West Asia(excluding Iran and Saudi Arabia)
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| UAE 1990 World Cup |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
This is all-time team for West Asia(excluding Iran and Saudi Arabia). I have created all-time teams for both nations and an all inclusive team for West Asia. Basically, I want to look deeper into the talented pools from the region. Three national teams from this region have qualified for the World Cup Finals: Kuwait 1982, Iraq 1986 and UAE 1990. Qatar will host the World Cup Finals in 2022.
Unfortunately, none of the them fared well at the World Cup Finals. Kuwait was better known for the incident against France in 1982. A goal scored by the French was disallowed after the intervention of Sheikh Fahad Al Ahmed when he walked down to the pitch to speak to the fourth official. UAE's World Cup Finals was remembered for conceding eleven goals. Iraq lost all three of their games in the tournament by just one goal, and would have drawn the opening game against Paraguay had the referee not disallowed a legitimate Iraqi goal.
I have also looked at East Asia, Central Asia, South East Asia(ASEAN).
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| Kuwait World Cup 1982 |
Team
GK: Ali Al-Habsi (Oman)
Ali Al-Habsi was one of the few players from the Arabian Peninsula who made it in Europe. He played over 100 games in the English league. At the time of writing, he plays for Al-Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia. He has played for Bolten Wanderers, Wigan, Reading and Lyn Oslo. He has been a member of the national team since he was 17 years old. He had over 110 caps for Oman.
GK: Ahmed Al-Tarabulsi (Kuwait)
Al-Tarabulsi is originally from Lebanon, but was granted Kuwaiti citizenship to play for Kuwait's national team. He also played for Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals. Besides playing football, he is also good in Quran recitation and won first place in International Quran Recital Competition 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GK: Muhsin Musabah (UAE)
Musabah played all of his country's games in qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup and started all three games in the Finals in Italy. He was also an important player for his country's run to the final of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. He had over 100 caps. In his club career, he played for Sharjah in UAE.
RB: Osama Hussain (Kuwait)
He joined Al Arabi in 1984, first he played in Al Arabi U14. After that when he grow up and reach 16 years he was able to play for Al Arabi first team. In 1990, Luiz Felipe Scolari choose him to Kuwait national football team when he was 20. he played in The Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup,Olympic Games and the Asian Games. He played 95 matches with Kuwait.
RB: Khalil Allawi (Iraq)
Between 1981 and 2001, he represented Iraq over 80 times. Along with his brother Karim Mohammed Allawi, he participated in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He scored several goals during the WC Qualifiers. He also played in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also played for Amanat Baghdad, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Rasheed Club, etc in Iraq.
CB: Marcone (Qatar)
Born in Brazil, Marcone became a naturalised player for Qatar. He was the captain of Qatar team at 2010 Asian Games as one of the three overage players. He started his career with Vitoria in Brazil. At one point, he signed with Venezia in Italy, but never appeared a game. In July 2004, he went to play in Qatari. He played Al-Shamal, Al-Gharafa and El Jaish SC.
CB: Adnan Dirjal (Iraq)
He was one of Iraq's most famous players. He missed the 1986 World Cup Finals because of an injury, but he represented Iraq in three Olympics: 1980, 1984, 1988. He played with Al-Zawraa and Al-Talaba. His most successful club spell came at Al-Rasheed, the club owned by Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday, where he captained the club to three Iraqi league titles, two cups and a record three Arab Club Championships during the mid to late 80s.
CB: Rahim Karim Bdaiwi (Iraq)
Rahim Karim is one of the best defenders Iraq has ever produced,/ He started his career with Al-Minaa in 1965. He made his international debut in 1969 against Egypt. After making his debut for Iraq, Rahim became an important part of the national team and went on to play in 1972 AFC Asian Cup in Thailand and 1976 AFC Asian Cup in Iran where the team finished in 4th place. He was also part of Iraq’s first ever World Cup qualification campaign in 1973.
CB: Adel Khamis (Qatar)
Khamis started his career in the youth teams of Al Gharafa in 1979. He eventually progressed to the senior squad in 1983, when the team was in the Qatari Second Division. He made his debut for the Qatar national team in 1984 under coach Evaristo de Macedo, when he was just 18 years old. He was the first Qatari footballer to play abroad, appearing for Kuwait's Qadsia from 1997 to 1998. He is the second-most capped player for the Qatar national team with 110 caps.
