Kuwait national football team

History

Early successes

Kuwait's first international match at the 1961 Arab Games against Libya ended in a 2–2 draw. Their main losses were 8–0 defeats to both the United Arab Republic and Portugal. Kuwait hosted the 1974 Arabian Gulf Cup at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, collecting their third consecutive title in the cup. They won the AFC Asian Cup in 1980. Kuwait's national football team joined the World Cup in 1982, which was held in Spain. Kuwait was placed in Group 4 where it lost against England and France and managed a draw against Czechoslovakia. Kuwait's highest-ever FIFA ranking was 24th place, achieved in December 1998.

Bader Al-Mutawa is the most capped player on the Kuwaiti team, Jasem Al-Huwaidi is their top scorer. Kuwait has won the Arabian Gulf Cup ten times and is the most successful team in winning the competition. Kuwait's most successful manager was Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had previously won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil. Scolari led Kuwait to win the 1990 Arabian Gulf Cup, beating Qatar in the final. He was then forced to leave the country after the 1990 invasion by Iraq.

Kuwait's largest victory was a 20–0 win against Bhutan on 14 February 2000. At the time, it was the highest margin of victory in international football until Australia defeated American Samoa 31–0 on 11 April 2001.

Impact of the Iraqi Invasion

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 significantly affected 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 had to miss the 1992 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

One of the most tragic incidents during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was the death of Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was killed defending the palace. on 2 August 1990.

Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was a prominent figure in Kuwaiti sports, serving as President of the Kuwait Football Association (1978–1990) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (1981–1990). Under his leadership, Kuwait won the 1980 AFC Asian Cup and qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Asian Arab nation to do so.

His death was a severe loss to Kuwaiti sports, and his legacy is honored through various tournaments and stadiums named after him.

Despite these challenges, the Kuwaiti national football team participated in the 1990 Asian Games held in Beijing, China, from 23 September to 6 October 1990. The participation was organized by the exiled Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, operating from Saudi Arabia, and involved athletes who were already abroad during the invasion. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times dated 17 September 1990, 42 Kuwaiti athletes, including 23 football players, arrived in Beijing to represent Kuwait in the tournament.

Kuwait was placed in Group C alongside Thailand, Yemen, and Hong Kong. The team finished seventh overall, with one win, one draw, and two losses, scoring three goals and conceding four.

Group C

Kuwait’s participation in the 1990 Asian Games came just weeks after the Iraqi invasion, with athletes competing under exceptional circumstances and limited resources, marking one of the most challenging moments in the nation’s sporting history.

Kuwait's football league, the Kuwaiti Premier League, was also suspended, leading to a significant loss of competitive match experience for players. Many training facilities and stadiums were either damaged or repurposed for military use during the invasion, further hampering 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.

In the years that followed these challenges, the team achieved steady and measurable progress. In 1996, Kuwait won the Arabian Gulf Cup, showcasing its resilience and ability to recover from the invasion's setbacks. The national team also qualified for the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, advancing to the semi-final, 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.

Suspensions

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. However, the ban was short-lived, lasting less than 2 weeks. On 24 October 2008, Kuwait was again suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football for failing to hold the General Assembly elections by mid-October. FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) on 22 December 2008.

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. Kuwait tried to get the suspension lifted at the 66th FIFA Congress, but the proposal was rejected. Therefore, to the earlier announcement on 27 April 2016, the hosting of the Gulf Cup tournament would also be moved to Qatar. The suspension was lifted on 6 December 2017, after Kuwait adopted a new sports law. 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.

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 had all withdrawn. The tournament was previously set to be hosted by Qatar, but, because of the Qatari diplomatic crisis, it was moved to Kuwait, and the withdrawn nations joined again.

Revival

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Kuwait, which only started to rebuild its team following years of suspensions, was drawn into Group B alongside Australia, Jordan, Nepal, and Chinese Taipei. Kuwait’s performance in the qualifiers reflected the impact of previous suspensions and instabilities, as the team lost 0–3 twice. Still, the qualifiers stood out as the best qualification for Kuwait since 2006, as Kuwait finished second and was unable to progress to the third round.

