Syria national football team

The Syrian Football Federation was founded in 1936, 10 years before independence from the French in 1946. It has been affiliated with FIFA since 1937 and has been a member of AFC since 1969.[5][6] Syria played its first unofficial matches under the name of Damascus XI with Lebanon (5–4) in 1939 and with Iraq (1–2) in 1944.[7][8]

Syria played their first official game against Lebanon on 19 April 1942; Qasioun Eagles won 2–1.[9] Syria's first official qualifying match was played in Ankara against Turkey, which ended in a Syrian defeat 7:0 on 20 November 1949.[10] Thanks to that, the Syrian team participated in the 1950 World Cup European qualifiers as one of the first teams in the region to do so.[11] One of the biggest defeats was played in Athens against the Greece, on 25 November 1949, 5 days after its first official match which ended in a score of 8:0 for the Greeks.[12]

At the 1951 Mediterranean Games in Alexandria, on 12 October 1951, one of Syria's biggest defeats was recorded against the Egypt which ended with a score of 8:0 for the Pharaohs.[13]

Francisc Mészáros, who became the second coach of the Syrian national team in 1954.

The first great success of the national team was silver at the 1953 Arab Games, when they were defeated in the final by Egypt (4:0).[14] At the 1957 Arab Games in Beirut, they advanced to the finals after the semi-final defeat of Morocco, in which they defeated Tunisia with goals scored by Shamas and Awadis Kaoulakian 3:1.[15]

In the FIFA World Cup 1958 qualifiers, the Syrian football team was defeated by the Sudan in the 1st round of the playoffs. Between 1958 and 1961, the team combined with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic national football team, although the team's records are attributed only to Egypt by FIFA.[16]

They were twice a finalists in the Arab Cup: in 1963 (beaten by the Tunisia) and 1966 (beaten by Iraq).[17]

In the 1966 World Cup qualifiers they were one of two teams from the Asian zone (the other being Israel) to be allocated to the European qualifying zone and were originally placed with Spain and the Republic of Ireland. However, they joined the Asian and African boycott of the 1966 qualifiers, due to the decision of FIFA to allocate just one place between Asia and Africa.[18]

In the 1970s, they regularly participated in the Palestine Cup, which served as a substitute for the Arab Cup. At the 1972 Palestine Cup, they placed fourth when they lost 1:3 to Algeria.[19] At the 1973 Palestine Cup, they advanced from the group stage to the semifinals, where they eliminated Algeria after penalties (0:0, pen. 3:2). In the final of the cup, they clearly lost to Tunisia 0:4.[20]

In the 1974 Kuneitra Cup, the Qasioun Eagles entered the knockout phase after the group defeat of Sudan, Libya, Palestine and North Yemen. In the semifinals of the cup, they defeated Tunisia (3:1), but in the final they unfortunately lost to Morocco after a penalty shootout.[21]

For the 1974 World Cup, they finished second in the group in the 1st round of the qualification, behind the Iran, insufficient to advance to the next round.[22] The players who made Syrian football famous were the players of Barada SC, with the best elite of football players, such as Faris Sultji, Marwan Dardari, Ahmad Talib Tamim, Mohammad Khair Dhaher, Ahmad Alian, Joseph Chahrestan, Farouq Bozo, Ahmad al-Akad, Jamal al-Sharif.

At the 1975 Palestine Cup, they eliminated Libya in the group stage, but lost to Iraq in the semifinals 0: 4 and in the bronze medal match with Sudan 0:1.[23] In 1976, Damascus hosted the Arab Games, whose football tournament was played at the Abbasiyyin Stadium, where the home Syrian team won bronze medals.[24]

In the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification, the Qasioun Eagles did not go through the first round, as despite losing one victory over Saudi Arabia (2:0) they lost both matches to Iran, finishing in third place in the group.[25]

Abdul Kader Kardaghli, scorer of the winning penalty against France in the 1987 Mediterranean Games finals

