Kuwait national football team

Category:Use dmy dates from December 2025

Kuwait
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Al-Azraq (The Blue One)
Al-Mawj Al-Azraq (The Blue Wave)
AssociationKuwait Football Association (KFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationWAFF (West Asia)
Head coachHélio Sousa
CaptainKhaled Al-Rashidi
Most capsBader Al-Mutawa (202)
Top scorerBashar Abdullah (75)
Home stadiumJaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
FIFA codeKUW
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 134 Increase 1 (1 April 2026)[1]
Highest24 (December 1998)
Lowest189 (December 2017)
First international
 Kuwait 2–2 Libya 
(Morocco; 3 September 1961)
Biggest win
 Kuwait 20–0 Bhutan 
(Kuwait City, Kuwait; 14 February 2000)
Biggest defeat
 United Arab Republic 8–0 Kuwait 
(Morocco; 4 September 1961)
 Portugal 8–0 Kuwait 
(Leiria, Portugal; 19 November 2003)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 1982)
Best resultGroup stage (1982)
Asian Cup
Appearances11 (first in 1972)
Best resultChampions (1980)
Arab Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1963)
Best resultThird place (1964, 1992, 1998)
Arabian Gulf Cup
Appearances25 (first in 1970)
Best resultChampions (1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2010)
WAFF Championship
Appearances4 (first in 2010)
Best resultChampions (2010)
Websitekuwait-fa.org/en/

The Kuwait national football team (Arabic: منتخب الكويت لكرة القدم, romanized: muntakhab alkuayt likurat alqadamCategory:Articles containing Arabic-language text) represents Kuwait in international football and it is controlled by the Kuwait Football Association. Kuwait made its only FIFA World Cup appearance in 1982 and managed to get one draw in the group stage against Czechoslovakia. In the AFC Asian Cup, Kuwait reached the final in 1976 and won the tournament four years later in 1980.[2]

The Kuwait national football team has faced multiple suspensions by FIFA due to governmental interference and failure to comply with regulations, notably in 2007, 2008, and 2015. These suspensions, which were later lifted after legal reforms, caused the team to miss major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and led to a significant drop in the country's FIFA World Rankings. In 2017, following the lifting of its suspension, Kuwait hosted the Gulf Cup.

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.[3]

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.[4][5]

His death was a severe loss to Kuwaiti sports, and his legacy is honored through various tournaments and stadiums named after him.[6]

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.[7]

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

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1  Thailand 3 2 1 0 4 1 +3 5
2  Kuwait 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 3
3  Hong Kong 3 1 0 2 3 4 −1 2
4  Yemen 3 0 2 1 0 2 −2 2
Source: RSSSF

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.[8][9][10]

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.[11] However, the ban was short-lived, lasting less than 2 weeks.[12] 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.[13] FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) on 22 December 2008.[14]

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.[15] 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.[16] The suspension was lifted on 6 December 2017, after Kuwait adopted a new sports law.[17] 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.[18][19][20]

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.[21]

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,[22] 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,[23] 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.[24] 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.[25]

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.[26] 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.[27] Adidas is acting as Kuwait's official kit provider since 2023.[28]

Period Kit Provider
1981–1983 Germany Puma
1984–1986 France Le Coq Sportif
1986–1989 Germany Adidas
1990–1991 Italy Lotto
1992–1993 Thailand Grand Sport
1994–1995 Germany Adidas
1996 Italy Erreà
1997 Italy Kappa
1998–1999 Thailand Grand Sport
2000 Bahrain Baraka
2001–2002 United Kingdom Umbro
2003–2005 Germany Saller
2006–2007 Thailand Grand Sport
2008 Germany Adidas
2009–2011 Switzerland Burrda
2012 Italy Zeus
2013–2014 Italy Kappa
2015–2016 Germany Uhlsport
2017–2022 Italy Erreà
2023–present Germany Adidas

Stadium

Al-Sadaqua Walsalam 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.[29] 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.[30]

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.[31]

Rivalries

Kuwait vs. Iraq
Statistics vs.  Iraq[32]
Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA
37811173650

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.[33][34] 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).[33]

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.[33]

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.[33]

Kuwait vs. Saudi Arabia
Statistics vs.  Saudi Arabia[35]
Played1 Wins2 Draws Losses GF GA
421513154444

