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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body for national football associations in Asia and Australia. Comprising 47 members, AFC spans Asia and Oceania. Notable nations like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey, which straddle Europe and Asia, are UEFA members. Despite geographic proximity to Asia, Cyprus, Armenia, and Israel belong to UEFA. Australia joined AFC in 2006, and Guam, a U.S. territory, is also a member. Hong Kong and Macau, special administrative regions of China, are AFC members. Established in 1954 in Manila, Philippines, AFC is one of FIFA's six continental confederations. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa from Bahrain currently leads AFC. Now, let's explore the strongest national football teams in the Asian region!
United Arab Emirates
The national football team of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents the country in football. They first participated in the 1990 World Cup, losing all matches against West Germany, Colombia, and Yugoslavia, exiting in the group stage. The team reached the semi-finals of the 1992 Asian Cup and was the runner-up in 1996 as the host. They won the Gulf Cup in 2007 and 2013, and secured a third-place finish in the 2015 Asian Cup. Under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE football team has evolved significantly. The team, commonly known as UAE, adopted a red kit until a change to black with green accents in 2019. The football journey began in the 1970s, with notable phases under Don Revie's coaching. The 1980s marked a shift in direction for the team, participating in tournaments like the 1979 Gulf Cup. The subsequent decades showcased further transformations.
At the completed Zayed Sports City Stadium, the UAE, coached by Iranian Heshmat Mohajerani, triumphed over Qatar with a minimal score in a 1984 Gulf Cup match, attended by Sheikh Zayed. In the Gulf Cup history, UAE didn't clinch the title until 2007 on home turf and secured a second one in 2013 in Bahrain. The UAE made its Asian Cup debut in 1980 in Kuwait, participating in at least 10 Asian Cup editions, reaching the highest by entering the 1996 final on home soil, falling to Saudi Arabia in a penalty shootout. In 1984, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira was invited to lead a relatively inexperienced UAE in the World Cup qualifiers, aiming for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. However, the dream was shattered with a last-minute goal against Iraq. The 1990 qualification campaign saw a new Brazilian, Mário Zagalo, taking over after an initial setback. Facing South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, North Korea, and China, a comeback against China changed the narrative. In Group D of the final round in Italy, with West Germany, Yugoslavia, and Colombia, the team faced defeat, conceding 11 goals and scoring two, with the first goal against West Germany by Khalid Ismail.
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United Arab Emirates
Iran
The Iranian national football team is the top-tier football team of Iran, managed by the Iranian Football Federation. As one of the leading football teams in Asia, Iran has won the Asian Cup three times in 1968, 1972, and 1976, tying with Saudi Arabia and trailing only Japan. They also secured gold medals in the Asian Games in 1974, 1990, and 1998. From December 2014 to October 2018, Iran held the highest FIFA ranking among men's teams in the AFC, making them the top-ranked team in Asia for an extended period. Before joining the Central Asian Football Association, Iran won the West Asian Football Federation Championship four times in 2000, 2004, 2007, and 2008. In all five World Cup appearances, the team failed to advance past the group stage, with victories against the U.S. in 1998 and Morocco in 2018. The squad of 27 players was called up for the World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Syria on November 11 and 16, 2021.
In 1978, Iran made its World Cup debut, defeating Australia in Tehran. Iran lost two out of three group stage matches, securing a surprising draw against Scotland for one point. Since then, Iran's best World Cup performance was earning 4 points in the 2018 World Cup with a victory against Morocco and a draw against Portugal. The second-best result was in the 1998 World Cup, winning against the United States to accumulate 3 points. Iran has consistently participated in the final rounds since 1968, boasting a rich history in the Asian Cup with three consecutive championships (1968, 1972, and 1976), twice as the host nation. Additionally, the team clinched the third position four times, only faltering in the group stage in 1992, reaching at least the quarterfinals in other editions.