The Syrian team made it to 1980 Olympics thanks to Iran, as the team withdrew due to the American-led boycott of the Olympics.[26] Despite losing 0:3 to the Algeria and 0:5 to the GDR, they gained experience from big matches. However, the most valuable result in the tournament was a draw with a strong Spain 0:0.[27]

The Syrian team took part in the three editions of the Asian Nations Cup in the 1980s. In 1980 Asian Cup, they finished 3rd out of 5 in the group stage, behind the North Korea and the Iran, ahead of the China and the Bangladesh.[28]

In 1984 Asian Nations Cup, they finished 4th out of 5 in the 1st round, ahead of the South Korea, behind Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.[29] In the 1988 Asian Nations Cup, they finished 3rd out of 5 still in the 1st round, behind the China and Saudi Arabia, ahead of Kuwait and Bahrain.[30] The two Syrian scorers were with one goal each: Walid Nasser and Walid Al-Hel. They were a finalists in the Arab Nations Cup in 1988 (beaten by Iraq). During this period, Syria shows that it is very present on the Asian scene.

For the qualifiers of the 1982 World Cup, they finished last in the group stage behind the Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.[31] As for the qualification round of the 1986 World Cup, Syria came very close to a qualification which would have been historic, since it passed the 1st round ahead of the Kuwait and the North Yemen, beat Bahrain and lost in the final qualifying round to Iraq 1:3 on aggregate, with the only Syrian goal scored by Walid Abu Al-Sel.[32]

Valeriy Yaremchenko, the coach who led Syria to victory at the 1987 Mediterranean Games

One of the greatest successes of the Qasioun Eagles in the 1980s was the participation in the finals of the 1987 Mediterranean Games, which took place in Latakia, and the defeat of the France team 2:1.[33][34]

In the 1990 World Cup qualifiers, the national team placed second in the first round after losing to Saudi Arabia 4:5 (goal scorers: Mahrous, Jakalan, Al-Nasser and Helou).[35]

In 1992, the Arab Games were held in Syria, which included the Arab Cup In this tournament, the Syrian national team led by Virgil Dridea placed 4th after advancing to the semifinals (losing to Egypt 4:3 on penalties) and losing in the bronze medal match with Kuwait 1:2.[36]

During the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, they led the qualifying group after winning over Taiwan and Oman, but due to draws with Iran (0:0 and 1:1, goal scored by Abdul Latif Helou), they did not advance to the second round.[37]

In the 1st round of the 1996 Asian Cup, the Syrian team beat Uzbekistan (2:1), thanks to goals from Nader Joukhadar and Ali Dib, but they were beaten by Japan (1:2 , goal by Nader Joukhadar) and by China (0:3). By finishing 3rd in the group, they had a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals but having a low score compared to the other two countries (Iraq and South Korea), the team finished as the worst 3rd, again missed the knockout phase by a close margin.

Chadi Cheikh Merai in 1997

At the 1997 Arab Games in Beirut, they reached the final, in which Jordan defeated them 0–1.[38]

One of Syria's biggest victories was recorded in Tehran on 4 June 1997, against the Maldives, a match that ended by a final score of 12–0 for the Syrians. 5 days later it faces again the Maldives, still in Tehran, which ends with the same score of 12–0. These two matches were played as a part of the qualification of the 1998 World Cup, where it was eliminated in the first preliminary round, ahead of the Iran.[39]

The Syrian team was twice finalist in 2000 and in 2004 of a regional competition, the West Asian Football Championship, beaten each time by the Iran; as they reached the semi-finals of the West Asian Championship 2002 held at home but lost to the Jordan on a golden goal scored in the last minutes of extra time (1–2), before losing to Iran on penalties during the match for the 3rd place (2–2, 2–4).