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

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

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

5 June 2026 World Cup qualification R3 Kuwait  0–2  Palestine Kuwait City, Kuwait
21:15 UTC+3 Report
Stadium: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
Attendance: 5,250
Referee: Sadullo Gulmurodi (Tajikistan)
8 September Friendly Syria  2–2  Kuwait Doha, Qatar
--:-- UTC+3 Report Stadium: TBD
9 October Friendly Uzbekistan  2–0  Kuwait Tashkent, Uzbekistan
18:00 UTC+5
Report Stadium: Olympic City Stadium
Referee: Mederbek Taichiev (Kyrgyzstan)
14 October Friendly Kuwait  0–1  Morocco Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hamdallah 45+1' (pen.) Stadium: TBD
15 November Friendly Kuwait  4–3  Tanzania Cairo, Egypt
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Al Salam Stadium
18 November Friendly Kuwait  2–2  Gambia Cairo, Egypt
 Report
Stadium: Al Salam Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)
2 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Egypt  1–1  Kuwait Lusail, Qatar
17:30 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Lusail Stadium
Attendance: 24,632
Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
6 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup Kuwait  1–3  Jordan Al Rayyan, Qatar
14:00 UTC+3 Nasser 84' Report
Stadium: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Attendance: 35,933
Referee: Cristián Garay (Chile)
9 December 2025 FIFA Arab Cup United Arab Emirates  3–1  Kuwait Doha, Qatar
17:30 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Stadium 974
Attendance: 15,357
Referee: Ma Ning (China)

2026

25 March 2026 FIFA Series Kuwait  Cancelled  Namibia Astana, Kazakhstan
20:00 UTC+5 Stadium: Astana Arena
Note: Match cancelled due to Kuwait withdrawing following the 2026 Iran war.
June Friendly Kuwait  v
--:-- 
June Friendly Kuwait  v
--:-- 
August 2026 WAFF Championship Kuwait  v
--:-- 
August 2026 WAFF Championship Kuwait  v
--:-- 
September 27th Arabian Gulf Cup Kuwait  v
--:-- 
September 27th Arabian Gulf Cup Kuwait  v
--:-- 

Coaching staff

Name Role
Head coach Portugal Hélio Sousa
Assistant coach Portugal José Carneiro
Bahrain Ahmed Isa Al-Ameri
Goalkeeper coach Portugal Pedro Roma
Fitness coach Portugal José Herculano
Match analyst Kuwait Hussain Al-Dosary
Team Doctor Kuwait Khaled Saad
Physiotherapist Kuwait Fawaz Al-Rashdi
Masseur Kuwait Mohammed Saleh Askar
Team manager Kuwait Ahmed Saad
Technical director Portugal Diogo Rebelo

Coaching history

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.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
22 1GK Sulaiman Abdulghafour (1991-02-26) 26 February 1991 (age 35) 61 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Arabi
23 1GK Saud Al-Hoshan (2000-03-18) 18 March 2000 (age 26) 3 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
1 1GK Khaled Al-Rashidi (1987-04-20) 20 April 1987 (age 38) 48 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
13 2DF Khaled Al-Fadhli (2002-02-23) 23 February 2002 (age 24) 7 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia
21 2DF Nasser Khader (2003-10-14) 14 October 2003 (age 22) 3 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Nasr
4 2DF Rashed Al-Dousari (2000-07-18) 18 July 2000 (age 25) 24 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia
5 2DF Fahad Al-Hajeri (1991-11-10) 10 November 1991 (age 34) 111 8 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
3 2DF Muath Al-Dhefiri (1997-05-20) 20 May 1997 (age 28) 12 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia
16 2DF Mohammad Al-Sharifi (2004-06-28) 28 June 2004 (age 21) 4 1 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia
2 2DF Hassan Al-Enezi (2000-09-01) 1 September 2000 (age 25) 31 2 Jordan Football Association Al-Ahli
12 2DF Abdulwahab Al-Awadi (2002-06-02) 2 June 2002 (age 23) 7 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Arabi
6 3MF Sultan Al-Enezi (1992-09-29) 29 September 1992 (age 33) 76 0 Kuwait Football Association Kazma
8 3MF Ahmed Al-Dhefiri (1992-01-09) 9 January 1992 (age 34) 82 5 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
10 3MF Fawaz Ayedh (1997-02-21) 21 February 1997 (age 29) 37 1 Kuwait Football Association Al-Salmiya
14 3MF Redha Hani (1996-04-22) 22 April 1996 (age 29) 50 1 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
18 3MF Athbi Shehab (1993-10-14) 14 October 1993 (age 32) 20 1 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia
19 3MF Muath Al-Enezi (2003-07-16) 16 July 2003 (age 22) 21 1 Kuwait Football Association Al-Salmiya
9 3MF Nasser Faleh (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 26) 9 0 Kuwait Football Association Kazma
17 4FW Shabaib Al-Khaldi (1998-08-11) 11 August 1998 (age 27) 42 14 Kuwait Football Association Kazma
15 4FW Yousef Majed (2005-01-14) 14 January 2005 (age 21) 15 0 Kuwait Football Association Al-Arabi
20 4FW Yousef Nasser (1990-10-09) 9 October 1990 (age 35) 131 60 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
7 4FW Mohammad Daham (2000-02-17) 17 February 2000 (age 26) 35 10 Kuwait Football Association Al-Kuwait
11 4FW Eid Al-Rashidi (1999-05-25) 25 May 1999 (age 26) 62 4 Kuwait Football Association Al-Qadsia

