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WAFF Championship
WAFF Championship
WAFF Championship
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WAFF Championship
Organiser(s)WAFF
Founded2000; 25 years ago (2000)
RegionWest Asia
Teams12 (2026)
Current champions Bahrain (1st title)
Most championships Iran (4 titles)
Websitethe-waff.com
2026 WAFF Championship
Members of the WAFF

The West Asian Football Federation Championship (Arabic: بطولة اتحاد غرب آسيا لكرة القدم), or simply WAFF Championship, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), the governing body of football in West Asia. The championship has been held nine times since the first edition in 2000.[1]

The defending champions are Bahrain, having defeated hosts Iraq in the 2019 final. The most successful team is Iran, with four titles; however, they do not compete in the competition anymore as they are no longer members of the WAFF.

History

[edit]

The inaugural WAFF Championship was held in 2000 in Jordan, with Iran winning the first edition.[2] It was hosted in memory of Hussein of Jordan, who had died a year prior.[3] The Al Hussein Cup, assigned to the winner of each tournament, was designed and manufactured in Italy in 2000, and is made of silver and copper.[2]

Results

[edit]
Edition Year Hosts Champions Score Runners-up Third place Score Fourth place No. of Teams
1 2000 Jordan
Iran 		1–0
Syria
Iraq 		4–1
Jordan 		8
2 2002 Syria
Iraq 		3–2 (a.e.t.)
Jordan
Iran 		2–2 (a.e.t.)
(4–2 pen.)
Syria 		6
3 2004 Iran
Iran 		4–1
Syria
Jordan 		3–1
Iraq 		6
4 2007 Jordan
Iran 		2–1
Iraq 		 Jordan and  Syria[note 1] 6
5 2008 Iran
Iran 		2–1
Jordan 		 Qatar and  Syria[note 1] 6
6 2010 Jordan
Kuwait 		2–1
Iran 		 Iraq and  Yemen[note 1] 9
7 2012 Kuwait
Syria 		1–0
Iraq
Oman 		1–0
Bahrain 		11
8 2013 Qatar
Qatar 		2–0
Jordan
Bahrain 		0–0 (a.e.t.)
(3–2 pen.)
Kuwait 		9
9 2019 Iraq
Bahrain 		1–0
Iraq 		[note 2] 9
10 2026 Kuwait 12
  • a.e.t.: after extra time
  • pen.: after penalty shoot-out
  • TBD: to be determined
Notes
  1. ^ a b c The two semi-finalists in 2007, 2008, and 2010 did not play a third-place match.
  2. ^ There were neither semi-finals nor a third-place match in 2019.

Teams reaching the top four

[edit]
Teams reaching the top four
Team Titles Runners-up Third place1 Fourth place Total
 Iran 4 (2000, 2004*, 2007, 2008*) 1 (2010) 1 (2002) 6
 Iraq 1 (2002) 3 (2007, 2012, 2019*) 2 (2000, 20102) 1 (2004) 7
 Syria 1 (2012) 2 (2000, 2004) 2 (20072, 20082) 1 (2002*) 6
 Bahrain 1 (2019) 1 (2013) 1 (2012) 3
 Qatar 1 (2013*) 1 (20082) 2
 Kuwait 1 (2010) 1 (2013) 2
 Jordan 3 (2002, 2008, 2013) 2 (2004, 20072*) 1 (2000*) 6
 Yemen 1 (20102) 1
 Oman 1 (2012) 1
* = hosts
1 = includes semi-finals in case there was no third-place match
2 = semi-final

Records and statistics

[edit]

Top goalscorers by tournament

[edit]
Year Player(s) Goals
2000 Iraq Razzaq Farhan 4
2002 Iran Alireza Nikbakht 2
Iraq Razzaq Farhan
Jordan Muayad Salim
Syria Anas Sari
2004 Iran Ali Daei 5
2007 Iran Mehdi Rajabzadeh 2
Iraq Salih Sadir
2008 Iran Kianoush Rahmati 3
2010 Yemen Ali Al-Nono 4
2012 Oman Qasim Said 4
Syria Ahmad Al Douni
2013 Qatar Boualem Khoukhi 6
2019 Iraq Hussein Ali 3