Syria v Iran, friendly match (2006)

As for the qualification of the World Cup 2002, they were overtaken by the Oman at 1st, while being ahead of the Philippines and the Laos.[40]

In the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, they did not advance to the third stage after uncertain match performances and losses with Bahrain (1–2) and Kyrgyzstan (0–1).[41]

Syria v India, 2007 Nehru Cup

During this period, the national team participated in the 2007 Nehru Cup, where after the first victory over Bangladesh (2–0) they defeated Kyrgyzstan (4–1), India (3–2) and Cambodia (5–1) and advanced to the finals.[42] The top scorers were famous Syrian stars Zyad Chaabo (5 goals) and Maher Al-Sayed (4 goals). But the cup final for the team did not turn out well, because they lost to India 0–1.[43][44]

Fajr Ibrahim led Syria twice to the semifinals of the West Asian Cup

In 2007, Syria advanced to the WAAF Cup under the leadership of coach Fajr Ibrahim, where they after victories over Lebanon and Jordan (both 1–0), lost in the semifinals to Iraq 0–3.[45]

A year later, the Qasioun Eagles took part in the 2008 WAAF Cup, where after a 2–1 victory over Oman and a draw with Jordan, they advanced to the semifinals, where they lost to Iran (0–2).[46]

At the 2009 Nehru Cup, Syria sovereignly won the group stage, defeating Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and, in a close match, India (1–0). In the final of the cup, they encountered India, with which they lost 1–2 on penalties (the only Syrian scorer was Ali Diab).[47]

In the qualifications for the World Cup 2010, the team of Syria beat the Afghanistan in the 1st round, then the Indonesia in the 2nd round, but narrowly failed in the 3rd round to qualify for the 4th round, due to a unfavorable goal average, behind UAE and Iran, but ahead of Kuwait.[48]

Syrian line-up against Japan at the 2011 Asian Cup

The Syrian team qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar after a long absence from it since 1996, where it ascended to the championship without any loss in the qualifiers. They were eliminated from the group stage again after losing to Jordan and Japan and defeating Saudi Arabia.[49] Shortly afterwards, they were disqualified from the 2014 World Cup due to the use of an ineligible player.[50]

In December 2012, Syria beat Iraq in the final of West Asia Cup to collect its first major trophy and Ahmad Al Saleh became the scorer of the historic winning goal (1–0).[51] Official Syrian television interrupted its broadcasts to announce the victory and show the presentation of the cup live.[52]

In 2013, the Syrian team withdrew from the WAAF Cup due to the war in the country. In the following years, the situation in the national team was not good because they could not play at home stadiums.

Syria national football team in Tehran: 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification

The Syrian national team missed the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after failing to qualify and occupying third place in the Group A that included Jordan, Singapore and Oman.[53] In 2016, Syria took part in the King's Cup under national team captain Mosab Balhous and head coach Ayman Hakeem, where they lost in the semifinals after a penalty shootout with Thailand and defeated the United Arab Emirates 1–0 in third place match.[54]

Ever since war broke out in the country, Syria have been banned from playing home games in their own country and in fact were one day away from being thrown out of the 2018 World Cup only for Malaysia to swoop in at the last minute and offer to host all of Syria's home games.

After finishing on second place in Group E during the 2018 World Cup 2nd qualifying round, behind Japan, but ahead of Singapore, Afghanistan and Cambodia. Syria was among the top 4 (2nd) and obtained the right to play in the 3rd round , in addition to being qualified for the next Asian Cup.[55]

2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Syria v Iran

They were transferred to the group A, along with Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, China and Qatar. On 5 September 2017, Syria qualified for the first time in their history for the play-offs of a World Cup by finishing 3rd in their group with 13 points, level on points with Uzbekistan, but ahead in the standings thanks to better goal difference, following of their draw gleaned in stoppage time on the lawn of the Iran (2–2) in the last match.[56]

This was the best Qasioun Eagles performance to date in a World Cup qualifying phase.[57] The prospect of a historic qualification for a final phase of the World Cup has given rise to a momentary halt to the conflict which has ravaged the country for six years, as well as the installation of giant screens by the authorities in the main public squares of major cities to follow the decisive match against the Iran.[58][59]

On 5 October 2017 in Malacca, Syria managed to draw (1–1) against Australia thanks to a converted penalty in the 85 minute by Syrian best striker Omar Al Somah, who had already equalized in stoppage time in the last pool match against Iran, responding to the opening goal in the first half of Robbie Kruse.[60]

In the return match played five days later in Sydney, the Syrians opened the scoring in the 6th minute of play, once again thanks to Al Somah, but Tim Cahill tied the two teams seven minutes after the opening goal.