LB: Bassim Abbas (Iraq)
Abbas helped Iraq to qualify for the World Youth Cup in 2000. He had over 90 caps for the senior national team. He was best remembered as a part of the national team that won the 2017 Asian Cup. He also won the West Asian Football Federation Championship in 2002. For his club career, he played in Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar and Turkey.
LB: Gilbert Sami (Iraq)
He played from 1955-1958 for the Assyrian Sports Club in Baghdad as a left full back and centre half. e joined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1958 where he played for two years. From 1960-1963 he represented Montakhab Al-Shurta (Police XI) and then went onto play for Aliyat Al-Shurta until 1973. With the Police teams, Gilbeert won the Iraqi Division One on five occasions, and lifted the Kas Jumhouriya (Republics Cup) twice.
DM: Ali Rehema (Iraq)
Since playing every minute of Iraq's title-winning campaign at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, Ali Rehema has established his status as one of the team's defensive stalwarts. After plying his trade with Al Talaba, Al Quwa Al Jawiya and Arbil FC, Rehema earned his first international move when he was signed by Libyan giants Al-Ahly in 2007. After spending a season with the Tripoli-based club, he was attracted to Qatari outfits Al Wakra, where he continues to play to this day.
CM: Nashat Akram (Iraq)
Akram was an integral part of the Iraq national team as he helped them win the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, winning the man of the match award in the final and being voted for the Team of the Tournament as well as finishing in third place in the AFC Footballer of the Year award in 2007. He represented Iraq at the 2004 Olympics. At Iclub level, he played for Al-Shorta, Al-Shabab,Al-Gharafa and Dutch club FC Twente.
CM: Abdullah Omar (Bahrain)
Born in Chad, Abdullah Omar played for Bahrain. He was capped over 40 times. He started his career with Al-Muharraq SC. Between 2009 and 2012, he played for Neuchâtel Xamax In Switzerland. Between 2012 and 2014, he played for Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia. He was only of the few player from the Persian Gulf to play in an UEFA country.
CM: Nasir Khamees (UAE)
Nasir Khamees was a member of UAE national team at the World Cup Finals in 1990 along with his brother Fahd Khamees who was the captain of the team. He was known for his career with Al Wasl FC Club in Dubai. Nasser Khamis helped Al Wasl to win six league championships and the 86th President Cup. He was known as one of UAE's greatest player.
CM: Ismail Matar (UAE)
Matar was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted the tournament's best player even though the UAE only reached the quarter finals. He is best known for leading the UAE to their first ever trophy, the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup, which was held in Abu Dhabi in 2007. Matar scored 5 goals in 5 games, and was named player of the tournament and the top scorer. He spent most of his career with Al Wahda FC.
AM: Omar Abdulrahman (UAE)
Since 2011, Omar Abdulrahman is a key player for UAE. He helped UAE to finish third at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He was the winner of Asian Footballer of the Year in 2016. At the time of writing, he has only played for Al Ain FC. He helped them to reach the Final of 2016 AFC Champions' League Final before losing to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. He was the MVP of the tournament.
AM/RW/LW: Khalfan Ibrahim (Qatar)
Khalfan Ibrahim was named the Asian Player of the Year in 2006, becoming the first Qatari to win the title. He played for Al Arabi at youth level before moving to Al Sadd in 2004 on a professional contract. He is sometimes dubbed as the "Maradona of Qatar" and is also nicknamed "Khalfaninho" by his supporters in reference to Ronaldinho.
FW: Ammo Baba (Iraq)
Ammo Baba scored the first international goal for Iraq in 1957 against Morocco at the 2nd Pan Arab Games. After brilliant scoring record for both Iraq and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, he was spotted by English 2nd Division side Notts County managed by former Iraqi military coach Frank Hill and was offered a contract to play for them, but when the call from Meadow Lane came, he could not leave the country, due to a sudden coup led by the Iraqi General Abdul-Karim Qasim on July 14, 1958.
FW: Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani (UAE)
Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani played his entire career with his hometown team Al-Shaab between 1980 to 1999. He was capped 161 times between 1983 and 1997. He is the all-time appearance leader for UAE, the top 10 in the world. He went to the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy. He was named UAE Player of the Century.
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| Ali Al-Habsi |
Al-Tarabulsi is originally from Lebanon, but was granted Kuwaiti citizenship to play for Kuwait's national team. He also played for Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals. Besides playing football, he is also good in Quran recitation and won first place in International Quran Recital Competition 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GK: Muhsin Musabah (UAE)
Musabah played all of his country's games in qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup and started all three games in the Finals in Italy. He was also an important player for his country's run to the final of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. He had over 100 caps. In his club career, he played for Sharjah in UAE.
