteclocque, a trophy donated by French diplomat Jean de Hauteclocque in 1939, was intended to be a regular fixture between Lebanon and Syria.[10] Although two matches were initially planned,[10] only the Beirut fixture was played.[9] The cup became a point of contention, as the Syrian Football Association had retained possession of it since 1939.[10] Syria later played two additional friendly matches against Lebanon in 1947, winning 4–1 in Beirut on 4 May,[11] and 1–0 in Aleppo on 18 May.[12]

Syria's first official qualifying match was played in Ankara against Turkey, which ended in a Syrian defeat 7–0 on 20 November 1949.[13] Thanks to that, the Syrian team participated in the 1950 World Cup European qualifiers as one of the first teams in the region to do so.[14] One of the biggest defeats was played in Athens against Greece, on 25 November 1949, 5 days after its first official match which ended in a score of 8–0 for the Greeks.[15]

At the 1951 Mediterranean Games in Alexandria, on 12 October 1951, one of Syria's biggest defeats was recorded against Egypt which ended with a score of 8–0 for the Pharaohs.[16]

The first great success of the national team was silver at the 1953 Arab Games, when they were defeated in the final by Egypt (4–0).[17] At the 1957 Arab Games in Beirut, they advanced to the finals after the semi-final defeat of Morocco, in which they defeated Tunisia with goals scored by Shamas and Awadis Kaoulakian 3–1.[18]

In the FIFA World Cup 1958 qualifiers, the Syrian football team was defeated by the Sudan in the 1st round of the playoffs. Between 1958 and 1961, the team combined with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic national football team, although the team's records are attributed only to Egypt by FIFA.[19] Syria reached the finals in the Arab Cup twice: in 1963 (beaten by Tunisia) and 1966 (beaten by Iraq).[20]

In the 1966 World Cup qualifiers they were one of two teams from the Asian zone (the other being Israel) to be allocated to the European qualifying zone and were originally placed with Spain and the Republic of Ireland. However, they joined the Asian and African boycott of the 1966 qualifiers, due to the decision of FIFA to allocate just one place between Asia and Africa.[21]

1970s: Successes in Arab competitions

In the 1970s, they regularly participated in the Palestine Cup, which served as a substitute for the Arab Cup. At the 1972 Palestine Cup, they placed fourth when they lost 1–3 to Algeria.[22] At the 1973 Palestine Cup, they advanced from the group stage to the semifinals, where they eliminated Algeria after penalties (0–0, pen. 3–2). In the final of the cup, they clearly lost to Tunisia 0–4.[23]

In the 1974 Kuneitra Cup, "the Qasioun Eagles" entered the knockout phase after the group defeat of Sudan, Libya, Palestine and North Yemen. In the semifinals of the cup, they defeated Tunisia (3–1), but in the final, they unfortunately lost to Morocco after a penalty shootout.[24]

For the 1974 World Cup, they finished second in the group in the 1st round of the qualification, behind Iran, insufficient to advance to the next round.[25]

At the 1975 Palestine Cup, they eliminated Libya in the group stage, but lost to Iraq in the semifinals 0: 4 and in the bronze medal match with Sudan 0–1.[26] In 1976, Damascus hosted the Arab Games, whose football tournament was played at the Abbasiyyin Stadium, where the home Syrian team won bronze medals.[27]

In the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification, the "Qasioun Eagles" did not go through the first round, as despite losing one victory over Saudi Arabia (2–0) they lost both matches to Iran, finishing in third place in the group.[28]

1980–1996: Milestones and missed opportunities

The Syrian team made it to the 1980 Olympics thanks to Iran, as the team withdrew due to the American-led boycott of the Olympics.[29] Despite losing 0–3 to Algeria and 0–5 to the GDR, they gained experience from big matches. However, the most valuable result in the tournament was a draw with a strong Spain 0–0.[30]

The Syrian team took part in the three editions of the Asian Nations Cup in the 1980s. In the 1980 Asian Cup, they finished 3rd out of 5 in the group stage, behind North Korea and Iran, ahead of China and Bangladesh.[31]

In the 1984 Asian Nations Cup, they finished 4th out of 5 in the 1st round, ahead of South Korea, behind Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.[32] In the 1988 Asian Nations Cup, they finished 3rd out of 5 still in the 1st round, behind China and Saudi Arabia, ahead of Kuwait and Bahrain.[33] The two Syrian scorers were with one goal each: Walid Nasser and Walid Al-Hel. They were finalists in the Arab Nations Cup in 1988 (beaten by Iraq).