Iran
Qatar
The Qatar national football team is managed by the Qatar Football Association. Their achievements include winning the 2019 Asian Cup, the 2014 West Asian Championship, and three Gulf Cup titles in 1992, 2004, and 2014. Qatar is the second Asian and first Arab team to participate in the 2019 Copa America as invited guests. They are the host team for the 2022 World Cup. Qatar's first World Cup qualification match was in 1977, defeating Bahrain 2 – 0 in Doha. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, they became the hosts for the 2022 World Cup in December 2010, making them the first Middle Eastern team to host the event. Qatar's debut in the Asian Cup was in 1980, reaching the quarterfinals in 2000 despite finishing third in the group stage, losing to China in the quarterfinals. Qatar ended the 20th century with top-10 finishes in all Asian Cup editions, but performance declined, placing 14th in 2004 and 2007. In 2011, as hosts, they reached the continental quarterfinals, finishing 7th overall, setting the stage for their breakthrough in the 2019 Asian Cup. Currently, 23 players are called up for the 2021 Arab Cup. Qatar hosted the Gulf Cup in 1976, 1992, and 2004, winning the tournament on home soil in 1992, 2004, and again in 2014 by defeating hosts Saudi Arabia in the final.
Qatar
Australia
The Australian national football team represents Australia in international competitions. Formerly a member of the Oceania Football Confederation, Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006. Their achievements until 2006 include four Oceania Cup titles in 1980, 1996, 2000, and 2004, a fourth-place finish in the 1992 Summer Olympics, reaching the Round of 16 in the 2006 World Cup, and finishing as runners-up in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup. Upon moving to Asia, Australia became new rivals for former Asian Cup champions like Japan and South Korea. With a victory in the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil, Australia became the only team to win championships on two continents. The team topped the FIFA rankings despite exiting in the World Cup group stage, thanks to players like Harry Souttar and Awer Mabil, along with 11 consecutive wins in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As a former member of the OFC until 2006, Australia participated in the World Cup only twice in 1974 and 2006. After joining the Asian region, with FIFA allocating 4.5 slots, Australia qualified for three consecutive World Cups from 2010 onwards. Australia's first football kit was sky blue with polka dots on the socks, representing New South Wales and Queensland. The predominantly light green kit changed to green and gold in 1924. The squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Asia from November 11-16, 2021, consists of 24 players.
Australia
China
The China national football team is administered by the Chinese Football Association. They participated in the 2002 World Cup. In the Asian Cup, China qualified for the final stage 12 times consecutively from 1976, reaching the finals in 1984 and 2004, finishing as runners-up both times. China has two separate national football teams for Hong Kong and Macau, territories that returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 and 1999, respectively. China's first football team was established in 1913, participating in the Far Eastern Championship Games held in the Philippines that year. The Chinese Football Association was founded in 1924 under the Republic of China and joined FIFA in 1931. After the Chinese Civil War, another organization named the Chinese Football Association, recognized by the People's Republic of China, became a FIFA member in 1958. The People's Republic of China played its first international match against Finland on August 4, 1952. The team withdrew from World Cup qualification in 1958 before rejoining in 1979. Over the next 30 years, China mainly played friendlies against teams such as Albania, Myanmar, Cambodia, Guinea, Hungary, Mongolia, North Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sudan, the Soviet Union, and the United Arab Republic. China participated in the World Cup qualification in 1958, losing to Indonesia. They also entered the World Cup qualification in 1980, losing to New Zealand in the playoff. In the 1986 World Cup qualification, China faced Hong Kong in their final match on August 19, 1985, needing a draw to advance. Hong Kong won 2-1, leading to a brawl between supporters. In the 1990 qualification, China reached the final round but lost to Qatar in the final group match. In the 1994 qualification, they missed the chance to reach the final round, finishing second to Iraq. China had an opportunity to qualify for the 1998 World Cup but lost home matches to Qatar and Iran. The squad consists of 32 players called up for the 2022 World Cup qualification (Round 3).
