The history of Iraqi football: a passion that spans the ages

Football in Iraq is much more than just a sport. It is a source of national pride, a symbol of unity and perseverance in the face of hardship. From the dusty fields of Baghdad to the flamboyant stadiums of the Gulf, Iraqi football has written its own legend, punctuated by spectacular victories and moments of resistance in the face of adversity.

This article traces the history of Iraqi football, from its humble beginnings at the start of the 20th century to its current status as a major force on the continental scene. A journey through the eras, meeting the talented players, visionary coaches and passionate supporters who have shaped the unique identity of Iraqi football.

As the country looks to the future, Iraqi football continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for its people. Let's discover together the highlights of this rich and captivating history, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing this beloved sport in Iraq.

The beginnings of Iraqi football (1948-1970)

Iraqi football took off in the aftermath of the Second World War. In 1948, the Iraqi Football Federation was established, paving the way for the country's affiliation with FIFA two years later. This affiliation marked the start of a new era for Iraqi football, allowing it to compete with the most prestigious nations in the world.

Iraq's first international matches took place in the early 1950s. The match against Turkey in 1951 remains remembered as one of the most memorable of that era. The Iraqi team put in an honorable performance, narrowly losing with a score of 1-0.

During this period, national football experienced significant development. Infrastructures were put in place, championships were organized and flagship clubs emerged. Among the most popular clubs of the time were Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Shorta and Al-Talaba. These clubs have produced talented players who have carried the colors of Iraq high on the international stage.

One of the highlights of this period was undoubtedly Iraq's participation in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. The Iraqi team had an honorable performance, losing in the quarter-final against Hungary, future gold medalist.

The 1960s were also marked by the creation of the Gulf Cup in 1970. Iraq participated in the first edition of this tournament and finished in third place.

Thus, the years 1948 to 1970 laid the foundations for the development of Iraqi football. The creation of the Federation, affiliation with FIFA, the first international matches and participation in international competitions allowed Iraq to find a place on the continental and world stage.

The golden era of Iraqi football (1970-2003)

Saddam Hussein's rise to power in 1979 marked a major turning point for Iraqi football. The new regime saw sport as a propaganda tool and invested massively in its development. Modern infrastructure was built, training programs were implemented and the best players were selected to represent Iraq on the international stage.

This investment bore fruit and Iraq experienced an unprecedented period of glory. The national team has won several prestigious titles, including the Gulf Cup in 1979 and 1984, the Asian Cup in 1982 and the Pan-Arab Games in 1985.

The pinnacle of this golden era was Iraq's participation in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The Iraqi team put in a creditable performance, narrowly losing to major nations like Brazil and Argentina. Striker Ahmed Radhi scored the first goal in Iraq's World Cup history, a moment etched in the country's collective memory.

Several notable figures contributed to the success of Iraqi football during this period. Among the coaches, Ammo Baba and Younis Mahmoud played a crucial role in implementing an effective strategy and motivating the players. On the playing side, names like Adnan Dirjal, Hussein Saeed and Ali Kadhim have become national legends, adored by fans for their talent and dedication.

The golden era of Iraqi football was a time of great pride for the country. The successes of the national team brought the population together and gave Iraq increased international visibility.

The legacy of this era is still present today and inspires future generations of Iraqi footballers.

Note: It is important to note that the use of football for propaganda purposes by Saddam Hussein's regime is a controversial aspect of this period. It is important to mention this point in an objective article on the history of Iraqi football, while highlighting the positive contributions of this period to the development of the sport in the country.

Iraqi football facing crises (2003-present)

The 2003 invasion of Iraq and the political unrest that followed had a devastating impact on Iraqi football. Infrastructure was destroyed, championships were interrupted and insecurity made practicing sport difficult and dangerous.

Despite these obstacles, Iraqi players and fans have never lost their passion for football. Local initiatives made it possible to maintain sporting activity in the most affected areas, and the national team continued to represent the country with pride on the international stage.

One of the most notable moments of this period was Iraq's unexpected victory at the Asian Cup in 2007. This success brought immense joy to the population and helped restore hope to the country.

However, Iraqi football continues to face many challenges. The reconstruction of infrastructure is still underway, and the political and security situation remains fragile. The lack of financial resources and sponsors hampers the development of national football.

Despite these difficulties, the future of Iraqi football is promising. The new generation of players is talented and motivated, and the authorities are committed to supporting the development of the sport. Many projects are underway to improve infrastructure, encourage the practice of football among young people and strengthen Iraq's presence on the international scene.

Iraqi football has gone through difficult times, but it has always been able to rise from the ashes. The passion of the Iraqi people for this sport is a valuable asset that will allow Iraqi football to continue to shine on the continental and world stage.

The history of Iraqi football is a rich and eventful one, made up of periods of glory and periods of difficulty. This passion of the Iraqi people has allowed the country to experience moments of joy and national pride, bringing the population together and giving them a feeling of unity and hope.

Football has played an important role in Iraqi society, well beyond just sport. It has been a symbol of resistance in the face of hardship and a vector of social and economic development.

The future of Iraqi football is bright, but there are still many challenges ahead. The reconstruction of infrastructure, the consolidation of peace and the search for sponsors are priorities to allow Iraqi football to regain its former glory and continue to inspire future generations.

The talent of Iraqi players, the passion of the supporters and the commitment of the authorities are all assets which will allow Iraqi football to continue to shine on the international scene.

Iraqi football is a symbol of the hope and perseverance of a people. His story is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of sport to bring people together.