Azerbaijan national football team

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The Azerbaijan national football team (Template:Langx) is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan. It represents Azerbaijan in international football competitions. The majority of Azerbaijan's home matches are held at the national stadium, Baku Olympic Stadium, with friendly matches sometimes hosted at club stadiums.

The Azerbaijan national football team has taken part in qualification for each major tournament since Euro 1996, but has never qualified for the finals tournament of any World Cup or European Championships. Azerbaijan was the first Caucasus country to host a major football tournament, the UEFA Euro 2020.

History

Early period (before the 1920s)

In the early twentieth century, football began to become popular in Azerbaijan, which was then part of the Russian Empire. In 1912, Azerbaijani football players had their first "international match" and they won 4–2 in Tbilisi, Georgia against the local "Sokol" team. During 1912–1913, matches between the Azerbaijani and Georgian football teams were organized, first in Tbilisi and then in Baku. In 1914, the Football Union was founded in Azerbaijan. The Football Union undertook the organization of official city championships and other competitions.<ref name="Azerbaijans">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Soviet era (1920s–1991)

The oldest records of football teams in Soviet Azerbaijan go back to 1926–1927, when Trans-Caucasian Championship was organized in Tbilisi. Three South Caucasian countries participated: Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.<ref name="ELO">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Azerbaijan national football team held its first friendly matches against Georgia and Armenia in 1927 for the Trans-Caucasian Championship in Georgia.<ref name="ELO"/> Also in 1926, football players from Azerbaijan played three matches with Football team from Iran in Baku. In 1929, three matches were played between these teams in Tehran. In all matches Azerbaijan players won.<ref>Д. М. Векилов. Участие Азербайджанской ССР в развитии советско-иранских торгово-экономических и культурных связей в 20—30-х годах // Известия Академии наук Азербайджанской ССР. — 1986. — С. 41.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The 1960s is considered the Golden Age for Azerbaijani football as it produced great players like Anatoliy Banishevskiy, Alakbar Mammadov and the football referee Tofiq Bahramov, most famous for being the linesman who helped to award a goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final between England and West Germany.

Post-independence (1992–present)

1990s

After Azerbaijan gained its independence in 1991, AFFA — Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan — was created. In 1992, renowned Azerbaijani footballer Alekper Mamedov became the first head coach of the Azerbaijani national football team, compiling a 3–1 record as coach that includes the first ever national team victory, over Georgia on 25 May 1993.<ref name="coach1"> {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="coach2"> {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The national team was accepted as a provisional member of UEFA on 2 December 1993, and later as a full member in May 1994 at the 22nd UEFA Congress in Vienna.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It also joined FIFA in June 1994 at the 49th FIFA Congress in Chicago.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The security issues forced the team to play all of its home UEFA Euro 1996 qualifiers in Trabzon, Turkey, after UEFA imposed a ban on home matches on October 21, 1994.<ref name="euro96"> {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2000s

Azerbaijani squad in 2008.

As of the early 2000s, Azerbaijani football federation started to integrate more players to the national team through FIFA's eligibility rules.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In February 2004, Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of the Brazil team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup was appointed its national coach. Despite a poor start, a 0–6 defeat to Israel on February 18, Azerbaijan won their first ever away match, 3–2 against Kazakhstan on April 28. In June 2005, following a 3–0 defeat by Poland, Torres stood down from the position, to be replaced by former Neftchi coach Vagif Sadygov, his third spell as coach of Azerbaijan. Shahin Diniyev took over as manager in November 2005. He resigned on 31 October 2007, and Gjoko Hadzievski was named as care-taking coach of Azerbaijan.<ref>Euro 2008 homepage Template:Webarchive, UEFA</ref>

In April 2008, former German football player and coach Berti Vogts was appointed as a manager of Azerbaijan on a two-year contract.<ref name="vogts">FIFA World Cup News and Features Template:Webarchive, UEFA</ref> Azerbaijan had a mixed qualifying campaign, finishing with 5 points, just missing out on a last place to Liechtenstein with 2 points.

In November 2009, AFFA extended Berti Vogts' contract for a further two years, making him the first manager to manage the weak Azerbaijani national team in two qualification cycles.<ref>fifa.com: Vogts' contract extended</ref><ref>Фогтс увидел перспективуTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore Template:In lang</ref>

2010s

In 2010, following a shock win over Turkey, the team reached 90th place in FIFA World Rankings, Azerbaijan's highest ever position in the country's football history.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After victory over Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan also broke their scoring and points records by gaining 7 points and scoring 10 goals.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In November 2011, AFFA extended Berti Vogts' contract for a further two years, until the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification cycle.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Under Vogts, Azerbaijan had some poor results, not being able to defeat second-string sides. Vogts faced major criticism, protest and demonstration from local supporters and the media.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, Azerbaijan managed to finish the qualification cycle in fourth place, the team's best ever finish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In December 2013, Vogts being granted a new two-year contract, with the aim to lead Azerbaijan through EURO 2016 qualifying.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In July 2014, Azerbaijan beat its ranking record by reaching 73rd place in FIFA World Rankings. Following three straight losses, Vogts resigned from his post after spending six years in charge of Azerbaijan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Succeeding Vogts as full-time manager was former Croatia international Robert Prosinečki. He guided the Azerbaijani team to another record points haul (10) in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but the team still finished fifth in the six-team Group C. Prosinečki resigned after deciding not to extend his contract with the Azerbaijan Football Federation and was succeeded by countryman Nikola Jurčević.

