Overview
The Lebanon national football team, colloquially known as 'The Cedars', operates under the administration of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA). Established in 1933, the LFA became affiliated with FIFA in 1935 and with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1964, overseeing all aspects of football in Lebanon, from youth development to the senior national team [1]. Lebanon's FIFA code is LIB, reflecting its international identity.
As of the FIFA rankings released on April 4, 2024, Lebanon was positioned 120th globally [2]. This ranking places them in the lower half of AFC nations but still ahead of several other Asian teams. The team's identity is deeply intertwined with the national symbol, the Cedar of Lebanon, which is prominently featured on their crest and kit. This symbol represents strength, longevity, and heritage, resonating with the Lebanese diaspora and fans worldwide.
Lebanon's footballing tradition, while not as historically dominant as some of its Middle Eastern counterparts, is marked by resilience and periods of notable performance. The national team has participated in the AFC Asian Cup on multiple occasions, including hosting the tournament in 2000 and qualifying on merit for the 2019 and 2023 editions [3]. These appearances underscore the team's increasing competitiveness within Asia, moving beyond just regional tournaments to the continental stage.
The LFA's strategic focus includes developing grassroots football and enhancing the domestic league, which are crucial for nurturing future talent. The national team primarily plays its home matches at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, a multi-purpose venue that serves as a focal point for national sporting events. The unwavering support of the Lebanese fans, both at home and abroad, adds a significant dimension to the team's spirit, often creating a fervent atmosphere for international fixtures.
History
The history of the Lebanon national football team began in the pre-World War II era, with their first recorded international match taking place on April 27, 1940, against Mandatory Palestine, resulting in a 5–1 defeat [4]. The Lebanese Football Association (LFA) was founded earlier in 1933 and joined FIFA in 1935, laying the groundwork for organized football in the country [1].
The post-war period saw Lebanon primarily compete in regional competitions, such as the Pan Arab Games and the Arab Nations Cup. The team's early decades were characterized by sporadic international fixtures and limited success on the broader Asian stage. However, the late 1950s and 1960s brought some notable performances, including a fourth-place finish at the 1963 Arab Nations Cup. During this time, players like Joseph Abou Murad emerged as pioneers of Lebanese football.
A significant milestone occurred in 2000 when Lebanon hosted the AFC Asian Cup, marking their first appearance in the continental tournament [5]. Although they exited in the group stage, drawing with Iraq and Thailand, and losing to Iran, the experience proved invaluable for the development of Lebanese football. The tournament provided exposure and a platform for the national team to compete against Asia's elite.
The 2000s and early 2010s saw periods of decline, often impacted by political instability within the country, which affected the domestic league and the national team's ability to consistently perform. However, a resurgence began in the mid-2010s, culminating in Lebanon's historic qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on merit, their first qualification campaign success [6]. Under coach Miodrag Radulović, the team showed significant improvement, reaching their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 77th in September 2018 [7].
This period, often considered a modern 'golden generation', featured key players such as Hassan Maatouk and Joan Oumari. Their performance in the 2019 Asian Cup, where they narrowly missed out on the knockout stages on fair play points, solidified their growing reputation. Lebanon subsequently qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, demonstrating sustained progress and their establishment as a competitive force within Asian football, regularly participating in the latter stages of World Cup qualification cycles.
Major honours
The Lebanon national football team has not yet secured major international or continental titles. Their participation in significant tournaments, however, showcases their journey and development within Asian football. Their most notable achievements come from regional competitions and qualification successes for the AFC Asian Cup.
Major tournament appearances and notable regional results include:
| Competition | Result / Stage | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup | Group Stage | 2000 (hosts), 2019, 2023 |
| Arab Nations Cup | Fourth Place | 1963 |
| Pan Arab Games | Third Place | 1957, 1997 |
| West Asian Football Federation Championship | Group Stage | Multiple appearances |
While a FIFA World Cup qualification remains an aspirational goal, Lebanon's consistent presence in the AFC Asian Cup since 2019 through qualification demonstrates their progress. Hosting the 2000 AFC Asian Cup was a landmark event for Lebanese football, providing invaluable experience and infrastructure development. The team has also achieved podium finishes in the Pan Arab Games, securing bronze medals in 1957 and 1997, further highlighting their regional competitiveness in past eras.