For the qualifiers of the 1982 World Cup, they finished last in the group stage behind Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.[34] As for the qualification round of the 1986 World Cup, Syria came very close to a qualification which would have been historic, since it passed the 1st round ahead of Kuwait and North Yemen, beat Bahrain and lost in the final qualifying round to Iraq 1–3 on aggregate, with the only Syrian goal scored by Walid Abu Al-Sel.[35]

One of the greatest successes of "the Qasioun Eagles" in the 1980s was the participation in the finals of the 1987 Mediterranean Games, which took place in Latakia, and the defeat of the France team 2–1.[36][37]

In the 1990 World Cup qualifiers, the national team placed second in the first round after losing to Saudi Arabia 4–5 (goal scorers: Mahrous, Jakalan, Al-Nasser and Helou).[38]

In 1992, the Arab Games were held in Syria, which included the Arab Cup In this tournament, the Syrian national team led by Virgil Dridea placed 4th after advancing to the semifinals (losing to Egypt 4–3 on penalties) and losing in the bronze medal match with Kuwait 1–2.[39]

During the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, they led the qualifying group after winning over Taiwan and Oman, but due to draws with Iran (0–0 and 1–1, goal scored by Abdul Latif Helou), they did not advance to the second round.[40]

In the 1st round of the 1996 Asian Cup, the Syrian team beat Uzbekistan (2–1), thanks to goals from Nader Joukhadar and Ali Dib, but they were beaten by Japan (1–2, goal by Nader Joukhadar) and by China (0–3). By finishing 3rd in the group, they had a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals but having a low score compared to the other two countries (Iraq and South Korea), the team finished as the worst 3rd, again missed the knockout phase.

1996–2007: Hope and disappointment

At the 1997 Arab Games in Beirut, they reached the final, in which Jordan defeated them 0–1.[41]

One of Syria's biggest victories was recorded in Tehran on 4 June 1997, against the Maldives, a match that ended with a final score of 12–0 for the Syrians. 5 days later it faces again the Maldives, still in Tehran, which ends with the same score of 12–0. These two matches were played as a part of the qualification for the 1998 World Cup, where it was eliminated in the first preliminary round, ahead of Iran.[42]

The Syrian team was twice finalist in 2000 and 2004 of a regional competition, the West Asian Football Championship, beaten each time by Iran; as they reached the semi-finals of the West Asian Championship 2002 held at home but lost to Jordan on a golden goal scored in the last minutes of extra time (1–2), before losing to Iran on penalties during the match for the 3rd place (2–2, 2–4).

As for the qualification of the World Cup 2002, they were overtaken by Oman at 1st, while being ahead of the Philippines and Laos.[43]

In the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, they did not advance to the third stage after uncertain match performances and losses with Bahrain (1–2) and Kyrgyzstan (0–1).[44]

During this period, the national team participated in the 2007 Nehru Cup, where after the first victory over Bangladesh (2–0) they defeated Kyrgyzstan (4–1), India (3–2) and Cambodia (5–1) and advanced to the finals.[45] The top scorers were famous Syrian stars Zyad Chaabo (5 goals) and Maher Al-Sayed (4 goals). But the cup final for the team did not turn out well, because they lost to India 0–1.[46][47]

2007–2012: Steady progress and first major title

In 2007, Syria advanced to the WAAF Cup under the leadership of coach Fajr Ibrahim, where they after victories over Lebanon and Jordan (both 1–0), lost in the semifinals to Iraq 0–3.[48]

A year later, "the Qasioun Eagles" took part in the 2008 WAAF Cup, where after a 2–1 victory over Oman and a draw with Jordan, they advanced to the semifinals, where they lost to Iran (0–2).[49]

At the 2009 Nehru Cup, Syria sovereignly won the group stage, defeating Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and, in a close match, India (1–0). In the final of the cup, they encountered India, with which they lost 1–2 on penalties (the only Syrian scorer was Ali Diab).[50]

In the qualifications for the World Cup 2010, the team of Syria beat Afghanistan in the 1st round, then Indonesia in the 2nd round, but narrowly failed in the 3rd round to qualify for the 4th round, due to an unfavorable goal average, behind UAE and Iran, but ahead of Kuwait.[51]

The Syrian team qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar after a long absence from it since 1996, where it ascended to the championship without any loss in the qualifiers. They were eliminated from the group stage again after losing to Jordan and Japan and defeating Saudi Arabia.[52] Shortly afterwards, they were disqualified from the 2014 World Cup due to the use of an ineligible player.[53]

In December 2012, Syria beat Iraq in the final of West Asia Cup to collect its first major trophy and Ahmad Al Saleh became the scorer of the historic winning goal (1–0).[54] Official Syrian television interrupted its broadcasts to announce the victory and show the presentation of the cup live.[55]

2013–2016: Away game challenges

In 2013, the Syrian team withdrew from the WAAF Cup due to the Syrian Civil War. In the following years, the national team faced challenges due to being unable to play in their home stadiums.[56]

The Syrian national team missed the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after failing to qualify and occupying third place in Group A which included Jordan, Singapore and Oman.[57] In 2016, Syria took part in the King's Cup under national team captain Mosab Balhous and head coach Ayman Hakeem, where they lost in the semifinals after a penalty shootout with Thailand and defeated the United Arab Emirates 1–0 in third place match.[58]

2018 World Cup qualifiers: Approaching success

Ever since war broke out in the country, Syria have been banned from playing home games in their own country and in fact were one day away from being thrown out of the 2018 World Cup only for Malaysia to swoop in at the last minute and offer to host all of Syria's home games.[59][60][61]

After finishing in second place in Group E during the 2018 World Cup 2nd qualifying round, behind Japan, but ahead of Singapore, Afghanistan and Cambodia. Syria was among the top 4 (2nd) and obtained the right to play in the 3rd round, in addition to being qualified for the next Asian Cup.[62]

