At the heart of the Iraqi landscape, vibrating to the rhythm of dribbling and chants of supporters, football clubs stand as pillars of social and cultural life. More than just sports teams, they embody the identity of entire cities, bringing populations together around a common passion and forging a history rich in emotions and exploits.

This article aims to introduce you to the most emblematic clubs of Iraqi football, these institutions which have shaped the country's sporting landscape and contributed to its international reputation. By exploring their record, their style of play and their influence on the national team, we will delve into the fascinating world of Iraqi football and better understand its importance in society.

So, let yourself be carried away by the fervor of the supporters and embark on a journey through the legendary clubs that are the pride of Iraqi football.

The most emblematic Iraqi football clubs

Selection criteria

To identify the most emblematic clubs of Iraqi football, several criteria were taken into account:

  • Seniority: The longevity of the club and its impact on the history of Iraqi football.

  • Prize list: The number of titles won at national and regional level (championships, cups).

  • Impact on the national team: The number of players trained by the club and selected for the national team.

  • Supporter Fervor: The passion and commitment of supporters towards the club.

  • Particularities of the club: A unique style of play, a specific contribution to the development of Iraqi football.

Detailed presentation of 5 emblematic clubs

1. Al-Shorta Baghdad (1964)

  • Nickname: “The Tigers of Mesopotamia”

  • Colors: Yellow and black

  • Prize list: 33 Iraqi championships, 9 Iraq Cups

  • Highlights: Winner of the Arab Champion Clubs' Cup in 1974.

  • Particularities: Club training many talented players, offensive style of play.

2. Al-Zawraa SC (1960)

  • Nickname: “The Heavenly Blues”

  • Colors: Blue and white

  • Results: 14 Iraqi championships, 16 Iraq Cups

  • Highlights: Finalist in the Arab Champion Clubs' Cup in 1986.

  • Particularities: Club with a great tradition of training young people, technical style of play.

3. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (1951)

  • Nickname: “The Air Forces”

  • Colors: Light blue and white

  • Prize list: 6 Iraqi championships, 6 Iraq Cups

  • Highlights: Winner of the Gulf Cup in 1982 and 1986.

  • Particularities: Club with a strong esprit de corps and great discipline, direct style of play.

4. Talaba SC (1963)

  • Nickname: “The Students”

  • Colors: Green and white

  • Results: 2 Iraqi championships, 6 Iraq Cups

  • Highlights: Participation in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup.

  • Particularities: Club with an approach based on training young people, fair play style of play.

5. Erbil SC (1969)

  • Nickname: “The Lions of Kurdistan”

  • Colors: Red and white

  • Results: 1 Iraqi championship, 3 Iraq Cups

  • Highlights: First Kurdish club to win a national title in Iraq.

  • Particularities: Club which symbolizes the pride of the Kurdish people, combative style of play.

These five clubs represent only a small part of the Iraqi clubs which have marked the history of national football. They all contributed in their own way to the development of sport and the pride of the Iraqi people.

The future of Iraqi clubs is bright, but there are still many challenges ahead. The reconstruction of sports infrastructure, the search for sponsors and the training of young talents are priorities so that Iraqi football can continue to shine on the international scene.

The passion of the supporters and the talent of the Iraqi players are valuable assets which will undoubtedly allow Iraqi clubs to continue their rise and mark even more the history of football.