Recent call-ups

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

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Abdulrahman Kameel (2001-03-08) 8 March 2001 (age 25) 9 0 Kuwait Al-Kuwait v.  Jordan; 19 November 2024
GK Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli (2001-03-23) 23 March 2001 (age 25) 0 0 Kuwait Al-Salmiya v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
DF Khalid El Ebrahim (1992-08-28) 28 August 1992 (age 33) 58 3 Kuwait Al-Qadsia v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
DF Hamad Al-Harbi (1992-07-25) 25 July 1992 (age 33) 46 0 Kuwait Al-Arabi
DF Sami Al-Sanea (1993-01-09) 9 January 1993 (age 33) 31 1 Kuwait Al-Kuwait v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
DF Salman Bormeya (1992-07-25) 25 July 1992 (age 33) 7 0 Kuwait Al-Nasr v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
DF Nasser Khader (2003-10-14) 14 October 2003 (age 22) 2 0 Kuwait Al-Nasr v.  Mauritania; 25 November 2025
DF Hamad Al-Qallaf (1999-12-04) 4 December 1999 (age 26) 26 0 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Iraq; 10 September 2024
DF Abdulaziz Wadi (1998-12-06) 6 December 1998 (age 27) 5 0 Kuwait Al-Qadsia v.  Afghanistan; 11 June 2024
DF Jasem Al-Mutar (2006-04-17) 17 April 2006 (age 19) 2 0 Kuwait Al-Qadsia v.  Iraq; 25 March 2025
MF Abdulaziz Wadi (1998-12-06) 6 December 1998 (age 27) 3 0 Kuwait Al-Qadsia v.  Palestine; 5 June 2025 INJ
MF Sultan Al-Enezi (1992-09-29) 29 September 1992 (age 33) 70 0 Kuwait Kazma v.  Egypt; 2 December 2025
MF Khaled Al-Mershed (1999-04-06) 6 April 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
MF Faisal Zayid (1991-10-09) 9 October 1991 (age 34) 67 7 Kuwait Al-Kuwait 26th Arabian Gulf Cup
MF Mohammad Daham (2000-02-17) 17 February 2000 (age 26) 30 10 Kuwait Al-Kuwait v.  Egypt; 2 December 2025
MF Montaser Al-Abdulsalam (2005-05-17) 17 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Kuwait Kazma 26th Arabian Gulf Cup PRE
MF Athbi Shehab (1993-10-14) 14 October 1993 (age 32) 18 1 Kuwait Al-Qadsia v.  Mauritania; 25 November 2025
MF Hamad Al-Harbi (1992-07-25) 25 July 1992 (age 33) 46 0 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
MF Talal Al-Ansari (1996-01-01) 1 January 1996 (age 30) 0 0 Kuwait Al-Tadamon v.  Palestine; 15 October 2024
MF Mahdi Dashti (2001-10-26) 26 October 2001 (age 24) 15 0 Kuwait Al-Salmiya v.  Afghanistan; 11 June 2024
MF Bader Al-Fadhel (1997-04-22) 22 April 1997 (age 28) 12 2 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
FW Ali Khalaf (1995-01-16) 16 January 1995 (age 31) 22 1 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
FW Fawaz Al-Mubailish (1999-01-08) 8 January 1999 (age 27) 3 0 Kuwait Al-Nasr v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
FW Bandar Bouresli (1996-01-01) 1 January 1996 (age 30) 7 1 Kuwait Kazma 26th Arabian Gulf Cup
FW Salman Al-Awadhi (2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 24) 22 2 Kuwait Al-Arabi v.  Oman; 25 March 2025
FW Yousef Nasser (1990-10-09) 9 October 1990 (age 35) 124 57 Kuwait Al-Kuwait v.  Egypt; 2 December 2025

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
Asian Cup squads

Records

As of 23 March 2025[36]
Players in bold are still active with Kuwait.