They were transferred to group A, along with Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, China and Qatar. On 5 September 2017, Syria qualified for the first time in their history for the play-offs of a World Cup by finishing 3rd in their group with 13 points, level on points with Uzbekistan, but ahead in the standings thanks to better goal difference, following of their draw gleaned in stoppage time on the lawn of the Iran (2–2) in the last match.[63]

This was the best performance by "the Qasioun Eagles" to date in a World Cup qualifying phase.[64] The prospect of a historic qualification for a final phase of the World Cup has given rise to a momentary halt to the conflict which has ravaged the country for six years, as well as the installation of giant screens by the authorities in the main public squares of major cities to follow the decisive match against Iran.[65][66]

Syria v Australia

On 5 October 2017 in Malacca, Syria managed to draw (1–1) against Australia thanks to a converted penalty in the 85th minute by Omar Al Somah, who had already equalized in stoppage time in the last pool match against Iran, responding to the opening goal in the first half of Robbie Kruse.[67]

In the return match played five days later in Sydney, the Syrians opened the scoring in the 6th minute of play, once again thanks to Al Somah, but Tim Cahill tied the two teams seven minutes after the opening goal.

The two teams continued to neutralize each other and it was in extra time that Australia took a decisive advantage in the 109th minute of play thanks to a new goal from Cahill, dashing Syria's last hopes of participating in a World Cup. Reduced to 10 at the start of extra time, Syria nevertheless bravely tried their luck, narrowly missing the equalizer and qualification for the Intercontinental play-off during stoppage time in the 2nd half of extra time on a free kick from the essential Al Somah who found the post.[68]

2019 Asian Cup: A missed opportunity

At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup (Group B) in the United Arab Emirates, Syria under the leadership of then-head coach Bernd Stange, the national team drew 0–0 with Palestine in the first match of the tournament. Syria failed to advance from the group stage after losing to Australia (2–3) and Jordan (0–2).[69][70]

The Syrian coach Bernd Stange was sacked after this tournament, and replaced with former manager Fajr Ibrahim.[71] The team's game didn't improve much after this intervention as they suffered an agonizing loss to Australia after an injury time goal by Tom Rogic in the second half, confirming Syria's elimination.[72]

2019–2024: Qualification setbacks

In qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, which began in the fall of 2019, they were placed second in Group A of the 2nd round after the draw.[73] In the first matches of the group, "the Qasioun Eagles" comfortably won first over the Philippines (5–2), Maldives (2–1) and Guam (4–0).[74] Subsequently, in an important match, they defeated China 2–1 after Osama Omari's goal and Zhang Linpeng's own goal.[75] In the next match, the national team defeated the Philippines 1–0 with a decisive goal by midfielder Ward Al Salama.[76] On 11 March 2020, Tunisian Nabil Maâloul was appointed head coach of Syria.[77]

The last matches in the group were played in 2021 due to COVID-19 in Asia, when they first defeated the Maldives (4–0) and Guam (3–0), confirming their 1st place, advanced to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and also to the third stage of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.[74] With the 1st place assured, Syria then lost to China 1–3 in the final game, which was irrelevant to the final standing.[74]

Nabil Maâloul resigned on June 15, 2021, due to disagreements with the leadership of the football federation. Nizar Mahrous replaced him for the next qualification phase.[78] The team started this part of the qualification with unconvincing results with Iran (0–1), UAE (1–1) and South Korea (1–2), with both Syrian goals scored by Omar Khribin and Mahmoud Al Baher.[79] After a humiliating defeat in the Levantine derby with Lebanon (2–3, the scorers were Khrbin and Somah), a draw with Iraq (1–1 only goal was scored by Somah) and a high defeat with Iran (0–3), the head coach Mahrous was fired.[79]

At the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, under the leadership of new coach Valeriu Tița, they showed up in good form.[80] They played the first match in Group B against the UAE, which they lost 1–2.[81] In the next match, Syria played well despite the previous results, as Oliver Kass Kawo and Mouhamad Anez scored 2–0 over the big favorite from Tunisia.[82][83] In their last group match, "the Qasioun Eagles" lost to Mauritania 1–2 when the equalizing goal was scored by Mahmoud Al Baher in the 52nd minute. They took the 3rd place in the group and the 9th place overall.[84]

In the last qualifying matches, they lost first to the UAE 0–2 then to South Korea with the same score, and due to these results, Tița was dismissed.[85] Ghassan Maatouk was appointed as the new national head coach on February 9, 2022, leading the team to victory in the derby with Lebanon (3–0) and a draw with Iraq (1–1) in the last two matches. As a result, the Syrian team finished 5th in Group A.[86]

2023 AFC Asian Cup: First knockout stage

Syria qualified for their seventh AFC Asian Cup in 2023, and during this tournament, they made the knockout stage for the first time in their history by ranking as one of the best ranked third place team,[87] after being drawn into Group B alongside Australia, India and Uzbekistan.[88] In the round of 16, Syria lost against Iran in the penalty shootouts following a 1–1 draw after extra time, despite their numerical superiority at the start of injury time following a 2nd yellow card for Mehdi Taremi.[89]

2024: Further challenges

Following two consecutive losses against North Korea and Japan in the last two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying second round, Syria finished third in their group to miss another World Cup participation and drop to compete in the Asian Cup qualifying third round.[90]