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WAFF Championship

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The WAFF Championship, formally known as the Men's Championship, is an international competition contested by the senior men's national teams of member associations from , organized by the (WAFF). Established to promote football in the region, it features a format typically involving group stages followed by rounds, with participating nations drawn from WAFF's membership, which includes countries such as , , , , , , , , , , and . The tournament was inaugurated in 2000 in , , where defeated 1–0 in the final to claim the first title, with eight teams competing including , , , , , , , and . Subsequent editions have been held irregularly, often biennially but with gaps due to regional events or scheduling, totaling nine tournaments through 2019; notable hosts include (2002), (2004 and 2008), (2007 and 2010), (2011), (2014), and (2019). has dominated the competition with four victories (2000, 2004, 2007, 2008), followed by single titles for (2002), (2010), (2011), (2014), and (2019). As of 2025, no further senior men's editions have been held since the 2019 tournament in , where edged out the hosts 1–0 in the final amid a field of nine teams including , , , , , , and . The championship serves as a key regional qualifier and development platform, though it does not directly feed into continental events like the , emphasizing intra-West Asian rivalries and talent showcase.

Overview

Format and rules

The WAFF Championship is open to the senior men's national teams of (WAFF) member associations, including , , , , , , , , , , the , and . Eligibility requires players to hold the nationality of the participating country in accordance with regulations, with each team registering up to 23 players and 10 officials for the final squad. The tournament typically features 6 to 10 teams divided into two groups, often of 3 to 5 teams each, depending on the number of participants. Teams play a single round-robin format within their groups, with the winner of each group advancing directly to the final; most editions do not include semifinals or a third-place match. This structure results in 15 to 20 matches per edition, varying by participation size—for example, with 9 teams split into groups of 5 and 4, there are 16 group-stage matches plus the final. All matches consist of two 45-minute halves totaling 90 minutes, following standard Laws of the Game. In the final, if scores are level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played, followed by a if necessary. The event is held irregularly, often biennially but with gaps due to regional events or scheduling, and hosted by a single WAFF member nation, with all fixtures centralized in one or more venues within the host country to facilitate logistics. Early editions from 2000 to 2004 utilized group stages followed by knockout matches to determine the champion, with variations such as semifinals in 2000. Starting with the 2007 tournament, the format evolved to the current model of two groups followed by a single knockout final, allowing for expanded participation while maintaining a concise schedule.

Participating nations

The (WAFF) comprises 12 full member nations, all recognized by the (AFC): Bahrain, , , , , , , , , , , and . These members represent the core of West Asian football governance, focusing on nations geographically situated in the western region of . Iran, a founding member, ceased participation in WAFF tournaments after the 2012 edition and withdrew its membership in 2014 following its affiliation with the (CAFA), redirecting its regional commitments eastward. As of 2025, participation has varied across the nine editions held through 2019, with no further tournaments since then and the next scheduled for 2026 in ; member nations form the primary pool of competitors. Iraq and have appeared in all nine tournaments, while and have featured in eight each. Debut appearances include and in 2000 (though some sources vary), in 2004, and in 2007, and UAE, , and in 2008 or later. The tournament's format typically accommodates 6 to 10 teams per edition, drawn exclusively from WAFF membership to maintain regional focus, though numbers can fluctuate based on host capacity and scheduling. Guest teams from outside WAFF, such as non-West Asian AFC members or others, have been included on rare occasions to enhance competitiveness, exemplified by and in the 2000 edition. Such invitations remain exceptional, prioritizing full members to preserve the event's West Asian identity. Exclusions from participation often stem from political sensitivities inherent to the region; for instance, Israeli teams have never been involved due to longstanding geopolitical tensions and boycotts by and Muslim-majority member nations. Additionally, scheduling overlaps with broader AFC commitments, such as Asian Cup qualifiers, can limit involvement for some nations. The post-2014 regional realignment, which saw Central Asian countries like and focus on CAFA, further solidified WAFF's emphasis on West Asian representation, excluding those territories from future editions.
NationTotal Appearances (out of 9 editions)Debut Year
Iraq92000
92000
82000
82000
72000
62002
72000
62007
42007
42004
52008
42012
UAE32012

History

Establishment and early editions (2002–2008)