China
South Korea
The national football team of the Republic of Korea, representing South Korea internationally, is managed by the Korea Football Association (KFA). The team's home ground is the World Cup Stadium Seoul. South Korea is one of the most successful teams in Asian football history. As of the 2018 World Cup, South Korea has qualified for 10 World Cup tournaments, including a remarkable streak of 9 consecutive appearances – more than any other Asian team. Their best World Cup performance was reaching the quarterfinals in 2002, co-hosting with Japan. Additionally, they reached the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In continental competitions, South Korea has won the Asian Cup twice, finished as runners-up four times, and secured third place four times. They also claimed three gold medals at the Asian Games in 1970, 1978, and 1986. As a guest team, South Korea finished fourth in the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup held in the United States. In the regional context, South Korea has won the East Asian Cup six times, holding the record for the most regional championships.
The South Korean national team is nicknamed the 'Taeguk Warriors' or the 'Asian Tigers,' and their mascot is the Siberian Tiger. South Korea holds the record for the most World Cup appearances in Asia. Their two highest achievements in the FIFA World Cup were a fourth-place finish in 2002 and reaching the Round of 16 in 2010. South Korea is one of the most successful teams in the AFC Asian Cup, being the first champions in 1956 and securing their second title in 1960. They have also finished as runners-up four times and third place four times. South Korea participated in the AFF East Asian Cup twice in 2017 and 2019 after defeating the Japanese team. They have won the East Asian Cup six times, holding a special spot in the finals since 2003 and currently maintaining the record for the most championships. The squad called up for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Asia consists of 24 players.
South Korea
Jordan
Jordan is an Arab country in the Middle East, stretching from the southern part of the Syrian desert to the Gulf of Aqaba. It shares borders with Syria to the north, northeast with Iraq, and to the west and south with Israel and the Palestinian territories. Jordan, along with Israel, divides the Dead Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline is shared with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Most of Jordan's territory is covered by deserts, especially the Arabian Desert, while the northwest region, with the Jordan River, is considered a fertile land. The capital of Jordan is Amman, located in the northwest.
The national football team of Jordan is the representative team managed by the Jordan Football Association. The team played its first international match against Syria in 1953. Their best achievements to date are three runner-up positions in the West Asian region in 2002, 2008, and 2014. Jordan has participated in the Asian Cup four times (2004, 2011, 2015, and 2019), with the highest achievement being reaching the quarterfinals twice (in 2004 and 2011).
Jordan
Oman
The national football team of Oman is the representative team managed by the Oman Football Association. They have participated in four Asian Cup editions (2004, 2007, 2015, and 2019), with their best performance being the Round of 16 in 2019. Oman clinched the Gulf Cup in 2009 as the host nation and were runners-up in 2007 in the United Arab Emirates. In the West Asian Football Championship in 2012, Oman achieved their highest regional ranking, securing third place. Despite being one of the least populous countries with around 5.1 million people, Oman, currently ranked 78th in FIFA rankings, has displayed football prowess, notably defeating Japan in the World Cup 2022 Asian qualifiers.
Football is the most popular sport in Oman, with football fields scattered across the country despite its relatively low population density. The national football league was established in 1976, contributing to the synchronized development of football in the country. The Oman Football Association (OFA) initiated a football revitalization plan in 2010, investing $6.7 million over five years in tournament development and youth football training. This funding paved the way for the Omani Pro League to attract renowned sponsors like Nissan, sustaining itself through television broadcasting rights. Oman's recent football success aligns with the resurgence of its national league and youth training systems benefiting from increased investments. Presently, Oman stands as one of the top national football teams in Asia.
Oman
Iraq
The Republic of Iraq is a country in the Middle East. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the south, Turkey to the north, Syria to the northwest, Jordan to the west, and Iran (Kurdistan Province) to the east. The capital city, Baghdad, serves as the nation's center. With a population of approximately 36-37 million people, about 97% adhere to Islam, primarily Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish groups. Iraq has a narrow coastline of approximately 58 km (36 mi) along the northern Persian Gulf, encompassing the alluvial plain of Mesopotamia, the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains, and the eastern part of the Syrian Desert. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, flowing south through Iraq's central region and converging at the Shatt al-Arab near the Persian Gulf, provide vital nutrients to this land.