Notable players
Over the decades, several players have left an indelible mark on the Lebanon national football team, contributing to its history and development. From early pioneers to modern-day stars, these individuals have represented 'The Cedars' with distinction.
- Joseph Abou Murad: Considered one of Lebanon's earliest footballing icons, Abou Murad was a prominent forward in the 1960s. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership made him a key figure during the team's participation in regional tournaments.
- Jamal Taha: A defensive midfielder, Taha was a stalwart of the national team from the late 1980s through the 2000s. He holds the record for the most appearances for Lebanon with 71 caps and was a crucial part of the squad that hosted the 2000 AFC Asian Cup [8].
- Roda Antar: Often regarded as one of Lebanon's greatest players, Antar was a versatile midfielder who played extensively in the German Bundesliga for Freiburg and Köln. His skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability were pivotal for Lebanon throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. He served as captain for many years.
- Youssef Mohamad: A towering central defender, Mohamad also enjoyed a successful career in Germany, notably with 1. FC Köln. Known for his aerial ability and strong defensive presence, he was a cornerstone of the Lebanese defense during his international career.
- Hassan Maatouk: The current captain and arguably the most influential player of his generation, Maatouk is a dynamic winger and forward. He is Lebanon's all-time leading goal scorer and has been instrumental in the team's recent AFC Asian Cup qualifications. His pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
- Joan Oumari: A central defender with extensive experience in German and Japanese leagues, Oumari has been a defensive lynchpin for 'The Cedars' since his debut. His strong tackling, positional sense, and leadership qualities are crucial to the team's structure.
- Nader Matar: A combative midfielder, Matar has been a consistent presence in the national team for over a decade. His work rate, ability to break up play, and passing range are vital to Lebanon's midfield control.
World Cup record
The Lebanon national football team has regularly participated in the FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns since 1994 but has not yet succeeded in qualifying for the final tournament [9]. Their journey through the qualification stages has often seen them compete in the early rounds of the Asian qualification process.
Historically, Lebanon's World Cup qualification campaigns have been challenging, facing stronger and more established footballing nations within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Despite this, the team has shown periods of competitiveness, particularly in recent cycles.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, Lebanon reached the third round of AFC qualification, marking one of their strongest performances to date. They secured notable victories, including a memorable 2–1 home win against South Korea, demonstrating their potential to challenge higher-ranked teams. However, they ultimately finished at the bottom of their group, failing to advance further.
For the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification cycle, Lebanon advanced to the third round (AFC Asian Qualifiers) after a strong showing in the second round. They competed in Group A alongside formidable opponents such as Iran and South Korea. While they did not qualify for the World Cup, reaching the third round for the second time was a significant achievement, indicating sustained improvement and a higher level of competitiveness within Asia.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lebanon is actively participating in the qualification process. With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the number of qualification slots for Asia has increased, offering a more attainable pathway for nations like Lebanon. The team will aim to build on its recent successes in the AFC Asian Cup and continue its push towards a historic first World Cup appearance, representing a major objective for the Lebanese Football Association and its national team.
Current head coach
As of May 2026, the head coach of the Lebanon national football team is Miodrag Radulović. The Montenegrin coach returned for his second spell in charge of 'The Cedars' in December 2023, having previously managed the team between 2015 and 2019. His reappointment was met with optimism, given his prior success in guiding Lebanon to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, their first qualification on merit [10].
Radulović is known for his pragmatic and organized playing style, often prioritizing defensive solidity and tactical discipline. His teams are typically well-structured, aiming to be difficult to break down while capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities and set pieces. During his first tenure, he fostered a strong team spirit and significantly improved Lebanon's FIFA ranking, reaching a historic high of 77th in 2018 [7]. His intimate knowledge of Lebanese football and its players is a key asset.
Key results during his combined tenures include the successful qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and strong performances in World Cup qualification stages, including the 2026 cycle. His return signifies the LFA's commitment to a coach who understands the team's dynamics and has a proven track record of achieving significant milestones for Lebanese football on the continental stage. His primary objective is to lead Lebanon to sustained competitiveness in AFC competitions and to continue the pursuit of a maiden FIFA World Cup qualification.