Most appearances

Bader Al-Mutawa is Kuwait's most capped player with 196 appearances.
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Bader Al-Mutawa 196 56 2003–2022
2 Waleed Ali 136 8 2002–2014
3 Bashar Abdullah 134 75 1996–2007
4 Musaed Neda 125 20 2002–2015
5 Yousef Nasser 122 55 2009–present
6 Nawaf Al-Khaldi 115 0 2000–2014
7 Jarah Al Ateeqi 112 4 2001–2013
8 Nohair Al-Shammari 109 2 1996–2009
Wael Sulaiman 109 16 1986–1996
10 Jamal Mubarak 107 9 1994–2004

Top goalscorers

Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Bashar Abdullah 75 134 0.56 1996–2007
2 Jassem Al Houwaidi 63 83 0.76 1992–2003
3 Yousef Nasser 57 124 0.46 2009–present
4 Bader Al-Mutawa 56 196 0.29 2003–2022
5 Faisal Al-Dakhil 46 97 0.47 1974–1988
6 Jasem Yaqoub 36 49 0.73 1972–1982
7 Faraj Laheeb 23 45 0.51 1998–2008
8 Yussef Al-Suwayed 21 61 0.34 1979–1990
9 Musaed Neda 20 125 0.16 2002–2015
10 Shabaib Al-Khaldi 18 38 0.47 2019–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1962Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1966 to 1970Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974Did not qualify 611448
Argentina 1978 128132310
Spain 1982First group stage21st301226 9711206
Mexico 1986Did not qualify 421182
Italy 1990 430163
United States 1994 6321214
France 1998 12624179
South Korea Japan 2002 641193
Germany 2006 126151915
South Africa 2010 6114812
Brazil 2014 84221310
Russia 2018Disqualified due to FIFA suspension [37][38] 83141210
Qatar 2022Did not qualify 8422197
Canada Mexico United States 2026 142661320
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030TBDTBD
Saudi Arabia 2034
TotalFirst group stage1/15301226 115542239192119

AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian Cup record AFC Asian Cup qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Hong Kong 1956Not a AFC member Not a AFC member
South Korea 1960
Israel 1964
Iran 1968Withdrew Withdrew
Thailand 1972Group stage5th320145 522164
Iran 1976Runners-up 2nd430163 Qualified by default
Kuwait 1980 Champions 1st 6 4 1 1 13 6 Qualified as hosts
Singapore 1984Third place3rd622254 Qualified as defending champions
Qatar 1988Group stage7th403123 431090
Japan 1992Did not qualify 210143
United Arab Emirates 1996Fourth place4th622297 422095
Lebanon 2000Quarter-finals6th412133 4400331
China 2004Group stage10th310237 6510175
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 2007Did not qualify 411234
Qatar 2011 Group stage 14th 3 0 0 3 1 7 6 2 3 1 6 5
Australia 2015 15th 3 0 0 3 1 6 6 2 3 1 10 7
United Arab Emirates 2019Disqualified due to FIFA suspension 83141210
Qatar 2023Did not qualify 115242413
Saudi Arabia 2027Qualified 621366
TotalBest: Champions11/19421510174751 6632171713963
*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

Olympic Games record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
France 1900 to Australia 1956Did not enter
Italy 1960 to Canada 1976Did not qualify
Soviet Union 1980Quarter-finals412154
United States 1984 to South Korea 1988Did not qualify
1992–present See Kuwait national under-23 football team
TotalBest: Quarter-finals412154

Asian Games

Asian Games record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
India 1951 to Thailand 1970Did not enter
Iran 19746th place5302128
Thailand 19785th place6312138
India 1982Runners-up6501135
South Korea 1986Third place7520203
China 19907th place411234
Japan 1994Third place6411156
Thailand 1998Runners-up8323238
2002–present See Kuwait national under-23 football team
Total7/1342247119942