The two teams continued to neutralize each other and it was in extra time that the Australia took a decisive advantage in the 109th minute of play thanks to a new goal from Cahill, dashing Syria's last hopes of participating in a World Cup. Reduced to 10 at the start of extra time, Syria nevertheless bravely tried their luck, narrowly missing the equalizer and qualification for the intercontinental play-off during stoppage time in the 2nd half of extra time on a free kick from the essential Al Somah who found the post.[61]

At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup (Group B) in the United Arab Emirates, Syria under the leadership of then-head coach Bernd Stange, the national team drew 0–0 with Palestine in the first match of the tournament. Syria failed to advance from the group stage after losing to Australia (2–3) and Jordan (0–2).[62][63]

2019 Asia Cup, Syria v Palestine

The Syrian coach Bernd Stange was sacked after this tournament, and replaced with former manager Fajr Ibrahim.[64] The team's game didn't improve much after this intervention as they suffered an agonizing loss to Australia after an injury time goal by Tom Rogic in the second half, confirming Syria's elimination.[65]

In qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, which began in the fall of 2019, they were placed second in Group A of 2nd round after the draw.[66] In the first matches of the group, the Qasioun Eagles comfortably won first over the Philippines (5–2), Maldives (2–1) and Guam (4–0).[67] Subsequently, in an important match, they defeated China 2–1 after Osama Omari's goal and Zhang Linpeng's own goal.[68] In the next match, the national team defeated the Philippines 1–0 with a decisive goal by midfielder Ward Al Salama.[69] On 11 March 2020, Tunisian Nabil Maâloul was appointed head coach of Syria.[70]

Nabil Maâloul, Syria's head coach from 2020 to 2021

The last matches in the group were played in 2021 due to COVID-19 in Asia, when they first defeated the Maldives (4–0) and Guam (3–0), confirming their 1st place, advanced to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and also to the third stage of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.[67] With the 1st place assured, Syria then lost to China 1–3 in the final game, which was irrelevant to the final standing.[67]

Omar Khribin, Asian footballer of the year 2017, and one of the key players of the national team

Nabil Maâloul resigned on June 15, 2021 due to disagreements with the leadership of the football federation. Nizar Mahrous replaced him for the next qualification phase.[71] The team started this part of the qualification with unconvincing results with Iran (0–1), UAE (1–1) and South Korea (1–2), with both Syrian goals scored by Omar Khribin and Mahmoud Al Baher.[72] After a humiliating defeat in the Levantine derby with Lebanon (2–3, the scorers were Khrbin and Somah), a draw with Iraq (1–1 only goal was scored by Somah) and a high defeat with Iran (0–3), the head coach Mahrous was fired.[72]

At 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, under the leadership of new coach Valeriu Tița, they showed up in good form.[73] They played the first match in Group B against the UAE, which they lost 1–2.[74] In the next match, Syria played well despite the previous results, as Oliver Kass Kawo and Mouhamad Anez scored 2–0 over the big favorite from Tunisia.[75][76] In their last group match, the Qasioun Eagles lost very badly to Mauritania 1–2 when the equalizing goal was scored by Mahmoud Al Baher in the 52nd minute. They took 3rd place in the group and 9th place in overall.[77]

In the last qualifying matches, they lost first to the UAE 0–2 then to South Korea with the same score, and due to these results Tița was dismissed.[78] Ghassan Maatouk was appointed as the new national head coach on February 9, 2022, leading the team to victory in the derby with Lebanon (3–0) and a draw with Iraq (1–1) in the last two matches. As a result, the Syrian team finished 5th in Group A.[79]

Syrian fans before the match with Palestine

Syria's common rivals are mostly from the Levant and the Gulf, notably are Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq and Iran.[80]

Statistics vs.  Lebanon[8] Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA 25 15 5 5 50 28 1. Only matches recognized by FIFA. 2. Wins for Syria.