2024–present: New beginnings

Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the Syrian Football Federation announced a change in the national team's home kit and logo colors, shifting from red to green. The federation stated that the decision symbolized a historic transformation, marking the end of nepotism, favoritism, and corruption in Syrian football. Additionally, the team adopted a new all-green home kit, manufactured by Jako.[91][92][93]

Stadiums

Home stadiums list
Image Stadium Capacity Location Last match
Aleppo International Stadium 53,200 Aleppo v   Vietnam
(18 November 2009; 2011 Asian Cup Q)
Abbasiyyin Stadium 30,000 Damascus v   Iraq
(22 December 2010; Friendly)
Al-Hamadaniah Stadium 15,000 Aleppo v   South Korea
(22 February 2006; 2007 Asian Cup Q)
Al-Jalaa Stadium 10,000 Damascus v   Palestine
(26 March 2004; Friendly)

Team image

Rivalries

Syria's common rivals are mostly from the Levant, which are Lebanon and Jordan.[94]

Syria vs. Lebanon

Statistics vs.  Lebanon[95]
Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA
25 15 5 5 50 28

1. Only matches recognized by FIFA.
2. Wins for Syria.

Due to historical reasons, matches against Lebanon have been frequently followed and seen by Syrians as the most important rival.[96] Syria played until today 25 games against Lebanon. The first match took place on 26 April 1942 in a friendly match against the Cedars in Beirut, when Lebanon and Syria were French colonies.[97] In 1947 Syria played two more friendlies against Lebanon: 4–1 victory in Beirut on 4 May,[98] and 1–0 victory in Aleppo on 18 May.[99] It was at this time that the matches were the most regular. Syria dominates the series with 15 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses.

Syria vs. Jordan

Statistics vs.  Jordan[95]
Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA
43 14 14 15 47 44

1. Only matches recognized by FIFA.
2. Wins for Syria.

Syria played their first official match against Jordan on 1 August 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt as part of the 1953 Arab Games, winning 3–1. In later years, the derby gained mutual popularity mainly due to historical, political, and geographical factors.[100]

Nickname

The Syrian national team is known by supporters and the media as Nosour Qasioun, meaning The Eagles of Qasioun in reference to the Mount Qasioun, which stretch over the capital of Syria, Damascus.[1]

Kits

The team color is always based on the colors of the Flag of Syria. During the period of Ba'athist Syria, the team's home color was red. After the Fall of the Assad regime, the team's home color is changed to green. The team's away color is always white.

Kit supplier Period Notes
Diadora 2005–2010
Adidas 2011–2014
Lotto 2015–2017
Jako 2018–2020
Uhlsport 2021–2022
Jako 2022–

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

6 September 2024 (2024-09-06) 2024 Intercontinental Cup   2–0  Mauritius Hyderabad, India
19:30 UTC+5:30
  • Citorah 32' (o.g.)
  • Al-Mawas 70'
Report Stadium: G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 3,046
Referee: Harish Kundu (India)
9 September 2024 (2024-09-09) 2024 Intercontinental Cup India  0–3   Hyderabad, India
19:30 UTC+5:30 Report
Stadium: G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium
Attendance: 19,982
Referee: Nivon Robesh (Sri Lanka)
11 October 2024 (2024-10-11) 2024 King's Cup   1–0  Tajikistan Songkhla, Thailand
16:30 UTC+7
Report Stadium: Tinsulanon Stadium
Attendance: 13,588
Referee: Wiwat Jumpao-on (Thailand)
14 October 2024 (2024-10-14) 2024 King's Cup Thailand  2–1   Songkhla, Thailand
20:00 UTC+7
Report
Stadium: Tinsulanon Stadium
Attendance: 24,121
Referee: Jansen Foo Chuan Hui (Singapore)
19 November 2024 (2024-11-19) Friendly Russia  4–0   Volgograd, Russia
19:30 UTC+3
Report Stadium: Volgograd Arena
Attendance: 35,620
Referee: Majed Al-Shamrani (Saudi Arabia)

2025

25 March 2025 (2025-03-25) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification   2–0  Pakistan Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia[note 1]
21:00 UTC+3
Report
Report (AFC)
Stadium: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium
Attendance: 1,217
Referee: Sivakorn Pu-Udom (Thailand)
10 June 2025 (2025-06-10) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification Afghanistan  0–1   Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
20:15 UTC+3 Stadium: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium
Referee: Yousif Saeed Hasan (Iraq)
9 October 2025 (2025-10-09) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification   v  Myanmar
14 October 2025 (2025-10-14) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification Myanmar  v   Yangon, Myanmar
Stadium: Thuwunna Stadium
18 November 2025 (2025-11-18) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification Pakistan  v   Islamabad, Pakistan
Stadium: Jinnah Sports Stadium
November 2025 (2025-11) 2025 FIFA Arab Cup   v  South Sudan Doha, Qatar
--:-- UTC+3 Stadium: TBD

2026

31 March 2026 (2026-03-31) 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification   v  Afghanistan

Coaching staff

Current technical staff

As of August 2024
Position Name
Head coach José Lana
Assistant coach Khaled Ghoneim
Goalkeeping coach
Team manager
Fitness coach