The national football team of Iraq is the representative team managed by the Iraq Football Association. From 1964 to 1988, Iraq secured three Arabian Gulf Cups, four Arab Nations Cups, and gold medals in the Arab Sports Olympics. The team made a World Cup appearance in 1986. Iraq clinched the Asian Cup in 2007, earning them a spot in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. The Iraqi Olympic team won the gold medal in the 1982 Asian Games and reached the semi-finals in the 2004 Summer Olympics. The squad recently announced a roster of 27 players for the World Cup 2022 Qualifiers (Round 3).
Iraq
Vietnam
The national football team of Vietnam represents the country and is managed by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the governing body for football in Vietnam. Football, introduced by the French in the 19th century, faced significant hindrances to its development in Vietnam throughout the 20th century due to internal conflicts. Split into two military zones in the North and South in 1954, separate national teams were controlled by different organizations: the Vietnam Football Association in the North and the Recreation and Physical Training Association in the South. After the reunification in 1976, the Vietnam Football Federation was established. Since the 1990s, Vietnam has reintegrated into the global football scene, becoming an integral part of Vietnamese society. The national team embodies Vietnamese nationalism and enjoys widespread support. Vietnamese fans are renowned for their passionate support, celebrating the team's achievements, including the youth team.
In the 2018 AFF Cup, Vietnam, led by key players such as Van Hau, Quang Hai, Van Duc, Duc Chinh, along with experienced players like Huy Hung, Van Quyet, Anh Duc, and Trong Hoang, secured three victories against Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia, and a draw with Myanmar, topping Group A and advancing to the semi-finals. They defeated the Philippines 2-1 in aggregate and drew 2-2 against Malaysia in the away leg of the final. In the return leg at My Dinh Stadium, Anh Duc scored the only goal, securing a 3-2 overall victory, marking Vietnam's second AFF Cup championship. In the second phase of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Vietnam, drawn into Group G, faced familiar Southeast Asian rivals: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, alongside the UAE. After 8 matches, Vietnam won 5, drew 2, lost 1, earning 17 points and finishing second behind the UAE. As the fourth-best runner-up (excluding the bottom team's points), Vietnam earned 11 points, securing a spot in the third round of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers and qualifying for the Asian Cup 2023.
Vietnam
Bahrain
The national football team of Bahrain is the representative team of the country, managed by the Bahrain Football Association. The team played its first international match against Kuwait in 1966. Bahrain reached the top 4 strongest teams in the Asian Cup and clinched the West Asian Championship in 2019. Despite never qualifying for a FIFA World Cup, their closest attempt was in 2010 when they finished 5th in Asia, earning the chance to compete for a spot against Oceania's representative, New Zealand. Despite being considered favorites, Bahrain lost with an aggregate score of 0-1 over two legs, conceding the World Cup ticket to their opponent.
The national football team of Bahrain has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Their closest attempt was in 2010 when they finished 5th in Asia and earned the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot against Oceania's representative, New Zealand. Despite being the higher-rated team, Bahrain suffered a 0-1 defeat over two legs, relinquishing their chance to participate in the World Cup. In the August 2019 tournament, Bahrain overcame the host, Iraq, in the final with a minimal score to secure their first West Asian Championship.
Bahrain
Saudi Arabia
The national football team of Saudi Arabia represents the country and is managed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). Considered one of the most successful teams in Asia, Saudi Arabia emerged as a dominant force in the late 20th century, winning the Asian Cup in 1984, 1988, and 1996, balancing with Iran's championship record before being surpassed by Japan in 2011. The team also holds the record for the most appearances in the Asian Cup final (6 times).
On the global stage, the Saudi Arabian national football team reached the second round of the World Cup in their debut appearance in 1994 and has since qualified four more times, but has not advanced past the group stage. Saudi Arabia was the first Asian team to reach the final of a FIFA high-level tournament, securing the runner-up position in the 1992 King Fahd Cup, the predecessor to the Confederations Cup. The team's primary kit is the traditional white, and the secondary kit is green (the color of the flag).