Due to historical reasons, matches against Lebanon have been frequently followed and seen by Syrians as the most important rival.[81] Syria played until today 25 games against Lebanon. The first match took place on 19 April 1942 in a friendly match against the Cedars in Beirut, when Lebanon and Syria were a French colonies.[9] In 1947 Syria played two more friendlies against Lebanon: 4–1 victory in Beirut on 4 May,[82] and 1–0 victory in Aleppo on 18 May.[83] It was at this time that the matches were the most regular. Syria dominates the series with 15 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses.

Statistics vs.  Jordan[8] Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA 40 15 9 16 37 39 1. Only matches recognized by FIFA. 2. Wins for Syria.

Syria played their first official match against Jordan on 1 August 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt as part of the 1953 Arab Games, winning 3–1. In later years, the derby gained mutual popularity mainly due to historical and political reasons, as Syrians consider Jordan as part of the original territory of Bilad al-Sham.[84]

The Syrian national team is known by supporters and the media as Nosour Qasioun, meaning The Eagles of Qasioun in reference to the Mount Qasioun, which stretch over the capital of Syria, Damascus.[1]

The Syria national football team's home color is red and away is white. In 2021, new versions of the jerseys were designed, which changed the white color borders and edges to gold. The national flag of Syria was replaced by the new emblem of the SFA, which symbolizes the eagle of Qasioun.

Kit supplier	Period	Notes
Diadora	2007–2010
Adidas	2011–2014
Lotto	2015–2017
Jako	2018–2020
Uhlsport	2021–2022
Jako	2022–

As of 5 February 2023

Position	Name
Head coach	Héctor Cúper
Assistant coaches	José Carlos Fantaguzzi Mahmoud Fayez
Goalkeeping coach	Essam El Hadary
Team manager	Vacant
Fitness coach	Antonio Sarioglou

The following players were called up for the friendly match against Kuwait on 17 October 2023.

Information correct as of 17 October 2023, after the match against Kuwait.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Ibrahim Alma	(1991-10-18) 18 October 1991	77	0	Tishreen
	1GK	Ahmad Madania	(1990-01-01) 1 January 1990	22	0	Jableh
	1GK	Amjad Al Sayed	(1993-06-06) 6 June 1993	0	0	Al-Wathba
	1GK	Maksim Sarraf	(2005-03-15) 15 March 2005	0	0	CSKA Moscow
	2DF	Moayad Ajan	(1993-02-16) 16 February 1993	65	1	Al-Jaish
	2DF	Amro Jenyat	(1993-01-15) 15 January 1993	43	1	Al-Karamah
	2DF	Thaer Krouma	(1990-02-02) 2 February 1990	31	1	Al-Fotuwa
	2DF	Khaled Kurdaghli	(1997-01-31) 31 January 1997	24	0	Al-Wehdat
	2DF	Muayad Al Khouli	(1993-10-16) 16 October 1993	13	0	Al-Jaish
	2DF	Saad Al Ahmad	(1989-08-10) 10 August 1989	12	0	Hutteen
	2DF	Youssef Mohammad	(1999-06-26) 26 June 1999	10	0	Al-Wahda
	2DF	Abdul Rahman Weiss	(1998-06-14) 14 June 1998	11	0	Athens Kallithea
	3MF	Mahmoud Al-Mawas	(1993-01-01) 1 January 1993	91	15	Al-Shorta
	3MF	Fahd Youssef	(1987-05-15) 15 May 1987	37	7	Al-Shorta
	3MF	Mouhamad Anez	(1995-05-14) 14 May 1995	27	1	Al-Riffa
	3MF	Mohammed Osman	(1994-01-01) 1 January 1994	22	1	Lamphun Warriors
	3MF	Mohammad Al Hallak	(1999-01-01) 1 January 1999	16	1	Al-Ahed
	3MF	Ammar Ramadan	(2001-01-05) 5 January 2001	5	0	Dunajská Streda
	3MF	Elmar Abraham	(1999-03-01) 1 March 1999	1	0	Skövde AIK
	3MF	Ezequiel Ham	(1994-01-10) 10 January 1994	1	0	Independiente Rivadavia
	3MF	Ibrahim Hesar	(1993-11-15) 15 November 1993	1	0	Belgrano
	4FW	Omar Khribin	(1994-01-15) 15 January 1994	54	21	Shabab Al Ahli
	4FW	Mardik Mardikian	(1992-03-14) 14 March 1992	41	8	Al-Hamriyah
	4FW	Omar Al Somah	(1989-03-28) 28 March 1989	38	20	Al-Arabi
	4FW	Yassin Samia	(1998-02-22) 22 February 1998	7	1	Erbil

