Kuwait national football team

Kuwait's first international match was played in the 1961 Arab Games against Libya, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Kuwait's biggest loss was against the United Arab Republic when they lost 8–0 in the same tournament. Kuwait's national football team joined the World Cup in 1982, which was held in Spain. Kuwait was placed in the fourth group and got fourth place after defeats to England and France and a respectable draw with Czechoslovakia. Kuwait won the Asian Cup in 1980, which was held on its soil. Kuwait won the Final 3–0 against South Korea. Kuwait's historical highest FIFA ranking was 24th place, achieved in December 1998. Bader Al-Mutawa is the most capped player of the Kuwaiti team, and Bashar Abdullah is the top goalscorer in the history of the Kuwait national football team. Kuwait has won the Arabian Gulf Cup ten times, and is the most successful team in winning that competition. Kuwait's most historical manager was Luiz Felipe Scolari, who won the World Cup with Brazil, and was forced to leave the country after the 1990 invasion by Iraq. He led Kuwait to win the 1990 Gulf Cup beating Qatar in The Final.

Kuwait's biggest win was against Bhutan, which ended in a thrilling 20–0 win, which was the biggest win until Australia won 31–0 against American Samoa in 2001. Kuwait's most successful years were between 1970 and 1990 which had players like Jasem Yaqoub, Faisal Al-Dakhil, and Saad Al-Houti.

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 had a profound and devastating impact on the Kuwaiti national football team. During the occupation, sports activities were severely disrupted as many athletes, including football players, were displaced or went into exile. The Kuwait Football Association's headquarters and facilities were damaged, leading to the suspension of all football competitions in the country. Consequently, the national team was unable to participate in the 1990 Asian Games and the 1992 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. This disruption hindered the development of football in Kuwait, as resources were diverted to rebuild the nation.

Kuwait's football league, the Kuwaiti Premier League, was also suspended, causing a significant loss of competitive match experience for players. Many training facilities and stadiums were damaged or repurposed for military use during the invasion, which further hampered the team's preparations and development. Additionally, financial constraints post-invasion led to reduced funding for sports, affecting the quality of training and support available to athletes.

Despite these challenges, the team made a notable comeback in subsequent years. In 1994, Kuwait won the Gulf Cup of Nations, showcasing their resilience and ability to recover from the invasion's setbacks. The national team also qualified for the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals, which was a significant achievement given the circumstances. The invasion's long-term effects were felt across the sporting community, highlighting the resilience and determination of Kuwaiti athletes and officials in rebuilding their footballing legacy post-occupation.[4][5][6]

On 30 October 2007, Kuwait was suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, on the grounds of governmental interference in the national football association.[7] The ban lasted less than 2 weeks.[8] On 24 October 2008, Kuwait was again suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, because it failed to hold the General Assembly elections by mid-October.[9] FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) on 22 December 2008.[10] By the time, while Kuwait remained a formidable force in the Gulf, it has also declined from Asia's relevance, unable to progress from the group stage of the 2011 and 2015 AFC Asian Cups, the team finished last with no point in both tournaments.

Once again, on 16 October 2015, Kuwait was suspended for the third time as FIFA did not recognize the new sports law in the country.[11] Kuwait tried to get the suspension lifted at the 66th FIFA Congress but this was rejected. Therefore, from the earlier announcement on 27 April 2016, the hosting of the Gulf Cup tournament would also be moved to Qatar.[12] The suspension was eventually lifted on 6 December 2017, after Kuwait adopted a new sports law.[13] By this time, the team had fallen from 139th place to 189th place in the FIFA World Rankings due to its inactivity, which also caused the team to miss the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.[14][15][16]

On 7 December 2017, it was announced that Kuwait would host the 2017 Gulf Cup tournament after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, all withdrew when the tournament was previously set to be hosted by Qatar because of the Qatari diplomatic crisis, so it was moved to Kuwait to please all withdrawn parties to participate.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Kuwait, which only started to rebuild its team following years of suspensions and instabilities, was drawn in group B alongside old foes Australia and Jordan, outside minnows Nepal and Chinese Taipei. Although Kuwait has better head-to-head records against Australia in major tournaments, suspensions and inactivities proved detrimental as the team lost 0–3 twice. Still, the qualifiers stood out as the best qualification for Kuwait since 2006, where Kuwait impressed by finishing second, though being unable to progress to the third round.

In June 2022, despite Kuwait became the host for their third round of 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers group. Kuwait failed to qualify, as they lost to Indonesia and Jordan.

In June 2023, Kuwait was invited as a guest team in the 2023 SAFF Championship, where Kuwait finished as runner-up, losing to India through penalty shootout in the final.

In June 2024, Kuwait qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, after 9 years of not qualifying, and advanced into the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications.