RB: Osama Hussain (Kuwait)
He joined Al Arabi in 1984, first he played in Al Arabi U14. After that when he grow up and reach 16 years he was able to play for Al Arabi first team. In 1990, Luiz Felipe Scolari choose him to Kuwait national football team when he was 20. he played in The Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup,Olympic Games and the Asian Games. He played 95 matches with Kuwait.
RB: Khalil Allawi (Iraq)
Between 1981 and 2001, he represented Iraq over 80 times. Along with his brother Karim Mohammed Allawi, he participated in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He scored several goals during the WC Qualifiers. He also played in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also played for Amanat Baghdad, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Rasheed Club, etc in Iraq.
CB: Marcone (Qatar)
Born in Brazil, Marcone became a naturalised player for Qatar. He was the captain of Qatar team at 2010 Asian Games as one of the three overage players. He started his career with Vitoria in Brazil. At one point, he signed with Venezia in Italy, but never appeared a game. In July 2004, he went to play in Qatari. He played Al-Shamal, Al-Gharafa and El Jaish SC.
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| Marcone |
CB: Adnan Dirjal (Iraq)
He was one of Iraq's most famous players. He missed the 1986 World Cup Finals because of an injury, but he represented Iraq in three Olympics: 1980, 1984, 1988. He played with Al-Zawraa and Al-Talaba. His most successful club spell came at Al-Rasheed, the club owned by Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday, where he captained the club to three Iraqi league titles, two cups and a record three Arab Club Championships during the mid to late 80s.
CB: Rahim Karim Bdaiwi (Iraq)
Rahim Karim is one of the best defenders Iraq has ever produced,/ He started his career with Al-Minaa in 1965. He made his international debut in 1969 against Egypt. After making his debut for Iraq, Rahim became an important part of the national team and went on to play in 1972 AFC Asian Cup in Thailand and 1976 AFC Asian Cup in Iran where the team finished in 4th place. He was also part of Iraq’s first ever World Cup qualification campaign in 1973.
CB: Adel Khamis (Qatar)
Khamis started his career in the youth teams of Al Gharafa in 1979. He eventually progressed to the senior squad in 1983, when the team was in the Qatari Second Division. He made his debut for the Qatar national team in 1984 under coach Evaristo de Macedo, when he was just 18 years old. He was the first Qatari footballer to play abroad, appearing for Kuwait's Qadsia from 1997 to 1998. He is the second-most capped player for the Qatar national team with 110 caps.
LB: Bassim Abbas (Iraq)
Abbas helped Iraq to qualify for the World Youth Cup in 2000. He had over 90 caps for the senior national team. He was best remembered as a part of the national team that won the 2017 Asian Cup. He also won the West Asian Football Federation Championship in 2002. For his club career, he played in Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar and Turkey.
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| Bassim Abbas |
He played from 1955-1958 for the Assyrian Sports Club in Baghdad as a left full back and centre half. e joined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1958 where he played for two years. From 1960-1963 he represented Montakhab Al-Shurta (Police XI) and then went onto play for Aliyat Al-Shurta until 1973. With the Police teams, Gilbeert won the Iraqi Division One on five occasions, and lifted the Kas Jumhouriya (Republics Cup) twice.
DM: Ali Rehema (Iraq)
Since playing every minute of Iraq's title-winning campaign at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, Ali Rehema has established his status as one of the team's defensive stalwarts. After plying his trade with Al Talaba, Al Quwa Al Jawiya and Arbil FC, Rehema earned his first international move when he was signed by Libyan giants Al-Ahly in 2007. After spending a season with the Tripoli-based club, he was attracted to Qatari outfits Al Wakra, where he continues to play to this day.
CM: Nashat Akram (Iraq)
Akram was an integral part of the Iraq national team as he helped them win the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, winning the man of the match award in the final and being voted for the Team of the Tournament as well as finishing in third place in the AFC Footballer of the Year award in 2007. He represented Iraq at the 2004 Olympics. At Iclub level, he played for Al-Shorta, Al-Shabab,Al-Gharafa and Dutch club FC Twente.