Coaching history

Name Nat Period Matches Wins Draws Losses Honours
Vinzenz Dittrich 1951
Francisc Mészáros 1954
József Albert 1956–1959 1957 Arab Games winners[101]
Miklós Vadas 1960–1965
Cornel Drăgușin[102] 1965–1966
Ezzat Abdel-Wahab 1969
Mehana Jabour 1971
Khalil Nadaf 1971–1972
Mohammed Azzam 1972
Khalil Nadaf 1972–1973
Mousa Shamas 1973–1974
Lofti Kerkuli 1974
Petre Rădulescu[103] 1974–1975
Vladimir Bolotov 1975
Mohamed Azzam 1976–1977
Lofti Kerkuli 1977
Zaki Natour 1978
Horst Zokoll 1978–1979
Mustafa Hasanagić 1979
Mousa Shamas 1980
Joseph Chadli[104] 1980
Bill Asprey[105] 1980–1982
Karl Trautmann 1983–1984
Viktor Vasilyev 1984
Avedis Kavlakian 1984–1985
Valeriy Yaremchenko 1985–1987 1987 Mediterranean Games winners
Anatoliy Azarenkov
1987–1992
Virgil Dridea[106] 1992–1993
Marwan Khouri 1994–1995
Yuri Kurnenin 1995–1997
Anouar Abdul Kader 1997
Kevork Mardikian 1997
Angel Stankov 1997
Mircea Rădulescu 1997–1998
Joel Camargo 1998–1999
Mousa Shamas March – September 1999
Dragoslav Popović September 1999 – February 2000
Dragoslav Sridović March – April 2000
Božidar Vukotić March – October 2001
Jalal Talebi November 2001 – September 2002 10 9 0 1
Janusz Wójcik March – August 2003
Božidar Vukotić September – November 2003
Ahmed Rifaat December 2003 – November 2004
Nizar Mahrous November 2004 – 2005
Miloslav Radenović

2005 – August 2006
Fajr Ibrahim 5 August 2006 – February 2008 24 13 5 6
Mohammad Kwid 10 May – 20 August 2008 8 4 0 4
Fajr Ibrahim 13 November 2008 – 13 September 2010 28 13 9 6
Ayman Hakeem (Interim) 14 September – 20 December 2010 5 2 1 2
Ratomir Dujković 28 October – 8 December 2010 1 1 0 0
Valeriu Tiţa 21 December 2010 – 9 February 2011 6 1 0 5
Claude Le Roy 16 April – 4 May 2011 0 0 0 0
Nizar Mahrous 22 May – 18 August 2011 7 5 2 0
Marwan Khoury 7 July – 30 August 2012 4 1 1 2
Hussam Al Sayed 21 October 2012 – 10 April 2013 8 2 3 3 2012 WAFF Championship winners
Anas Makhlouf 13 April – 23 October 2013 3 0 1 2
Hussam Al Sayed (Interim) 9 – 20 November 2013 3 1 0 2
Ahmad Al Shaar 13 February – 5 March 2014 1 0 0 1
Muhannad Al Fakeer 18 September 2014 – 5 January 2015 2 2 0 0
Fajr Ibrahim 6 January 2015 – 29 March 2016 14 10 1 3
Ayman Hakeem 9 May 2016 – 20 November 2017 21 6 11 4
Bernd Stange 31 January 2018 – 10 January 2019 11 3 5 3
Fajr Ibrahim 10 January – 31 December 2019 17 7 3 7
Nabil Maâloul 11 March 2020 – 15 June 2021 7 3 0 4
Nizar Mahrous 7 July – 16 November 2021 6 0 2 4
Valeriu Tiţa 18 November 2021 – 1 February 2022 5 1 0 4
Ghassan Maatouk 9 February – 1 June 2022 3 2 1 0
Hussam Al Sayed 23 August 2022 – 1 February 2023 6 0 0 6
Héctor Cúper 2 February 2023 – 11 June 2024 18 5 6 7
José Lana 22 August 2024 – 7 5 0 2

Source:[107]

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Afghanistan on 10 June 2025.

Information correct as of 10 June 2025, after the match against Afghanistan.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Ahmad Madania (1990-01-01) 1 January 1990 31 0 Al-Riffa
1GK Elias Hadaya (1998-08-21) 21 August 1998 3 0 Sandefjord
1GK Maksim Sarraf (2005-03-15) 15 March 2005 0 0 Zaamin

2DF Moayad Ajan (1993-02-16) 16 February 1993 76 3 Al-Wahda
2DF Khaled Kourdoghli (1997-01-31) 31 January 1997 29 0 Erbil
2DF Muayad Al Khouli (1993-10-16) 16 October 1993 16 0 Al-Wathba
2DF Abdullah Al Shami (1994-03-02) 2 March 1994 15 0 Al-Salt
2DF Ahmad Faqa (2003-01-10) 10 January 2003 6 1 FH
2DF Zakaria Hannan (1997-08-21) 21 August 1997 3 0 Al-Ittihad

3MF Thaer Krouma (1990-02-02) 2 February 1990 46 1 Mumbai City
3MF Mouhamad Anez (1995-05-14) 14 May 1995 31 1 Hutteen
3MF Elmar Abraham (1999-03-01) 1 March 1999 12 0 Skövde AIK
3MF Simon Amin (1997-11-13) 13 November 1997 7 0 Radnički Niš
3MF Ahmad Al Dali (2002-03-21) 21 March 2002 6 0 Al-Tadamon
3MF Mustafa Abdullatif (2003-12-15) 15 December 2003 4 0 Hannover 96 II
3MF Mahmoud Nayef (2004-01-03) 3 January 2004 1 0 Al-Ittihad