The Kuwaiti national football team, also known as "Al-Azraq" (The Blue), is recognized for its distinctive blue kits, symbolizing the nation's maritime heritage and the blue of the Arabian Gulf. The team's emblem features a falcon, a national symbol of Kuwait, set against the backdrop of the national colors: red, white, green, and black. This emblem represents strength, pride, and the rich cultural heritage of the country. The blue color of their kits has become a powerful symbol of national pride and unity, resonating deeply with the Kuwaiti people.

Kuwait has a proud footballing history, with notable achievements including winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1980 and the Gulf Cup of Nations multiple times. The team's home matches are played at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, a modern facility that underscores Kuwait's commitment to sports and its ambition to compete at the highest levels. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, is one of the largest and most advanced in the region, reflecting the country's dedication to providing top-notch facilities for its athletes and fans.

The Kuwaiti national team is known for its talented and tactical style of play. Over the years, the team has produced several notable players who have made significant contributions both domestically and internationally. Players like Jasem Yaqoub, Bashar Abdullah, and Waleed Ali are celebrated figures in Kuwaiti football, having played pivotal roles in the team's successes.

Kuwait's football culture is deeply rooted in its community, with passionate fans who support the team through thick and thin. The national team's image is one of resilience and determination, reflecting the country's spirit both on and off the pitch. The team's supporters, known for their vibrant and enthusiastic presence at matches, play a crucial role in creating an electrifying atmosphere that motivates the players. This passionate fanbase is often seen waving large Kuwaiti flags, chanting traditional songs, and creating a sea of blue in the stands, fostering a sense of unity and national pride.

Despite their earlier successes, the Kuwaiti national team experienced a decline in performance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This period was marked by internal management issues, lack of adequate investment in youth development, and increasing competition from other Gulf and Asian nations. The team's performance in major tournaments waned, and they struggled to qualify for the World Cup and other significant international competitions. This decline was compounded by political and economic challenges that affected the overall sports infrastructure in the country.

Off the field, the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) works tirelessly to develop the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the national team. The KFA's efforts in organizing domestic leagues, youth academies, and coaching programs are instrumental in maintaining a competitive edge and fostering a strong football culture in the country. Despite the challenges, recent efforts have been made to revitalize the team and restore its former glory through strategic planning, better management, and renewed investment in player development.

Overall, the Kuwaiti national football team embodies the pride and aspirations of the nation, standing as a symbol of unity and national identity. [17][18][19][20][21]

The Kuwait National Team has two home stadiums, and they are Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium. Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium was built in 2009, and Kuwait celebrated winning the 20th Gulf Cup in that stadium; while Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium is for the Kuwaiti club Kazma SC and was the Kuwait national team home. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification-AFC second round, playing against the Philippines on 23 July 2011, this was the last time Mohammed Al-Hamed Stadium was Kuwait's Home stadium. On 16 May 2012, Kuwait played against the 2011–12 La Liga Champions Real Madrid in Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, the home ground of Kuwaiti club Kuwait SC, which Real Madrid won 2–0. Kuwait played their entire 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification-AFC third round in Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, beating the United Arab Emirates 2–1, drawing with South Korea 1–1 and losing to Lebanon 1–0.

Before Jaber Al-Ahmed international stadium was finally built in 2009, Kuwait played in Mohammed Al-Hamed Stadium. When Kuwait hosted the 1980 Asian Cup, the tournament was hosted in Sabah Al-Salem Stadium, which has a capacity of 22,000 spectators and was the largest stadium in Kuwait at that time, and Kuwait won their first and only Asian Cup of all time in that stadium. When Kuwait hosted the 1974 Gulf Cup, it was the first time Kuwait had hosted a Gulf Cup competition, and all the matches were played in Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium. Kuwait were champions of that competition for the first time in their history on home soil, and the third time in a row overall. In 1990, Kuwait hosted the 1990 Gulf Cup for the second time in its history and were crowned Champions of that competition. All of the games were played at Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium. In the 2003 Gulf Cup, Kuwait hosted the competition for the third time, and once again, all the matches were played in one stadium, the Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium. However, Kuwait lost the competition. In the 2017 Gulf Cup, Kuwait hosted the tournament for the fourth time. All the matches were played in two stadiums, the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium. However, Kuwait was eliminated from the group stage after losing to Saudi Arabia and Oman and drawing with the United Arab Emirates.

All Kuwait matches are broadcast with full commentary on Kuwait TV Sport. These matches are live and exclusive. beIN Sports broadcast Kuwait matches live and exclusive. So broadcast exclusively on 3 different channels, which is not exclusive. Dubai Sports broadcast Kuwait matches only in special events like the Gulf Cup, Asian Cup and others.