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| Nashat Akram |
Born in Chad, Abdullah Omar played for Bahrain. He was capped over 40 times. He started his career with Al-Muharraq SC. Between 2009 and 2012, he played for Neuchâtel Xamax In Switzerland. Between 2012 and 2014, he played for Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia. He was only of the few player from the Persian Gulf to play in an UEFA country.
CM: Nasir Khamees (UAE)
Nasir Khamees was a member of UAE national team at the World Cup Finals in 1990 along with his brother Fahd Khamees who was the captain of the team. He was known for his career with Al Wasl FC Club in Dubai. Nasser Khamis helped Al Wasl to win six league championships and the 86th President Cup. He was known as one of UAE's greatest player.
CM: Ismail Matar (UAE)
Matar was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted the tournament's best player even though the UAE only reached the quarter finals. He is best known for leading the UAE to their first ever trophy, the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup, which was held in Abu Dhabi in 2007. Matar scored 5 goals in 5 games, and was named player of the tournament and the top scorer. He spent most of his career with Al Wahda FC.
AM: Omar Abdulrahman (UAE)
Since 2011, Omar Abdulrahman is a key player for UAE. He helped UAE to finish third at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He was the winner of Asian Footballer of the Year in 2016. At the time of writing, he has only played for Al Ain FC. He helped them to reach the Final of 2016 AFC Champions' League Final before losing to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. He was the MVP of the tournament.
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| Omar Abdulrahman |
Khalfan Ibrahim was named the Asian Player of the Year in 2006, becoming the first Qatari to win the title. He played for Al Arabi at youth level before moving to Al Sadd in 2004 on a professional contract. He is sometimes dubbed as the "Maradona of Qatar" and is also nicknamed "Khalfaninho" by his supporters in reference to Ronaldinho.
FW: Ammo Baba (Iraq)
Ammo Baba scored the first international goal for Iraq in 1957 against Morocco at the 2nd Pan Arab Games. After brilliant scoring record for both Iraq and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, he was spotted by English 2nd Division side Notts County managed by former Iraqi military coach Frank Hill and was offered a contract to play for them, but when the call from Meadow Lane came, he could not leave the country, due to a sudden coup led by the Iraqi General Abdul-Karim Qasim on July 14, 1958.
FW: Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani (UAE)
Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani played his entire career with his hometown team Al-Shaab between 1980 to 1999. He was capped 161 times between 1983 and 1997. He is the all-time appearance leader for UAE, the top 10 in the world. He went to the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy. He was named UAE Player of the Century.
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| Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani |
FW: Ahmed Radhi (Iraq)
Ahmed Radhi was largely recognised as Iraqi's greatest players. He was the Asian Player of the Year in 1988. With Iraq, he won 2 Arab Cups, 1 Pan-Arab Games & a Gulf Cup, while he also represented Iraq in the Summer Olympics in 1988. He also scored Iraq's only goal at the World Cup Finals in 1986. He was voted 9th in the Asian Player of the Century. He played for Al-Rasheedm in Iraq.
ST: Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait)
Jasem Yaqoub was widely considered to be Kuwait's greatest player. From 1972 to 1982, he represented Kuwiat at the Golden period of the national team. He represented Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals in Spain. He also won the Gulf Cup title three times in 1972, 1974 and 1976. He won second place with Kuwait in the 1976 Asian Cup and managed to win the Cup in the 1980. He played his entire career with Qadsia SC.
ST: Hussein Saeed (Iraq)
Hussein Saeed was considered to be Iraq's greatest player. He was their all-time leading scorer and cap record holder. He led Iraq to the World Cup Finals in 1986, Iraq's first ever WC Finals. He also won two Gulf Cups. In 1975, he joined Al-Talaba where he spent all 14 years of his career, achieving three league titles and getting the top goalscorer of the league award in three seasons.
Honorable Mention
Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE), Fahad Khamees (UAE), Zohair Bakhit (UAE), Abdulrahim Jumaa (UAE), Younis Mahmoud (Iraq), Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait), Bashar Abdullah (Kuwait), Yusif Dokhi (Kuwait), Fathi Kameel (Kuwait), Wael Sulaiman (Kuwait), Jassem Al-Houwaidi (Kuwait), Faisal Ibrahim (Jordan), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), Amer Deeb (Jordan), Abdullah Abu Zama (Jordan), Jamal Abu Abed (Jordan), Mansour Muftah (Qatar), Sebastián Soria (Qatar), Mubarak Aber (Qatar), Adel Khamis (Qatar), Meshal Mubarak (Qatar), Musaed Neda (Kuwait), Ahmed Salmeen (Bahrain), A'ala Hubail (Bahrain), Omar Kharbin (Syria)
Squad Explanation
-- It i difficult to compare players from different countries. I did my best to include the best from the region.