Saudi Arabia
Japan
The national football team of Japan represents the country in football and is managed by the Japan Football Association (JFA). Japan is one of the most successful football teams in Asia, having participated in the World Cup 6 times in a row, reaching the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, and 2018. The team also holds the record for Asian Cup championships with 4 titles in 1992, 2000, 2004, and 2011. Japan has been the runner-up in the AFC Asian Cup 2001 and is one of three Asian teams, along with Australia and Saudi Arabia, to reach the final of a FIFA national team tournament. In the regional context, Japan has won the East Asian Cup four times (1992, 1995, 1998, 2013). Major rivals include South Korea, Iran, and recently Australia. Japan also maintains a competitive relationship with Saudi Arabia in West Asia. Japan was the first non-American team invited to participate in the Copa America, invited in 1999, 2011, 2015, and 2019, participating in 1999 and 2019 only.
Japan participated in the 2019 Asian Cup with a significantly rejuvenated squad, omitting key players like Kagawa Shinji and Okazaki Shinji, and introducing new talents such as Minamino Takumi, Doan Ritsu, and Tomiyasu Takehiro. The team performed well in the group stage against Turkmenistan, Oman, and Uzbekistan, winning all three matches. However, criticism arose during the knockout stage for the team's overly pragmatic play, narrowly winning against Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. Despite this, Japan delivered an impressive performance in the semi-finals against reigning champions Iran, defeating them convincingly by three goals. In the final against Qatar, Japan couldn't secure their fifth Asian championship, losing 1-3 in a match where their defense made consecutive mistakes. In December 2019, Japan participated in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2019 held in South Korea. Coach Moriyasu called up a young and inexperienced squad. With the youthful team, Japan only managed to beat China and Hong Kong, losing to South Korea and finishing as the runner-up. In the third round of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Japan was drawn into a group with Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, and Vietnam.
Japan
Syria
The national football team of Syria is the representative team of Syria managed by the Syrian Football Association. The team's first international match was against the Turkish national team in 1949. Syria has participated in the AFC Asian Cup six times in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2011, and 2019 but has not advanced past the group stage. Although lacking notable achievements, the Syrian team has one of the longest international playing histories in Asia, participating in World Cup qualifiers since 1950. The team's official debut in qualifiers was a 0-7 loss to Turkey on November 20, 1949.
The team has not yet qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, coming closest during the 1986 World Cup qualifiers when Syria lost to Iraq in the final knockout round. In the AFC Asian Cup, Syria has participated six times, with the most recent appearance being in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Another noteworthy achievement is the youth team winning the AFC U-17 Championship in 1994. The Syrian U-20 team has also competed twice in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1995 and 2005.
Syria
Uzbekistan
The national football team of Uzbekistan is the representative team managed by the Uzbekistan Football Association. Uzbekistan has never qualified for the World Cup. The team came closest during the World Cup qualifiers in 2006 and 2014, failing to secure a playoff spot after losing to Bahrain (2006), Jordan (2014) in the fourth round, and South Korea (2018) in the final round. In their first-ever World Cup qualifying campaign, Uzbekistan was eliminated in the second round, with a 0-3 loss to Saudi Arabia on June 15 closing their journey. Coach Vadim Abramov's team finished second in the group but couldn't retain a spot among the five best second-placed teams.
Uzbekistan concluded the second round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers with a somewhat disappointing outcome, securing five victories and finishing second in the group. The team, nicknamed the 'White Wolves,' initially belonged to the group of five best second-placed teams but dropped to 7th place overall due to the improved performance of rivals in other groups. Notably, in Group C, Iran defeated Iraq in the final match, claiming the top spot and pushing Iraq to second place. A similar scenario unfolded in Group G, where the UAE secured the top position over Vietnam. This bitter setback might serve as a necessary wake-up call for Uzbekistan. Nevertheless, the national football team of Uzbekistan remains one of the strongest teams in the Asian region.
Uzbekistan
The above are the strongest national football teams in Asia. It can be observed that the football powerhouses of Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Qatar, have the highest chances of advancing to the World Cup finals. Vietnam, facing formidable opponents, needs to exert even more effort to propel the national football scene further on the continental and global stage.
Posted by: Phạm Thị Diễm Quỳnh
Keywords: 15 strongest national football teams in Asia today
