Iraq–Saudi Arabia football rivalry
Iraq and Saudi Arabia are two fierce rivals of the Arab world. Their matches are often considered to be one of the most heated rivalries in the world.
| Other names | Iraq vs Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Locale | Asia West Asia |
| Teams |  Iraq Saudi Arabia |
| First meeting | 29 March 1976 (45 years ago) |
| Latest meeting | Saudi Arabia 1–1 Iraq Friendly (15 October 2018) |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 39 |
| Most wins | Iraq (17) |
| Largest victory | Saudi Arabia 1–7 Iraq 4th Arabian Gulf Cup (29 March 1976) |
Although received lesser attention comparing to rivalry with Iran of both sides, it is one of the oldest rivalries in Asia.[1] Emotions often run high when two teams meet each others.
Reason behind the rivalry
The main reasons for this rivalry are political differences, and historical grievances. During the Gulf War in the 1990s, Iraq invaded Kuwait, an ally of Saudi Arabia, and both fought a short but bloody war that would continue to have a major impact on their relations.[2] Accusations from Iraq that Saudi Arabia is instigating terrorist groups, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, further deepened enmity between the two nations.
Major tournament matches
1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification
| Iraq | 1–1 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
Ahmed  86' |
Al Mugnim 4' |
1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification
| Iraq | 2–1 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Subhi 13' Hassan 41' |
Bakhit 54' |
1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
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1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
Iraq .svg.png.webp){kind=small} | 1–1 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Radhi 1' |
Owairan 36' |
| Saudi Arabia | 1–0 | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Mehallel 26' |
Report |
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
| Saudi Arabia | 1–0 | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Dosari 45' |
Report |
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
| Iraq | 1–2 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Hail 31' |
Report | Shehan 1', 77' |
| Saudi Arabia | 1–2 | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Montashari 57' |
Report | Akram 51' Mahmoud 86' |
| Iraq | 1–0 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Mahmoud 72' |
Report |
2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification
| Iraq | 0–2 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Report |
|
2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification
| Saudi Arabia | 2–1 | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
|
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
| Iraq | 1–2 | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
| Saudi Arabia | 1–0 | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
|
Report |
Matches
- Source:[3]
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- Not a full FIFA international
- Iraq competed in the tournament with its B team squad.
- Saudi Arabia won on penalties.
Statistics
| Matches held in Iraq | 4 |
| Matches held in neutral venue | 23 |
| Matches held in Saudi Arabia | 12 |
| Total matches | 39 |
| Matches won by Iraq | 17 |
| Matches won by Saudi Arabia | 11 |