The following players have also been called up to the Syria squad within the last 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Taha Mosa	(1987-05-24) 24 May 1987	6	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  China, 12 September 2023
GK	Shaher Al Shaker	(1993-04-01) 1 April 1993	2	0	Al-Ittihad	v.  China, 12 September 2023
GK	Abdullatif Al Nassan	(1993-01-30) 30 January 1993	0	0	Al-Jaish	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Omar Midani	(1994-01-26) 26 January 1994	58	1	Al-Nasr	v.  Kuwait, 17 October 2023 INJ
DF	Hussein Jwayed	(1993-01-01) 1 January 1993	37	0	Hutteen	v.  Vietnam, 20 June 2023
DF	Fares Arnaout	(1997-01-31) 31 January 1997	11	0	Al-Zawraa	v.  Vietnam, 20 June 2023
DF	Abdullah Al Shami	(1994-03-02) 2 March 1994	14	0	Al-Nasr	v.  Bahrain, 28 March 2023
DF	Ahmad Al Saleh	(1989-05-20) 20 May 1989	56	2	Al-Bourj	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Youssef Al Hamwi	(1997-02-01) 1 February 1997	13	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Abdulrazzak Al Mohammad	(1995-01-16) 16 January 1995	8	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Karam Omran	(1996-11-11) 11 November 1996	4	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Ahmad Al Shemali	(1994-08-15) 15 August 1994	3	0	Jableh	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Hamza Al Kurdi	(1995-02-26) 26 February 1995	1	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Al-Laith Ali	(2000-05-18) 18 May 2000	0	0	Tishreen	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Abdullah Jenyat	(1996-01-18) 18 January 1996	0	0	Al-Wahda	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
DF	Zakaria Hanan	(1997-08-21) 21 August 1997	1	0	Al-Ittihad	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
MF	Mohammad Al Marmour	(1995-01-04) 4 January 1995	34	4	Al-Ahed	v.  China, 12 September 2023
MF	Ahmed Ashkar	(1996-12-12) 12 December 1996	27	1	Al-Fotuwa	v.  China, 12 September 2023
MF	Kamel Hmeisheh	(1998-07-23) 23 July 1998	27	0	Al-Ahli	v.  China, 12 September 2023
MF	Mustafa Jneid	(2000-01-11) 11 January 2000	6	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  China, 12 September 2023
MF	Hosam Aiesh	(1995-04-14) 14 April 1995	3	0	FC Seoul	v.  Vietnam, 20 June 2023
MF	Moudi Najjar	(2000-06-20) 20 June 2000	0	0	Al-Najaf	v.  Vietnam, 20 June 2023
MF	Mohamad Rihanieh	(2001-01-01) 1 January 2001	21	1	Hatta	v.  Bahrain, 28 March 2023
MF	Oliver Kass Kawo	(2001-12-03) 3 December 2001	8	1	Dalkurd	v.  Bahrain, 28 March 2023
MF	Simon Amin	(1997-11-13) 13 November 1997	3	0	Sandefjord	v.  Bahrain, 28 March 2023
MF	Ahmad Al Dali	(2002-03-21) 21 March 2002	4	0	Al-Tadamon	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
MF	Sobhi Shofan	(1998-02-25) 25 February 1998	4	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
MF	Ayman Akil	(1999-02-09) 9 February 1999	3	0	Tishreen	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
MF	Mohamad Krouma	(1996-09-01) 1 September 1996	1	0	Hutteen	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
MF	Khalil Ibrahim	(1997-01-21) 21 January 1997	0	0	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
MF	Kamel Kawaya	(1998-06-06) 6 June 1998	1	0	Tishreen	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
MF	Hozan Osman	(2003-05-16) 16 May 2003	1	0	De Graafschap	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
MF	Mahmoud Al-Aswad	(2003-09-14) 14 September 2003	0	0	Al-Karamah	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
MF	Mustafa Sheikh Youssef	(1993-09-29) 29 September 1993	0	0	Jableh	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
FW	Alaa Al Dali	(1997-01-03) 3 January 1997	18	2	Naft Missan	v.  China, 12 September 2023
FW	Molham Babouli	(1993-01-02) 2 January 1993	3	0	York United	v.  Bahrain, 28 March 2023
FW	Ali Beshmani	(2000-01-14) 14 January 2000	7	0	Al-Zawraa	v.  Oman, 30 December 2022
FW	Mahmoud Al Baher	(1994-01-03) 3 January 1994	11	2	Al-Fotuwa	v.  Venezuela, 20 November 2022
SUS Player suspended. INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. RET Retired from the national team. WD Player withdrew from the squad for non-injury related reasons.