WAFF Championship

West Asian Football Federation Championship record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA GD
Jordan 2000Did not participate
Syria 2002
Iran 2004
Jordan 2007
Iran 2008
Jordan 2010Champions422075+2
Kuwait 2012Group stage3201440
Qatar 2014Fourth place411235–2
Iraq 2019Group stage3111330
United Arab Emirates 2023Qualified
Total4/91464417170

Arabian Gulf Cup

Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
Bahrain 1970Champions3300104
Saudi Arabia 1972Champions3210142
Kuwait 1974Champions4400160
Qatar 1976Champions7520267
Iraq 1979Runners-up6411154
United Arab Emirates 1982Champions540182
Oman 1984Sixth place612348
Bahrain 1986Champions6510114
Saudi Arabia 1988Fifth place612334
Kuwait 1990Champions4310102
Qatar 1992Fifth place520358
United Arab Emirates 1994Fifth place511326
Oman 1996Champions540174
Bahrain 1998Champions5401185
Saudi Arabia 2002Fourth place512246
Kuwait 2003–04Sixth place612369
Qatar 2004Fourth place521277
United Arab Emirates 2007Group stage301246
Oman 2009Semi-finals412122
Yemen 2010Champions532072
Bahrain 2013Third place530293
Saudi Arabia 2014Group stage311137
Kuwait 2017–18Group stage301213
Qatar 2019Group stage310267
Iraq 2023Group stage311123
Kuwait 2024–25Semi-finals412144
Saudi Arabia 2026 TBD
25/25Best: Champions115572434200115

Arab Games

Arab Games record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA
1953–1957Did not enter
Morocco 19616th5014318
1965–1985Did not enter
Lebanon 1997Fourth place520389
1999–2007Did not enter
Qatar 2011Third place430172
Total3/10145181829

FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA Arab Cup record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
Lebanon 1963Fourth place4103515
Kuwait 1964Third place411255
Iraq 1966Group stage402281
Saudi Arabia 1985Did not enter
Jordan 1988Group stage411223
Syria 1992Third place420265
Qatar 1998Third place4301134
Kuwait 2002Group stage412166
Saudi Arabia 2012Group stage210124
Qatar 2021Did not qualify
Qatar 2025Group stage301237
TotalBest: Third place30106144743

Head-to-head record

The following table shows Kuwait's all-time international record,

As of 9 December 2025 after match against United Arab Emirates[39][40]

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

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

Kuwait national football team head-to-head records
Opponent
 Pld
 W
 D
 L
 GF
 GA
 GD
 Afghanistan330082+6
 Algeria210121+1
 Armenia110031+2
 Australia145271222-10
 Azerbaijan2020220
 Bahrain512214157250+22
 Bangladesh330071+6
 Bhutan1100200+20
 Bosnia and Herzegovina100101-1
 Bulgaria503269-3
 Cambodia100104-4
 Cameroon100113-2
 China2055101729-12
 Colombia100113-2
 Cyprus1010110
 Czech Republic200219-8
 Czechoslovakia1010110
 Ecuador100103-3
 Egypt152851525-10
 England100101-1
 Finland722356-1
 France200215-4
 Gambia1010220
 Germany100107-7
 East Germany200224-2
 Hong Kong7610184+14
 Hungary200202-2
 Iceland714234-1
 India7232198+11
 Indonesia7232128+4
 Iran2978132735-8
 Iraq381012164050-10
 Ivory Coast100102-2
 Japan540182+6
 Jordan31101384136+5
 Kazakhstan1010000
 Kenya110050+5
 North Korea146712012+8
 South Korea2583142137-16
 Kyrgyzstan5311115+6
 Laos110020+2
 Latvia211031+2
 Lebanon3216975430+24
 Libya7223913-4
 Lithuania211021+1
 Macau2200181+17
 Malaysia13922338+25
 Malta100102-2
 Mali3300144+10
 Mauritania220051+4
 Mexico1010000
 Mongolia1100110+11
 Morocco7124913-4
 Myanmar6402218+13
   Nepal10910373+34
 Niger110031+2
 New Zealand311158-3
 Norway312043+1
 Oman341211114833+15
 Pakistan4400100+10
 Palestine117222211+11
 Philippines440092+7
 Poland201113-2
 Portugal201119-8
 Qatar42186175748+9
 Romania201112-1
 Russia200203-3
 Saudi Arabia4215121544440
 Singapore10721206+14
 Sudan230031+2
 Soviet Union100101-1
 Syria351410115440+14
 Chinese Taipei3300211+20
 Tajikistan220051+4
 Tanzania110043+1
 Thailand117042917+12
 Trinidad and Tobago1010110
 Tunisia300328-6
 Turkmenistan5320134+9
 Uganda201113-3
 United Arab Emirates48198187353+20
 United States100102-2
 Uzbekistan7214914-5
 Vietnam210132+1
 South Vietnam110021+1
 Wales2020000
 Yemen10550184+14
 South Yemen110051+4
 Zambia330091+8
 Zimbabwe110030+3
Total718293182244931809+122