4FW Mahmoud Al-Mawas (1993-01-01) 1 January 1993 101 16 Al-Shorta
4FW Omar Khribin (1994-01-15) 15 January 1994 62 26 Al Wahda
4FW Mardik Mardikian (1992-03-14) 14 March 1992 45 8 Khaitan
4FW Omar Al Somah (captain) (1989-03-23) 23 March 1989 44 23 Wydad Casablanca
4FW Pablo Sabbag (1997-06-11) 11 June 1997 9 2 Suwon
4FW Mohammad Al Salkhadi (2001-07-29) 29 July 2001 5 0 IFK Värnamo

Recent call-ups

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

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Shaher Al Shaker (1993-04-01) 1 April 1993 2 0 Al-Ittihad v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025
GK Ibrahim Alma (1991-10-18) 18 October 1991 80 0 Tishreen v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
GK Esteban Glellel (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 4 0 Quilmes v.  Thailand, 14 October 2024

DF Omar Midani (1994-01-26) 26 January 1994 67 1 Al-Salmiya v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025
DF Ali Al Rina (2004-01-10) 10 January 2004 1 0 Al Ittihad Ahli v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025INJ
DF Ignacio Abraham (1998-01-12) 12 January 1998 3 0 Banfield v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
DF Emiliano Amor (1995-05-16) 16 May 1995 3 0 Colo Colo v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
DF Facundo Mater (1998-07-23) 23 July 1998 1 0 Barracas Central v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
DF Aiham Ousou (2000-01-09) 9 January 2000 11 0 Charleroi v.  Russia, 19 November 2024INJ

MF Ahmed Ashkar (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 27 1 Al-Ittihad v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025
MF Ammar Ramadan (2001-01-05) 5 January 2001 19 0 Dunajská Streda v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025
MF Mohammed Osman (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 29 2 Lamphun Warriors v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
MF Hasan Dahan (2003-01-01) 1 January 2003 0 0 Al-Ittihad v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
MF Ezequiel Ham (1994-01-10) 10 January 1994 14 1 Atlético Goianiense v.  Russia, 19 November 2024WD
MF Mustafa Jneid (2000-01-11) 11 January 2000 7 0 Hutteen v.  Thailand, 14 October 2024
MF Mohammad Al Marmour (1995-01-04) 4 January 1995 35 4 Al-Najma v.  India, 9 September 2024

FW Mahmoud Al Aswad (2003-09-14) 14 September 2003 11 1 Zakho v.  Afghanistan, 10 June 2025INJ
FW Mohammad Al Hallak (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 22 1 Al-Faisaly v.  Pakistan, 25 March 2025
FW Alaa Al Dali (1997-01-03) 3 January 1997 25 4 Al-Karma v.  Russia, 19 November 2024
FW Noah Shamoun (2002-12-08) 8 December 2002 6 0 IFK Värnamo v.  Thailand, 14 October 2024
FW Tobías Cervera (2002-08-06) 6 August 2002 3 0 Platense v.  Thailand, 14 October 2024
FW Daleho Irandust (1998-06-04) 4 June 1998 3 1 Brommapojkarna v.  Tajikistan, 11 October 2024INJ

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.
PRE Player was named in preliminary squad.

Previous squads

AFC Asian Cup
Olympic Games

Player records

As of 19 November 2024[108]
Players in bold are still active with Syria.

Most appearances

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Maher Al-Sayed 109 29 1999–2013
2 Mahmoud Al-Mawas 101 16 2012–present
3 Ali Diab 97 4 2004–2013
4 Mosab Balhous 86 0 2006–2016
5 Raja Rafe 84 32 2002–2015
6 Tarek Jabban 83 5 1996–2007
7 Ibrahim Alma 80 0 2012–present
8 Moayad Ajan 76 3 2012–present
Nizar Mahrous 76 12 1985–1993
10 George Khouri 74 8 1982–1989

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Firas Al-Khatib 36 72 0.5 2001–2019
2 Raja Rafe 32 84 0.38 2006–2016
3 Maher Al-Sayed 29 109 0.27 1999–2013
4 Omar Khribin 27 62 0.44 2012–present
5 Said Bayazid 24 24 1 1997–2001
6 Omar Al Somah 23 44 0.52 2012–present
7 Zyad Chaabo 22 49 0.45 2001–2010
8 Mahmoud Al-Mawas 16 101 0.16 2012–present
9 Mohamed Al-Zeno 15 48 0.31 2004–2011
10 Avedis Kavlakian 14 1953–1966