In June 2022, Kuwait hosted the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. 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 it finished as runner-up, losing to India during a penalty shootout in the final.

In June 2024, Kuwait qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after nine years of absence and advanced into the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

After the controversial match against Iraq, which ended in a goalless draw, the Kuwait Football Association board resigned on 17 September 2024 due to chaotic scenes where fans suffered in extreme temperatures and some ticket holders were denied entry. The Kuwaiti FA launched an inquiry and subsequently approved the resignations of several key officials. Following the backlash, the KFA suspended its Secretary-General, Salah Al-Qanai, and Public Relations Director, Mohamed Bou Abbas. Dr. Saleh Al-Majroub was later appointed as acting Secretary-General to lead the federation during the interim period.

Following that match, Kuwait entered a period of fluctuating results. On 10 October 2024, they suffered a heavy 0–4 defeat to Oman in Muscat, followed by a 2–2 draw against Palestine in Doha on 15 October. The team then hosted South Korea on 14 November and lost 1–3, before securing a 1–1 draw with Jordan on 19 November in Kuwait City. In December, Kuwait played three friendlies in Doha: a 1–1 draw with Yemen on the 9th, and two consecutive defeats to Lebanon on the 12th and 15th (1–2 and 0–2 respectively).

During the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup hosted in Kuwait from 21 to 31 December 2024, the national team aimed to revive its historical status as the tournament’s most successful side with ten titles. The competition began with a 1–1 draw against Oman, followed by an impressive 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates. In their final group stage match, Kuwait drew 1–1 with Qatar, securing qualification to the semi-finals as group runners-up. The semi-final match against Bahrain was a closely contested encounter. Despite creating several chances, Kuwait lost 0–1, ending their hopes of winning an eleventh title on home soil.

The tournament marked Kuwait's return as a competitive force in the region, with solid performances that drew positive attention from local media. Sports analysts and newspapers such as Al Rai and Al Qabas praised the team’s fighting spirit and improved organization under interim leadership, despite not reaching the final. There was also renewed public enthusiasm, with several matches drawing near-capacity crowds at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. However, some criticism remained regarding the team’s lack of clinical finishing, and calls were made for continued reforms in youth development and coaching infrastructure.

In 2025, the Kuwait national football team continued to experience inconsistent performances. On 20 March, Kuwait played against Iraq in Basra, where the match ended in a 2–2 draw. Yousef Nasser scored both goals for Kuwait, while Iraq managed to equalize with two late goals in stoppage time through Akam Hashim and Ibrahim Bayesh.

Five days later, on 25 March, Kuwait hosted Oman at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium but suffered a narrow 0–1 defeat, with Issam Al-Subhi scoring the decisive goal for Oman. After that match, Kuwait's qualifiers ended with a 2-0 and 4-0 defeat to Palestine at home and South Korea away respectively.

In November 2025, Kuwait defeated Mauritania in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Qualifiers and Qualified to the Finals of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, the first time since the 2012 Arab Cup.

Team image

Kit and emblem

The Kuwait national football team is recognized for its blue kits while playing at home, 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. Adidas is acting as Kuwait's official kit provider since 2023.

Stadium

The Kuwait national football team primarily plays its home matches at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, a modern multi-purpose venue inaugurated in 2009 with a capacity of over 60,000 spectators. This stadium has hosted major international fixtures, including Gulf Cup matches and Asian qualifiers.

Before its completion, the national team played most of its home matches at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium in Hawalli, a smaller venue traditionally associated with Al-Qadsia SC. Kuwait has also used other stadiums on occasion, such as Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, home of Kazma SC, and Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah Stadium, home of Al-Nasr SC in Farwaniya. These alternative venues are typically selected based on logistical needs or specific tournament requirements.

In recent years, the newly inaugurated Sulaibikhat Stadium in Sulaibikhat, has been added to Kuwait's list of modern football venues. Opened in December 2024, it features a European-style football-specific design without an athletics track and has a capacity of 15,000 spectators. It serves as the home ground for Sulaibikhat SC and has also hosted select matches for Al-Arabi SC.