-- All of the players were from the Persian Gulf States. Players from Syria and Jordan only made Honorable Mention.
-- It is difficult to research on defenders. I am not sure if Adel Khamis (Qatar) was a centerback.
-- Dhurgham Ismail (Iraq) is one of the few Gulf State players to play in a UEFA league. However, he is too young to be considered an all-timer. Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE) also played in France.
-- Marcone had played in Brazil, where almost no other players from the region has achieved. Of course, he is Brazilian so it actually was not so impressive that he played in Brazil. In the end, I still selected him became he represented Bahrain, making him eligible for this team. His birthplace should not be a matter.
-- I am not sure about Abdullah Omar of Bahrain. He had a career in Europe, which is rare for players from this region. Omar Abdulrahman(UAE) is the Asian player of the Year in 2016.
-- Omar Kharbin (Syria) is still very young. He led Syria to a dramatic run in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.
-- Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait) is the last player dropped. I selected Ammo Baba over him. Baba could have became the first player from the Arab Gulf to play in Europe.
-- Amer Deeb sometimes listed as Jordan's greatest player.
-- Fahad Khamees (UAE) was the captain of UAE at Italia 1990, but I chose Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani over him.
Formation
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| Ahmed Radhi |
ST: Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait)
Jasem Yaqoub was widely considered to be Kuwait's greatest player. From 1972 to 1982, he represented Kuwiat at the Golden period of the national team. He represented Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals in Spain. He also won the Gulf Cup title three times in 1972, 1974 and 1976. He won second place with Kuwait in the 1976 Asian Cup and managed to win the Cup in the 1980. He played his entire career with Qadsia SC.
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| Jassem Yacoub |
Hussein Saeed was considered to be Iraq's greatest player. He was their all-time leading scorer and cap record holder. He led Iraq to the World Cup Finals in 1986, Iraq's first ever WC Finals. He also won two Gulf Cups. In 1975, he joined Al-Talaba where he spent all 14 years of his career, achieving three league titles and getting the top goalscorer of the league award in three seasons.
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| Hussein Saeed |
Honorable Mention
Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE), Fahad Khamees (UAE), Zohair Bakhit (UAE), Abdulrahim Jumaa (UAE), Younis Mahmoud (Iraq), Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait), Bashar Abdullah (Kuwait), Yusif Dokhi (Kuwait), Fathi Kameel (Kuwait), Wael Sulaiman (Kuwait), Jassem Al-Houwaidi (Kuwait), Faisal Ibrahim (Jordan), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), Amer Deeb (Jordan), Abdullah Abu Zama (Jordan), Jamal Abu Abed (Jordan), Mansour Muftah (Qatar), Sebastián Soria (Qatar), Mubarak Aber (Qatar), Adel Khamis (Qatar), Meshal Mubarak (Qatar), Musaed Neda (Kuwait), Ahmed Salmeen (Bahrain), A'ala Hubail (Bahrain), Omar Kharbin (Syria)
Squad Explanation
-- It i difficult to compare players from different countries. I did my best to include the best from the region.
-- All of the players were from the Persian Gulf States. Players from Syria and Jordan only made Honorable Mention.
-- It is difficult to research on defenders. I am not sure if Adel Khamis (Qatar) was a centerback.
-- Dhurgham Ismail (Iraq) is one of the few Gulf State players to play in a UEFA league. However, he is too young to be considered an all-timer. Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE) also played in France.
-- Marcone had played in Brazil, where almost no other players from the region has achieved. Of course, he is Brazilian so it actually was not so impressive that he played in Brazil. In the end, I still selected him became he represented Bahrain, making him eligible for this team. His birthplace should not be a matter.
-- I am not sure about Abdullah Omar of Bahrain. He had a career in Europe, which is rare for players from this region. Omar Abdulrahman(UAE) is the Asian player of the Year in 2016.
-- Omar Kharbin (Syria) is still very young. He led Syria to a dramatic run in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.
-- Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait) is the last player dropped. I selected Ammo Baba over him. Baba could have became the first player from the Arab Gulf to play in Europe.
-- Amer Deeb sometimes listed as Jordan's greatest player.
-- Fahad Khamees (UAE) was the captain of UAE at Italia 1990, but I chose Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani over him.
Formation
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