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1938 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1950 Withdrew 1 0 0 1 0 7
1954 Did not enter Did not enter
1958 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 1 2
1962 Withdrew Withdrew
1966
1970 Did not enter Did not enter
1974 Did not qualify 6 3 1 2 6 6
1978 Withdrew 4 1 0 3 2 6
1982 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 2 7
1986 8 4 3 1 8 4
1990 4 2 1 1 7 5
1994 6 3 3 0 14 4
1998 6 3 1 2 30 5
2002 6 4 1 1 40 6
2006 6 2 2 2 7 7
2010 10 6 2 2 23 10
2014 Disqualified 2 0 0 2 0 6
2018 Did not qualify 20 9 5 6 37 22
2022 18 8 3 7 31 23
2026 6 2 1 3 9 12
2030 To be determined To be determined
2034
Total 0/20 109 47 24 38 217 132
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1956 Not a AFC member Not a AFC member
1960
1964
1968
1972 Did not qualify 3 0 2 1 4 5
1976 Withdrew Withdrew
1980 Group stage 4 2 1 1 3 2 3 2 1 0 2 0
1984 4 1 1 2 3 5 5 3 0 2 9 8
1988 4 2 0 2 2 5 4 3 1 0 8 2
1992 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 3 4
1996 Group stage 3 1 0 2 3 6 4 3 0 1 6 2
2000 Did not qualify 6 4 1 1 11 3
2004 6 2 1 3 16 10
2007 6 2 2 2 10 6
2011 Group stage 3 1 0 2 4 5 6 4 2 0 10 2
2015 Did not qualify 6 1 1 4 7 7
2019 Group stage 3 0 1 2 2 5 8 6 0 2 26 11
2023 Round of 16 4 1 2 1 2 2 8 7 0 1 22 7
2027 To be determined 8 4 1 3 12 12
Total Round of 16 25 8 5 12 19 30 75 42 12 21 146 79
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
AFC Asian Cup history
Year Round Score Result
1980
Round 1   0–0  Iran Draw
Round 1   1–0  Bangladesh Win
Round 1   1–2  North Korea Loss
Round 1   1–0  China Win
1984
Round 1   1–1  Qatar Draw
Round 1   0–1  Saudi Arabia Loss
Round 1   1–0  South Korea Win
Round 1   1–3  Kuwait Loss
1988
Round 1   0–2  Saudi Arabia Loss
Round 1   0–3  China Loss
Round 1   1–0  Kuwait Win
Round 1   1–0  Bahrain Win
1996
Round 1   1–2  Japan Loss
Round 1   0–3  China Loss
Round 1   2–1  Uzbekistan Win
2011
Round 1   2–1  Saudi Arabia Win
Round 1   1–2  Japan Loss
Round 1   1–2  Jordan Loss
2019
Round 1   0–0  Palestine Draw
Round 1   0–2  Jordan Loss
Round 1   2–3  Australia Loss
2023
Round 1   0–0  Uzbekistan Draw
Round 1   0–1  Australia Loss
Round 1   1–0  India Win
Round of 16   1–1 (3–5 p)  Iran Draw

Olympic Games

Olympic Games record Olympic Games qualification record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
1900 to 1968 Did not enter
1972 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 0 1
1976 Did not enter
1980 Round 1 3 0 1 2 0 8 4 2 0 2 3 1
1984 Did not qualify 6 2 1 3 6 10
1988 2 0 0 2 0 5
1992 to present See Syria national under-23 team See Syria national under-23 team
Total 0 Titles 3 0 1 2 0 8 14 4 2 8 9 17
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

WAFF Championship

WAFF Championship record
Year Round Pld W D* L GF GA
2000 Runners-up 5 2 1 2 5 2
2002 Fourth place 4 1 1 2 5 6
2004 Runners-up 4 1 1 2 6 13
2007 Semi-finals 3 2 0 1 2 3
2008 Semi-finals 3 1 1 1 2 3
2010 Group stage 2 0 1 1 2 3
2012 Champions 4 2 2 0 5 3
2014 Withdrew
2019 Group stage 4 0 2 2 5 7
2026 Qualified
Total 1 Title 29 9 9 11 32 40
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA Arab Cup record
Year Round Pld W D* L GF GA
1963 Runners-up 4 3 0 1 9 4
1964 Did not enter
1966 Runners-up 5 3 1 1 9 4
1985 Did not enter
1988 Runners-up 6 2 2 2 5 5
1992 Fourth place 4 0 3 1 2 3
1998 Group stage 2 0 0 2 1 6
2002 Group stage 4 2 0 2 8 6
2012 Did not enter
2021 Group stage 3 1 0 2 4 4
2025 To be determined
Total 0 Titles 28 11 6 11 38 32
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Palestine Cup of Nations

Palestine Cup of Nations record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
1972 Fourth place 6 4 0 2 11 10
1973 Runners-up 6 3 1 2 16 11
1975 Fourth place 4 1 0 3 3 8
Total 0 Titles 16 8 1 7 30 29

Arab Games

Arab Games record
Year Round Pld W D* L GF GA
1953 Runners-up 3 1 1 1 3 5
1957 Champions 5 2 2 1 12 6
1961 Did not enter
1965 Group stage 4 2 0 2 20 8
1976 Third place 6 3 1 2 6 4
1985 Group stage 2 0 0 2 0 4
1992 See 1992 Arab Cup
1997 Runners-up 5 4 0 1 9 5
1999 Group stage 4 0 4 0 5 5
2007 Did not enter
2011 Withdrew
2023 to present See Syria national under-23 team
Total 1 Title 33 12 11 10 57 40
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Mediterranean Games