Broadcasting

Kuwait national football team matches are primarily broadcast on Kuwait TV Sport, which provides full match commentary. During major tournaments such as the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, matches are additionally broadcast on beIN Sports and Dubai Sports.

Rivalries

;Kuwait vs. Iraq

• Iraq Iraq

1. Only matches recognized by FIFA.

2. Wins for Kuwait. |} Iraq's rivalry with Kuwait has been one of the most notable football rivalries in the Arab world. 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 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).

On 11 June 1976, the two met in the semi-final of the Asian Cup in Tehran; Kuwait took the lead twice, and Iraq equalized twice thereafter. Finally, 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 quarterfinals in Moscow. Iraq also qualified for the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and the 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.

As Iraq and Kuwait traded Gulf titles in 1988 and 1990, few could have imagined their rivalry on the football field being replaced by an altogether more catastrophic one on the battlefield. Because of the Gulf War, Iraq and Kuwait were in complete avoidance and never met for more than a decade. Kuwait's Blues had a relative recovery, winning the Gulf Cup in 1996 and 1998, before securing their record 10th title in 2010. Iraq won the 2007 Asian Cup.

;Kuwait vs. Saudi Arabia

• KSA Saudi Arabia

1. Only matches recognized by FIFA.

2. Wins for Kuwait. |} The football rivalry between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia is one of the most anticipated in the Gulf region, steeped in decades of competition and regional pride. This rivalry is frequently highlighted in the Arabian Gulf Cup and other regional tournaments, attracting attention from fans and media. Kuwait achieved notable success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the 1980 AFC Asian Cup 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 saw increased success in football beginning in the late 1980s and continuing into the 1990s, with consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifications starting in 1994 and 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 FIFA World Cup appearances, played crucial roles in Saudi Arabia's footballing achievements.

Notable matches in this rivalry include the 1980 Arabian Gulf Cup final, where Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia 3–1, showcasing their dominance at the time. Another significant encounter was the 1998 Arabian 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.

Results and fixtures

Main article: Kuwait national football team results, Kuwait national football team results (2020–present)

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

2024

• Al-Awadhi
• Sabarah
• Bouresli
• El Zein
• Merheg
• Kassas
• Khamis
• Nasser
• Al-Sabhi
• Caio
• Daham
• M. Al-Enezi
• Daham
• Muntari
• Marhoon

2025

• Hashim
• Bayesh
• Nasser
• Al-Sabhi
• Seyam
• Abou Ali
• Al Hajeri
• Lee Kang-in
• Oh Hyeon-gyu
• Lee Jae-sung
• Shomurodov
• Erkinov
• Nasser
• Hassan Al-Enezi
• Allarakhia
• Al-Sharifi
• Daham
• Daham
• Afsha
• Al Hajeri
• Al-Rosan
• Olwan
• Al Ghassani
• Giménez
• Al Hajeri