Asian Cup

• 1980 Asian Cup squad
• 1984 Asian Cup squad
• 1988 Asian Cup squad
• 1996 Asian Cup squad
• 2011 Asian Cup squad
• 2019 Asian Cup squad

FIFA World Cup record									FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930	Did not enter								Did not enter
1934
1938
1950	Withdrew								1	0	0	1	0	7
1954	Did not enter								Did not enter
1958	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	1	2
1962	Withdrew								Withdrew
1966
1970	Did not enter								Did not enter
1974	Did not qualify								6	3	1	2	6	6
1978	Withdrew								4	1	0	3	2	6
1982	Did not qualify								4	0	0	4	2	7
1986									8	4	3	1	8	4
1990									4	2	1	1	7	5
1994									6	3	3	0	14	4
1998									5	2	1	2	27	5
2002									6	4	1	1	40	6
2006									6	2	2	2	7	7
2010									10	6	2	2	23	10
2014	Disqualified								2	0	0	2	0	6
2018	Did not qualify								20	9	5	6	37	22
2022									18	8	3	7	31	23
2026	TBD								TBD
Total	0/22	–	–	–	–	–	–	102	44	23	35	205	120

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

AFC Asian Cup record									AFC Asian Cup qualification
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1956	Not a AFC member								Not a AFC member
1960
1964
1968
1972	Did not qualify								3	0	2	1	4	5
1976	Withdrew								Withdrew
1980	Group stage	4	2	1	1	3	2		3	2	1	0	2	0
1984		4	1	1	2	3	5		6	3	0	3	9	9
1988		4	2	0	2	2	5		4	3	1	0	8	2
1992	Did not qualify								2	1	0	1	3	4
1996	Group stage	3	1	0	2	3	6		4	3	0	1	6	2
2000	Did not qualify								6	4	1	1	11	3
2004									6	2	1	3	16	10
2007									6	2	2	2	10	6
2011	Group stage	3	1	0	2	4	5		6	4	2	0	10	2
2015	Did not qualify								6	1	1	4	7	7
2019	Group stage	3	0	1	2	2	5		8	6	0	2	26	11
2023	Qualified								8	7	0	1	22	7
2027	To be determined								To be determined
Total	Group stage	21	7	3	11	17	28	68	38	12	19	134	68