Mediterranean Games record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
1951 Third place 2 0 0 2 0 12
1955 Fourth place 3 0 0 3 0 10
1959 Did not enter
1963 Group stage 3 0 0 3 1 10
1967 Did not enter
1971 Group stage 3 0 0 3 1 4
1975 Did not enter
1979
1983 Group stage 2 0 0 2 0 2
1987 Champions 5 4 1 0 13 3
1991 to present See Syria national under-20 team
Total 1 Title 18 4 1 13 15 41

Asian Games

Asian Games record
Year Round Pld W D* L GF GA
1951 Did not enter
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982 Group stage 3 0 2 1 3 5
1986 Did not enter
1990
1994
1998
2002 to present See Syria national under-23 team
Total 0 Titles 3 0 1 2 3 5
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

West Asian Games

West Asian Games record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
1997 Runners-up 4 3 0 1 14 4
2002 Third place[109] 4 1 3 0 5 4
2005 Runners-up 4 1 3 0 7 5
Total 0 Titles 12 5 6 1 26 13

Head-to-head record

The list shown below shows the Syria national football team all-time international record against opposing nations.

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

As of 25 March 2025 after match against Pakistan

All friendly and international matches have been approved, except for Olympic matches. A-level matches

Syria national football team head-to-head records
Opponent Played Win Draws Losse GF GA GD Confederation
 Afghanistan 4 4 0 0 16 3 +13 AFC
 Algeria 6 1 2 3 4 7 −3 CAF
 Australia 4 0 1 3 4 7 −3 AFC
 Bahrain 25 12 7 6 29 24 +5 AFC
 Bangladesh 3 3 0 0 5 1 +4 AFC
 Belarus 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 UEFA
 Cambodia 3 3 0 0 17 1 +16 AFC
 China 15 5 2 8 14 29 −15 AFC
 Chinese Taipei 4 4 0 0 17 1 +16 AFC
 Cyprus 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 UEFA
 Egypt 11 2 2 7 7 23 −16 CAF
 Greece 2 0 0 2 0 12 −12 UEFA
 Guam 2 2 0 0 7 0 +7 AFC
 Haiti 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 CONCACAF
 Hong Kong 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 AFC
 India 8 4 2 2 11 7 +4 AFC
 Indonesia 5 4 0 1 15 3 +12 AFC
 Iran 30 1 12 17 16 52 −36 AFC
 Iraq 33 5 11 17 25 46 −21 AFC
 Japan 13 0 2 11 9 37 −28 AFC
 Jordan 43 14 14 15 47 44 +3 AFC
 Kazakhstan 4 3 1 0 8 1 +7 UEFA
 Kuwait 34 11 9 14 39 51 −12 AFC
 Kyrgyzstan 7 2 2 3 10 8 +2 AFC
 Laos 2 2 0 0 20 0 +20 AFC
 Lebanon 25 15 5 5 50 28 +22 AFC
 Libya 10 3 3 4 13 17 −4 AFC
 Malaysia 6 2 2 2 12 14 -2 AFC
 Maldives 7 6 0 1 39 4 +35 AFC
 Mauritania 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 CAF
 Morocco 6 0 3 3 2 7 −5 CAF
 Mauritius 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 CAF
 Myanmar 2 1 1 0 8 1 +6 AFC
   Nepal 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 AFC
 Nigeria 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 CAF
 North Korea 11 4 4 3 18 14 +4 AFC
 Oman 26 9 8 9 39 28 +11 AFC
 Pakistan 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 AFC
 Palestine 16 8 6 2 26 14 +12 AFC
 Philippines 5 5 0 0 25 3 +22 AFC
 Qatar 12 4 3 5 18 18 0 AFC
 Russia 1 0 0 1 0 4 −4 UEFA
 San Marino 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 UEFA
 Saudi Arabia 27 2 9 16 22 49 −26 AFC
 Sierra Leone 1 1 0 0 6 0 +6 CAF
 Singapore 6 4 0 2 11 7 +4 AFC
 South Korea 10 1 3 6 5 12 −7 AFC
 South Yemena 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 AFC
 Soviet Uniona 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 UEFA
 Sri Lanka 3 3 0 0 17 0 +17 AFC
 Sudan 10 4 2 4 10 10 0 CAF
 Sweden 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 UEFA
 Tajikistan 9 5 1 3 8 11 −3 AFC
 Thailand 7 1 2 4 11 15 −4 AFC
 Tunisia 11 5 1 5 14 16 −2 CAF
 Turkey 1 0 0 1 0 7 −7 UEFA
 Turkmenistan 3 1 1 1 6 5 +1 AFC
 United Arab Emirates 24 3 8 13 18 37 −19 AFC
 Uzbekistan 7 3 2 2 5 5 0 AFC
 Venezuela 2 0 0 2 2 6 −4 CONMEBOL
 Vietnam 4 1 1 2 1 3 −2 AFC
 Yemenb 14 11 1 2 42 10 +32 AFC
 Zimbabwe 1 1 0 0 6 0 +6 CAF
Total (62 Nations) 541 194 134 213 775 713 +62
Last match updated was against   Pakistan on 25 March 2025.

(a) Denotes defunct national football team.
(b) Including North Yemen

Honours

Regional

Friendly

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Syria played their home matches at a neutral venue due to the ongoing Syrian civil war.

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Further reading