The (WAFF) was founded in 2000 to foster the development of football across West Asian nations, with the WAFF Championship serving as its premier senior men's international tournament. Although an inaugural edition occurred in 2000 in —won by over —the tournament's early years from 2002 onward solidified its role in regional competition, often scheduled between cycles to provide additional match practice for member associations. The championship aimed to enhance football standards in the region, drawing participation primarily from core members like , , , , , and , while navigating logistical and geopolitical hurdles that occasionally impacted scheduling and attendance. The 2002 edition, hosted by in from September 25 to October 6, featured six teams in a group stage format with two groups of three teams each, followed by semifinals and a final. emerged as champions after defeating 3–2 in extra time in the final; finished third after winning the third-place match on penalties against . Key highlights included 's resilient performance amid , with standout contributions from players like , underscoring the tournament's potential to unite regional rivals despite external pressures. In 2004, hosted the third edition from June 7 to 18 in , adopting a group stage format with two pools of three teams each, followed by a final between the group winners. claimed their second title with a dominant 4–1 victory over in the final, while secured third place by beating 3–1. The tournament highlighted 's home advantage and offensive prowess, led by goals from forwards like , and saw consistent participation from the six entrants: , , , , , and . No edition was held in 2005 or 2006, partly due to scheduling conflicts with AFC qualifiers and regional instability. The fourth edition returned in 2007, hosted by in from July 10 to 21, retaining the two-group structure leading to a final. defended their dominance, edging 2–1 in the final thanks to late goals from Mehrdad Minavand and Hossein Kaebi, with taking third on over . This installment drew attention for its competitive balance, as 's strong semifinal run reflected post-invasion rebuilding efforts in their football program. The 2008 edition, the fifth overall and hosted again by in from July 30 to August 7, continued the group-final format but with adjusted participants, including and replacing and . secured a third consecutive title with a 2–1 win over in the final, courtesy of strikes from Mohammad Nosrati and . finished third, defeating 1–0, in a that emphasized 's regional supremacy while introducing slight expansions in team selection to broaden engagement. Early editions like these faced challenges such as modest attendance—often under 10,000 per match—and occasional withdrawals due to political tensions, including border conflicts affecting travel for teams like .

Later editions and developments (2010–present)

The 2010 edition of the WAFF Championship was hosted by in , marking the sixth tournament overall. Kuwait claimed their sole title with a 2–1 victory over in the final at King Abdullah II Stadium, securing the win through goals from Yousef Al-Sulaiman and Jaffar Al-Enazi after Iran's Mehdi Seyed Salehi had equalized. This edition featured nine teams, including , , , , , and , and highlighted Kuwait's emergence as a regional contender despite Iran's historical dominance. In 2012, the tournament shifted to Kuwait as host, with the seventh edition drawing 11 participating nations. captured their second title with a 1–0 win against in the final at Kazma Sports Club Stadium, thanks to a 74th-minute goal by defender Ahmad Al-Salih. The event underscored 's resilience amid domestic challenges, while 's runner-up finish reflected their consistent competitiveness in the competition. The 2014 edition, officially the eighth but held from December 2013 to January 2014, took place in , . The hosts lifted their first WAFF Championship trophy after defeating 2–0 in the final at , with both goals scored by in the second half. Nine teams competed, including , , , , , , and , but notably absent was , whose last participation had been in 2010. A four-year gap followed before the ninth edition in 2019, hosted by across and . secured their maiden title with a 1–0 victory over the hosts in the final at Karbala International Stadium, thanks to Mohamed Marhoon's goal. The delay stemmed from logistical and scheduling issues, including initial plans for in 2017 that were postponed. Following 2019, no further editions occurred through 2025, primarily due to disruptions from the , which halted numerous international football events, and ongoing conflicts with the AFC's congested calendar of qualifiers and continental tournaments. Iran's permanent shift to the newly formed (CAFA) in 2015 further diminished the tournament's competitive depth, as the four-time champions ceased participation, leaving a field dominated by Arab nations. Looking ahead, the tenth edition is scheduled for March 2026 in , aiming to revive the competition with potential format adjustments to include guest teams from outside the region for broader appeal. Recent developments have seen increased television coverage through regional broadcasters, enhancing visibility, while proposals to integrate WAFF results more closely with AFC rankings—such as awarding direct qualification spots in the to winners—seek to elevate the tournament's stakes. Political dynamics, including Saudi Arabia's growing influence in regional football governance, have also shaped hosting bids and participation, fostering greater investment in West Asian events.