Honours

Continental

Regional

Friendly

Awards

Summary

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

Competition1st place, gold medalist(s)2nd place, silver medalist(s)3rd place, bronze medalist(s)Total
AFC Asian Cup 1113
Total1113

Notes

  1. ↑ Competition organized by OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.
  2. ↑ The 1992 Arab Cup also counted as an edition of the Arab Games.[41]

References

  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". 1 April 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  2. ↑ "Asia's greatest national teams: Kuwait (1980s) | Football News | Asian Qualifiers 2022". AFC. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  3. ↑ "Kuwait Prince Killed in Palace Battle". Los Angeles Times. 4 August 1990. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  4. ↑ "1980 AFC Asian Cup Results". AFC. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  5. ↑ "Kuwait at the 1982 FIFA World Cup". FIFA. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  6. ↑ "Arab sports world loses leader". UPI. 6 August 1990. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  7. ↑ "Exiled Kuwaitis Arrive in China". Los Angeles Times. 17 September 1990. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  8. ↑ "Impact of the Iraqi invasion on Kuwaiti sports". FIFA.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "AFC Asian Cup". The-AFC.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  10. ↑ "How Iraq's invasion affected Kuwait's football". ArabianBusiness.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  11. ↑ "FIFA suspends Kuwait Football Federation". London: Guardian.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 May 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2007.
  12. ↑ "FIFA lifts suspension on Kuwait". FIFA. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2007.
  13. ↑ "FIFA suspends Kuwait Football Federation". The-AFC.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2008. Retrieved 25 October 2008.
  14. ↑ "FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association (KFA)". The-AFC.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2008.
  15. ↑ "Suspension of the Kuwait Football Association". FIFA. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  16. ↑ "FIFA Congress drives football forward, first female secretary general appointed". FIFA. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  17. ↑ "Suspension of the Kuwait Football Association lifted". FIFA.com. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  18. ↑ "Teams for final round of AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifiers confirmed". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  19. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - November 2017". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 25 November 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  20. ↑ "FIFA lifts suspension on Kuwait's football association - Kuwait, Europe - ArabianBusiness.com". 6 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Kuwait FA board resigns after World Cup qualifier fiasco". Middle East Monitor. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  22. ↑ "Match report: Kuwait vs Oman". ESPN. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  23. ↑ "Match report: Kuwait vs South Korea". ESPN. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  24. ↑ "إشادة بالأزرق رغم الخروج". Al Rai. 1 January 2025. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  25. ↑ "Match Report: Kuwait 2–2 Iraq". ESPN. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  26. ↑ "Match Report: Kuwait 0–1 Oman". ESPN. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  27. ↑ "Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Japan". www.kuwait-embassy.or.jp. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  28. ↑ "Kuwait Kit History". Football Kit Archive. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  29. ↑ "Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium". Goalzz. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  30. ↑ "افتتاح استاد جابر المبارك في الصليبخات". Al Rai. 11 December 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  31. ↑ "Gulf 26 in Kuwait: Match schedule and broadcasting channels". يمن شباب نت. Yemen Shabab. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  32. ↑ "Iraq - Record against..." worldfootball.net. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 4 "Storied Gulf Cup rivalry between Iraq and Kuwait survives war". Archived from the original on 29 August 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  34. ↑ "Storied Gulf Cup rivalry between Iraq and Kuwait survives war". The National. 31 December 2012. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  35. ↑ "Kuwait - Record against Saudi Arabia". worldfootball.net. 11 January 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  36. ↑ Mamrud, Roberto. "Kuwait - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  37. ↑ "Kuwait sanctioned after unplayed FIFA World Cup qualifier". FIFA. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  38. ↑ "FIFA sanctions several football associations after discriminatory chants by fans" (PDF). FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  39. ↑ "Kuwait - Record against". 1 January 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  40. ↑ "Kuwait national football team: Record v other sides".
  41. ↑ "Arab Cup". RSSSF. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
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