2026

Coaching staff

Coaching history

• EGY Ali Othman and Majid Mohammed (1955)
• EGY Ahmed Abu Taha (1957)
• POL Edmund Majowski (1957–1958)
• YUG Ljubiša Broćić (1962, 1971–1973, 1973–1975)
• UAR Saleh El Wahsh (1964)
• HUN Gyula Grosics (1966)
• YUG Dimitri Tadić (1966–1969)
• UAR Taha El-Doukhi (1970)
• KUW Hassan Nasser (1973)
• BRA Mário Zagallo (1976–1978)
• KUW Saleh Zakaria (1978, 1986, 2006–2007)
• BRA Carlos Alberto Parreira (1978–1982)
• BRA Antônio Lopes (1983–1985)
• ENG Malcolm Allison (1985–1986)
• HUN György Mezey (1986–1987)
• BRA Antônio Vieira (1987–1988)
• ENG George Armstrong (1988)
• BRA Otacílio Gonçalves (1989–1990)
• BRA Luiz Felipe Scolari (1990)
• KUW Mohammed Karam (1990)
• BRA Valmir Louruz (1990–1992)
• BRA Paulo Campos (1992–1993)
• BRA Gildo Rodrigues (1993)
• ENG Jensen Wright (1993)
• UKR Valeriy Lobanovskyi (1993–1996)
• CZE Milan Máčala (1996–1999)
• CZE Dušan Uhrin (1999–2001)
• GER Berti Vogts (2001–2002)
• SCG Radojko Avramović (2002, 2018)
• BRA Paulo César Carpegiani (2003–2004)
• KUW Mohammed Ebrahim Hajeyah (2004, 2005, 2008–2009)
• SCG Slobodan Pavković (2005)
• ROU Mihai Stoichiță (2005–2006)
• CRO Rodion Gačanin (2007–2008)
• SRB Goran Tufegdžić (2009–2013)
• BRA Jorvan Vieira (2013–2014)
• TUN Nabil Maâloul (2014–2015)
• SRB Boris Bunjak (2017)
• CRO Romeo Jozak (2018–2019)
• KUW Thamer Enad (2019–2020, 2021)
• ESP Andres Carrasco (2020–2021)
• CZE Vítězslav Lavička (2022)
• POR Rui Bento (2022–2024)
• ARG Juan Antonio Pizzi (2024–2025)
• POR Hélio Sousa (2025–)

Players

Current squad

The following 26 players have been called up for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup December 2025.

Caps and goals as of 6 December 2025, after the game against United Arab Emirates.

Recent call-ups

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

INJ

PRE

INJ Withdrew due to injury.

PRE Preliminary squad.

RET Player has retired from international football.

SUS Suspended from the national team.

Previous squads

;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

Records

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Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

Main article: Kuwait at the FIFA World Cup

AFC Asian Cup

Main article: Kuwait at the AFC Asian Cup

:*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.

Olympic Games

Asian Games

WAFF Championship

Arabian Gulf Cup

Arab Games

FIFA Arab Cup

Head-to-head record

The following table shows Kuwait's all-time international record, after match against United Arab Emirates

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

Honours

Continental

• AFC Asian Cup
  • [[File:Coppa Asia.svg|25px]] Champions (1): 1980
  • Runners-up (1): 1976
  • Third place (1): 1984
• Asian GamesCompetition organized by OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.
  • Silver medal (2): 1982, 1998
  • Bronze medal (2): 1986, 1994

Regional

• Arab Cup
  • Third place (3): 1964, 1992, 1998
• Arab Games
  • Bronze medal (2): 1992, 2011
• Arabian Gulf Cup
  • Champions (10): 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2010
  • Runners-up (1): 1979
  • Third place (1): 2013, 2002
• West Asian Games
  • Gold medal (1): 2002
  • Bronze medal (1): 1997
• WAFF Championship
  • Champions (1): 2010
• SAFF Championship
  • Runners-up (1): 2023

Friendly

• Focus International Cup (1): 2011

Awards

• Arabian Gulf Cup Fair Play Award (1): 2017–18

Summary

Only official honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

Current President

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef Al-Sabah (Arabic: الشيخ أحمد اليوسف سعود الصباح; born 6 October 1962) is the current President of the Kuwait Football Association (KFA). He has led the association during a period of renewed activity for the national team and wider Kuwaiti football.

Recent activities

In December 2024, following the national team’s qualification for the semi-finals of Gulf Zain 26, Al-Sabah announced a reward of US$150,000 for the players in recognition of their performance.

In February 2025, he stated that Kuwait had the infrastructure and institutional capacity to host major football tournaments, reaffirming the country’s readiness to host future regional competitions.

He was re-elected President of the Kuwait Football Association by acclamation in November 2024.

In October 2025, he honoured the Kuwait national futsal team after their qualification for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals.

In November 2025, Al-Sabah took part in a Kuwait University event titled “Sports and Philosophy,” reflecting his broader public profile beyond football administration.

Summary

Only official honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

Notes

References

References

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