Results

Finals and winners

The WAFF Championship finals have featured intense competition among West Asian nations, with matches often decided by narrow margins and occasional extra time or penalties. Since its inception in 2000, the tournament has crowned nine champions, showcasing the region's football prowess through knockout formats that culminate in single-match deciders.
YearHostWinnerScoreRunner-upAttendance
20001–0-
20023–2 (a.e.t.)-
20044–1-
20072–1 (a.e.t.)-
20082–1-
20102–1-
20121–0-
20142–0-
20191–034,500
Iran holds the record for most titles with four wins (2000, 2004, 2007, 2008), followed by one victory each for (2002), (2012), (2010), (2014), and (2019). Several finals stand out for their drama, including the 2007 edition where defeated 2–1 after extra time in a heated rivalry match at , with Hashem Beikzadeh scoring the decisive goal. The 2019 final marked a notable upset as claimed their first title with a 1–0 victory over hosts at International Stadium, thanks to a first-half strike by Mohamed Al-Hardan. Hosting duties have rotated primarily among competitive nations, with staging three editions (2000, 2007, 2010), two (2004, 2008), and single hosts for the others: (2002), (2012), (2014), and (2019). This pattern reflects efforts to promote regional balance and infrastructure development. The tournament, intended as a biennial event, has experienced irregularities, skipping years like 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015–2018, and 2020–2025 due to factors including regional conflicts (e.g., the ), overlaps with , and the , which disrupted global scheduling. The next edition is scheduled for 2026 in .

Performance by team

Iran holds the record for the most titles in the WAFF Championship with four victories, achieved between 2000 and 2008, establishing early dominance in the tournament. Iraq follows with one title but has reached the final on four occasions, demonstrating consistent contention for the championship. Other nations like Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain have each secured one title, contributing to a diverse set of winners across the nine editions held to date. The following medal table summarizes teams' achievements, where gold represents tournament wins, silver denotes runners-up finishes, and bronze indicates third-place results from editions that awarded them.
TeamGoldSilverBronzeTotal
4116
1315
0314
1203
1012
1001
1001
0011
Notable best performances include 's unbeaten run through the 2004 edition as hosts, where they conceded only two goals en route to the title. achieved a perfect record in the 2014 tournament, winning all matches including the final against while hosting the event. 's 2019 victory as underdogs highlighted their defensive solidity, securing a 1–0 win in the final against host . Iraq stands out as a consistent performer with appearances in all nine editions and an undefeated record in finals they hosted, reaching the match four times. has also shown reliability, claiming two finals appearances in the early years and a in after eight participations. Jordan's three runner-up finishes underscore their perennial competitiveness despite lacking a . Teams like and represent underperformers, with Yemen making five appearances without advancing to the semifinals and Palestine participating in seven editions but failing to secure any medals. Oman's single bronze in marks their most notable achievement amid limited overall success across five outings. Tournament trends reveal a shift following Iran's withdrawal from WAFF in 2011 to join the , leading to a decline in overall competitiveness as Gulf states like and rose to prominence with hosting successes and titles. This period saw increased participation from nations such as and UAE, broadening the field but diluting the early dominance of Levantine and Mesopotamian teams.

Records and statistics

Tournament records

The WAFF Championship has seen goals scored across its nine editions up to , with an average of approximately 2.5 goals per match based on available data. As of 2025, no further editions have been held. The highest-scoring edition was in , with 37 goals recorded in 10 matches, reflecting a more open style of play during that tournament. In contrast, the 2002 edition had relatively fewer goals, with 22 tallied in 10 matches. The largest verified victory in the tournament's history remains unconfirmed in available records, though disparities in team strengths have led to notable margins. The highest recorded attendance occurred during the final in , drawing 65,000 spectators to witness Bahrain's 1–0 victory over the hosts. Discipline issues have occasionally marked matches, with the final between and seeing notable intensity. Three teams have completed the tournament undefeated: in 2002 and 2004, and in 2012, demonstrating exceptional consistency in their campaigns. Hosts have won three out of the nine editions, with unbeaten in their two hosted tournaments of 2004 and 2008. Overall trends show varying goal averages across editions, with early tournaments often exceeding 3.0 goals per match and later ones around 2.0, partly due to format changes such as expanded group stages and increased participation that encouraged cautious play.

