The Kuwait national football team has faced multiple suspensions byFIFA 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 the2018 FIFA World Cup and2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and led to a significant drop in the country'sFIFA World Rankings. In 2017, following the lifting of its suspension, Kuwait hosted theGulf Cup.
Kuwait's largest victory was a 20–0 win againstBhutan on 14 February 2000. At the time, it was the highest margin of victory in international football untilAustralia defeatedAmerican Samoa 31–0 on11 April 2001.
TheIraqi 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 the1992 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
His death was a severe loss to Kuwaiti sports, and his legacy is honored through various tournaments and stadiums named after him.[8]
Despite these challenges, the Kuwaiti national football team participated in the1990 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.[9]
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.
Kuwait’s participation in the1990 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, theKuwaiti 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 theArabian Gulf Cup, showcasing its resilience and ability to recover from the invasion's setbacks. The national team also qualified for the1996 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.[10][11][12]
On 30 October 2007, Kuwait was suspended byFIFA from all participation in international football on the grounds of governmental interference in the national football association.[13] However, the ban was short-lived, lasting less than 2 weeks.[14] 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.[15] FIFA provisionally lifted its suspension on the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) on 22 December 2008.[16]
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.[17] Kuwait tried to get the suspension lifted at the66th 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.[18] The suspension was lifted on 6 December 2017, after Kuwait adopted a new sports law.[19] 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 the2018 FIFA World Cup and the2019 AFC Asian Cup.[20][21][22]
On 7 December 2017, it was announced that Kuwait would host the2017 Gulf Cup tournament afterSaudi Arabia, theUnited Arab Emirates, andBahrain had all withdrawn. The tournament was previously set to be hosted by Qatar, but, because of theQatari diplomatic crisis, it was moved to Kuwait, and the withdrawn nations joined again.
During the2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Kuwait, which only started to rebuild its team following years of suspensions, was drawn into Group B alongsideAustralia, 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 the2023 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 the2023 SAFF Championship, where it finished as runner-up, losing to India during a penalty shootout in the final.
After the controversial match againstIraq, 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.[23]
Following that match, Kuwait entered a period of fluctuating results. On 10 October 2024, they suffered a heavy 0–4 defeat toOman in Muscat,[24] followed by a 2–2 draw againstPalestine in Doha on 15 October. The team then hostedSouth Korea on 14 November and lost 1–3,[25] before securing a 1–1 draw withJordan on 19 November in Kuwait City. In December, Kuwait played three friendlies in Doha: a 1–1 draw withYemen on the 9th, and two consecutive defeats toLebanon on the 12th and 15th (1–2 and 0–2 respectively).
During the26th 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 againstOman, followed by an impressive 2–1 victory over theUnited Arab Emirates. In their final group stage match, Kuwait drew 1–1 withQatar, securing qualification to the semi-finals as group runners-up. The semi-final match againstBahrain 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 asAl Rai andAl Qabas praised the team’s fighting spirit and improved organization under interim leadership, despite not reaching the final.[26] 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 againstIraq 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.[27]
Five days later, on 25 March, Kuwait hostedOman at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium but suffered a narrow 0–1 defeat, with Issam Al-Subhi scoring the decisive goal for Oman.[28]
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.[29]Adidas is acting as Kuwait's official kit provider since 2023.[30]
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.[31] 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 inauguratedSulaibikhat Stadium inSulaibikhat, 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.[32]
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.[33]
1. Only matches recognized byFIFA. 2. Wins forKuwait.
Iraq's rivalry with Kuwait has been one of the most notablefootball rivalries in the Arab world.[35][36] 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).[35]
On 11 June 1976, the two met in the semi-final of theAsian Cup inTehran; 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 theirfirst Gulf Cup and won over Kuwait 3–1, the two met in a qualifier for theMoscow 1980 Olympic Games, both managed to qualify for the Olympic Games, and both made it to the quarterfinals inMoscow. Iraq also qualified for the1984 Games in Los Angeles and the1988 Games in Seoul. The1982 Asian Games was won as well. Kuwait won the1980 AFC Asian Cup, which they hosted. The nations also left their mark on the world stage. Kuwait qualified for the1982 World Cup finals in Spain. Iraq matched that inMexico 1986.[35]
As Iraq and Kuwait traded Gulf titles in1988 and1990, few could have imagined their rivalry on the football field being replaced by an altogether more catastrophic one on the battlefield. Because of theGulf 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 in1996 and1998, before securing their record 10th title in2010. Iraq won the2007 Asian Cup.[35]
1. Only matches recognized byFIFA. 2. Wins forKuwait.
The football rivalry between Kuwait andSaudi Arabia is one of the most anticipated in theGulf region, steeped in decades of competition and regional pride. This rivalry is frequently highlighted in theArabian Gulf Cup and other regional tournaments, attracting attention from fans and media. Kuwait achieved notable success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the1980 AFC Asian Cup and becoming the first Arab nation to qualify for theFIFA World Cup in 1982. Key players from this golden era, such asJassem Yaqoub,Faisal Al-Dakhil, andSaad 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 consecutiveFIFA World Cup qualifications starting in1994 and three AFC Asian Cup victories in1984,1988, and1996. Legendary players likeMajed Abdullah, who is often regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time, andSami 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 the1998 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 byNawaf Al-Temyat, which helped them qualify for theWorld Cup.