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

AFC Asian Cup history
Year	Round	Score	Result
1980
	Round 1	Syria 0–0  Iran	Draw
	Round 1	Syria 1–0  Bangladesh	Win
	Round 1	Syria 1–2  North Korea	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 1–0  China	Win
1984
	Round 1	Syria 1–1  Qatar	Draw
	Round 1	Syria 0–1  Saudi Arabia	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 1–0  South Korea	Win
	Round 1	Syria 1–3  Kuwait	Loss
1988
	Round 1	Syria 0–2  Saudi Arabia	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 0–3  China	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 1–0  Kuwait	Win
	Round 1	Syria 1–0  Bahrain	Win
1996
	Round 1	Syria 1–2  Japan	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 0–3  China	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 2–1  Uzbekistan	Win
2011
	Round 1	Syria 2–1  Saudi Arabia	Win
	Round 1	Syria 1–2  Japan	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 1–2  Jordan	Loss
2019
	Round 1	Syria 0–0  Palestine	Draw
	Round 1	Syria 0–2  Jordan	Loss
	Round 1	Syria 2–3  Australia	Loss

Olympic Games record									Olympic Games qualification record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1900 to 1968	Did not enter
1972	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	0	1
1976	Did not enter
1980	Round 1	3	0	1	2	0	8		4	2	0	2	3	1
1984	Did not qualify								6	2	1	3	6	10
1988									2	0	0	2	0	5
1992 to present	See Syria national under-23 team								See Syria national under-23 team
Total	0 Titles	3	0	1	2	0	8	14	4	2	8	9	17

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

WAFF Championship record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2000	Runners-up	5	2	1	2	5	2
2002	Fourth place	4	1	1	2	5	6
2004	Runners-up	4	1	1	2	6	13
2007	Semi-finals	3	2	0	1	2	3
2008	Semi-finals	3	1	1	1	2	3
2010	Group stage	2	0	1	1	2	3
2012	Champions	4	2	2	0	5	3
2014	Withdrew
2019	Group stage	4	0	2	2	5	7
2023	Qualified
Total	1 Title	29	9	9	11	32	40

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

FIFA Arab Cup record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1963	Runners-up	4	3	0	1	9	4
1964	Did not enter
1966	Runners-up	5	3	1	1	9	4
1985	Did not enter
1988	Runners-up	6	2	2	2	5	5
1992	Fourth place	4	0	3	1	2	3
1998	Group stage	2	0	0	2	1	6
2002	Group stage	4	2	0	2	8	6
2012	Did not enter
2021	Group stage	3	1	0	2	4	4
Total	0 Titles	28	11	6	11	38	32

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

Arab Games record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1953	Runners-up	3	1	1	1	3	5
1957	Champions	5	2	2	1	12	6
1961	Did not enter
1965	Group stage	4	2	0	2	20	8
1976	Third place	6	3	1	2	6	4
1985	Group stage	2	0	0	2	0	4
1992	Fourth place	4	0	3	1	2	3
1997	Runners-up	5	4	0	1	9	5
1999	Group stage	4	0	4	0	5	5
2007	Did not enter
2011	Withdrew
2023	See Syria national under-23 team
Total	1 Title	33	12	11	10	57	40

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

Asian Games record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1951	Did not enter
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982	Group stage	3	0	2	1	3	5
1986	Did not enter
1990
1994
1998
2002 to present	See Syria national under-23 team
Total	0 Titles	3	0	1	2	3	5

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

West Asian Games record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1997	Runners-up
2002	Third place[92]	4	1	3	0	5	4
2005	Runners-up	4	1	3	0	7	5
Total	0 Titles	8	2	6	0	12	9

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