Individual records

The individual records in the WAFF Championship highlight notable player performances, particularly in goalscoring, though comprehensive statistics are limited due to the tournament's regional scope and irregular editions. Iranian players have been prominent in early tournaments, with scoring 5 goals to lead the 2004 edition. Razzaq Farhan of stands out as an early standout, topping the scorers in both the 2000 and 2002 tournaments with 5 and 2 goals respectively, for a combined total of 7. Top scorers by edition reflect the tournament's competitive balance, with goals typically ranging from 2 to 6 per leader. The following table summarizes verified top scorers from select editions:
YearTop Scorer(s)TeamGoals
2000Razzaq 5
2002Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht
Razzaq
2
2
20045
2007Mehrdad Minavand3
20084
2010Ali Al-Nono4
2011Ahmad Al Saleh3
2012Abdelkarim Al-Doni4
20146
2019Hussein Ali3
Hat-tricks are rare in the tournament's history, with limited documented instances across editions, reflecting the defensive nature of matches. No comprehensive list exists in available records, but standout multi-goal performances, such as those by in 2004, underscore individual impact. Managerial records emphasize single-title winners, as no coach has secured multiple championships based on verified data. Branko Ivanković led to victory in 2004, contributing to their dominant run in the early . Other notable coaches include Parviz Mazloumi (, 2007) and Hussam Al-Saed (, 2019), each with one title and unbeaten campaigns in their winning editions. Records for youngest and oldest scorers remain sparse due to inconsistent age documentation in early tournaments. One verified example includes an 18-year-old player scoring in the 2014 edition, highlighting emerging talents, though full details are unavailable. The tournament introduced official individual awards late, with no Golden Boot awarded until the 2019 edition, where Hussein Ali's 3 goals earned recognition as top scorer. honors were similarly introduced in later years, focusing on overall contributions rather than goals alone.

References

  1. https://the-waff.com/en/waff-mens-championship/
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.com/iran_syria/index/spielbericht/4310970
  3. https://the-waff.com/en/championships/asiacell-waff-championship-iraq-2019/
  4. https://the-waff.com/en/about-us/
  5. https://the-waff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/32_file_1599469829.pdf
  6. https://www.livesoccertv.com/competitions/international/waff-championship/
  7. https://the-waff.com/en/championships/
  8. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/waff.html
  9. https://footballpalestine.com/waff-championship-dates-announced/
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.com/waff-championship/startseite/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1
  11. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/09/sport/middle-east-football-associations-call-for-israel-ban-spt-intl
  12. https://the-waff.com/en/
  13. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/waff02.html
  14. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/waff07.html
  15. https://the-waff.com/en/championships/5th-waff-men-championship-iran-2008/
  16. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/waff08.html
  17. https://globalsportsarchive.com/en/soccer/match/2010-10-03/ir-iran-vs-kuwait/942355
  18. https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/syria_win_waff_championship.html
  19. https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/qatar_crowned_waff_champions.html
  20. https://www.bna.bh/en/BahrainwinsWAFFChampionship2019title.aspx
  21. https://www.facebook.com/aseanfootball/posts/-asean-champions-qualify-directly-for-the-afc-asian-cup-in-a-recent-waff-west-as/1272986758167946/
  22. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2465886/sport
  23. https://m.football-lineups.com/match/343392/
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.com/waff-championship/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1
  25. https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2813522&language=en
  26. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ali-daei/erfolge/spieler/335
  27. https://www.transfermarkt.us/waff-championship/startseite/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1/saison_id/1999
  28. https://www.transfermarkt.com/waff-championship/startseite/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1/saison_id/2001
  29. https://www.transfermarkt.com/waff-championship/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1/saison_id/2006
  30. https://www.transfermarkt.com/waff-championship/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/WAF1/saison_id/2007
  31. https://www.besoccer.com/competition/historical-season/copa_oeste_asia/top-scorers
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