Kuwaits traditional colors are blue and white: The blue kits are their home ones and the whites for matches away. The blue sea and sky are important in Kuwait because it shows the connection of the people to pearl hunting as well as the spaciousness of the universe. Kuwait's official kit provider is currently the sports company Errea and will be Adidas from 2023 onwards. Kuwait wore the blue shirts in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup and the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Kuwait vs. Iraq

• Iraq national football team

Iraq's rivalry with Kuwait was once considered as the Arab world's greatest football rivalry of all-time.[23][24] The rivalry began in the mid 1970s and it was the decade from 1976 until 1986 that saw the golden age of football for arguably the finest teams the region has produced. Both nations imposed their complete domination on the Gulf region, and from the Gulf Cup's inception in 1970 until 1990, the tournament was won by only two teams; Kuwait seven times (1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990), and despite Iraq's absence in the first three editions and withdrawal in two others, Iraq won it three times (1979, 1984, 1988).[23]

Iraq and Kuwait took their increasingly bitter rivalry to a new level. On 11 June 1976, the two met in the semi-final of the Asian Cup in Tehran; Kuwait took the lead twice, Iraq came roaring back twice, And then, in the 10th minute of extra time, Kamel scored the winner for Kuwait. In 1979, the year Iraq clinched their first Gulf Cup and won over Kuwait 3–1, the two met in a qualifier for the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, both managed to qualify for the Olympic Games, and both made it to the quarter-finals in Moscow. Iraq also qualified for the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and 1988 Games in Seoul. The 1982 Asian Games was won as well. Kuwait won the 1980 AFC Asian Cup, which they hosted. The nations also left their mark on the world stage. Kuwait qualified for the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain. Iraq matched that in Mexico 1986.[23]

As Iraq and Kuwait traded Gulf titles in 1988 and 1990, few could have imagined that their rivalry on the football field would be replaced by an altogether more catastrophic one on the battlefield. Because of the Gulf War, football would never be the same again. Iraq and Kuwait were in complete avoidance and never met for more than a decade. Kuwait's Blues had a relative recovery of sorts, winning the Gulf Cup in 1996 and 1998, before securing their record 10th title in 2010. Iraqi football, because of Uday Hussein's reign as head of the football association, would take far longer to recover. When it did, it was in glorious fashion, the Lions of Mesopotamia winning the 2007 Asian Cup.[23]

Kuwait vs. Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia national football team

The football rivalry between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia is one of the most storied in the Gulf region, steeped in decades of competition and regional pride. This fierce rivalry often comes to the fore in the Gulf Cup and other regional tournaments, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike. Kuwait's early dominance in the 1970s and 1980s was marked by a string of successes, including winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1980 and becoming the first Arab nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 1982. Key players from this golden era, such as Jassem Yaqoub, Faisal Al-Dakhil, and Saad Al-Houti, were instrumental in Kuwait's regional and continental triumphs.

Saudi Arabia's rise to prominence began in the late 1980s and peaked in the 1990s, highlighted by their consecutive World Cup qualifications starting in 1994 and their three AFC Asian Cup victories in 1984, 1988, and 1996. Legendary players like Majed Abdullah, who is often regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time, and Sami Al-Jaber, a prolific striker with four World Cup appearances, played crucial roles in Saudi Arabia's footballing achievements.

Notable matches in this rivalry include the 1980 Gulf Cup final, where Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia 3-1, showcasing their dominance at the time. Another significant encounter was the 1998 Gulf Cup, where Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, asserting their growing influence in regional football. The 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers also featured a dramatic showdown between the two teams, with Saudi Arabia securing a crucial 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal by Nawaf Al-Temyat, which helped them qualify for the World Cup.

The rivalry extends beyond these major tournaments to regular clashes in the AFC Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers, where both teams consistently vie for supremacy. Each match is more than just a game; it is a battle for national pride and regional dominance, making Kuwait vs. Saudi Arabia football rivalry is one of the most captivating and enduring in the Gulf region.

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against India and Afghanistan on 6 and 11 June 2024.[26]

Caps and goals as of 11 June 2024, after the game against  Afghanistan.

The following players have also been called up to the Kuwait squad within the last twelve months.

World Cup squads

• 1982 FIFA World Cup squad

Asian Cup squads

• 1972 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 1976 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 1980 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 1984 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 1988 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 1996 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 2000 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 2004 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 2011 AFC Asian Cup squad
• 2015 AFC Asian Cup squad

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

**Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won. Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.

• AFC Asian Cup
  • Winners (1): 1980
  • Runners-up (1): 1976
  • Third place (1): 1984
  • Fourth place (1): 1996

• FIFA Arab Cup
  • Third place (3): 1964, 1992, 1998
  • Fourth place (1): 1963
• Arabian Gulf Cup
  • Winners (10): 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2010
  • Runners-up (1): 1979
  • Third place (1): 2013, 2002
• West Asian Games
  • Winners (1): 2002
  • Third place (1): 1997
• WAFF Championship
  • Winners (1): 2010
  • Fourth place (1): 2014
• Arab Games
  • Third place (2): 1992*, 2011
  • Fourth place (1): 1997

• SAFF Championship
  • Runners-up (1): 2023
• Focus International Cup
  • Winners (1): 2011
• Merdeka Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1973