2020s

The UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying proved to be a disaster for Azerbaijan as the team finished in bottom with a complete seven defeats, including a famous 1–5 at home against Slovakia, and only one draw, which was, surprisingly, against 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia, the home of the manager. Nikola Jurčević departed following the poor performance of Azerbaijan. After the qualifying, Azerbaijan turned out to be the only country ever to not qualify for a tournament they co-hosted.

The qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with new coach Gianni De Biasi also went horribly, with Azerbaijan getting only a single point in Group A in matches with strongholds Portugal and Serbia and secondary sides Ireland and Luxembourg. The Nations League that year was more successful. Azerbaijan was drawn into Group 3 of League C with Kazakhstan, Belarus and Slovakia. After failing to win against Kazakhstan and Slovakia and securing themselves a goalless draw against Belarus, the matches of the second leg were all wins. At the end, Azerbaijan finished second with 10 points, three points away from promoted first-place Kazakhstan. After losing three matches in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying and drawing once, De Biasi got sacked on 22 October 2023. The games without a manager were equal: Azerbaijan won 2 matches out of four, including a surprising 3-0 defeat of already-eliminated Sweden. The other two matches were both lost.

In March 2024, the assistant manager Arif Asadov was hired as caretaker manager. Under Asadov, the team won two out of 4 games. In June 2024, Former UEFA Euro 2016 winning coach Fernando Santos was appointed as the new manager. The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League went badly, securing only a draw against Estonia and getting relegated.

Team image

Colours

Azerbaijan national football team in October 2013.

As of UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying round, Azerbaijan's home colours are all-red kit. The team wears an all-blue kit for away games. This combination of colours is traditional for the national team since their first game. At the beginning of 90s, the team wore a white shirt, but towards the end of the decade it was transformed into blue-white striped shirts. At the beginning of the 2000s, the kit was replaced by the white shirt with a vertical tricolour stripe, formed of the colors from the national flag of Azerbaijan on the chest. The kit was changed into blue shirts, red shorts and green socks only for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying round. After the tournament, the national team went back to their usual combination of colours.

Azerbaijan national team's away colours were yellow-black striped shirts, black shorts and yellow socks until UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying round, when it was decided to abandon this kit in favor of the completely blue. During the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying round games the team has used an all red kit.

Since 2017, Azerbaijan's kit have been supplied by Nike. They took over from Puma, who were Azerbaijan's kit suppliers between 2004 and 2006. Before that Umbro were Azerbaijan's kit suppliers between 2002 and 2004.

Nickname

Azerbaijan is often referred to by the media and supporters as Milli (The National), which is the nickname associated with all of Azerbaijan's international sporting teams due to the team's utilization of the country's national colors.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Stadium

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Most of Azerbaijan's home matches are played at the new Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku. It has been Azerbaijan's primary home stadium ever since the move from Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in 2015. Today, some qualifying matches and friendly matches are still hosted at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, whereas others are hosted at the Lankaran City Stadium, Bakcell Arena and Dalga Arena after it met UEFA stadium criteria.<ref>Матч Азербайджан-Финляндия пройдет в Лянкяране Template:Webarchive Template:In lang</ref><ref>Milli komandamız yenidən Lənkəran stadionunda Template:Webarchive Template:In lang</ref>

Media coverage and public relations

Azerbaijan's matches are presently covered by the public channel İTV.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match rights were held by AZTV and Idman Azerbaijan TV.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

AZTV, Idman Azerbaijan TV and Lider TV are among other networks that have previously shown live fixtures.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kit suppliers

Kit provider Period
Adidas 1992–1994
Diadora 1995
Puma 1996–2000
Diadora 2000–2002
Umbro 2002–2004
Puma 2004–2006
Umbro 2006–2017
Nike 2017–2025
Puma 2025–

Results and fixtures

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The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

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2024

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2025

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Coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach Template:Flag icon Aykhan Abbasov
Assistant coach Template:Flag icon Bruno Pereira
Template:Flagicon Paulinho
Template:Flagicon Ricardo Santos
Template:Flagicon Rashad Eyyubov
Goalkeeper coach Template:Flagicon Kamran Agayev
Template:Flagicon Fernando Justino
Fitness coach Template:Flag icon Filipe Silvério

Coaching history

Under Berti Vogts, Azerbaijan reached its highest position ever in FIFA World Rankings

Template:Updated<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Players

Current squad

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  • Caps and goals correct as of 16 November 2025, after the match against France.

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Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection. Template:Nat fs r start Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break

Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury

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Player statistics

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Players in bold are still active with Azerbaijan.

Most appearances

Rashad Sadygov is Azerbaijan's most capped player with 111 appearances.
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Rashad Sadygov 111 5 2001–2017
2 Maksim Medvedev 81 4 2009–2024
3 Aslan Kerimov 80 1 1994–2008
4 Kamran Agayev 79 0 2008–2018
5 Badavi Guseynov 78 1 2012–present
6 Gara Garayev 76 0 2013–2022
Mahir Shukurov 76 4 2004–2014
8 Tarlan Ahmadov 74 0 1992–2005
9 Mahmud Qurbanov 71 1 1994–2008
10 Ramil Sheydayev 69 10 2016–present

Top goalscorers

Emin Mahmudov is Azerbaijan's top scorer with 15 goals.
Rank Name Goals Caps Average Career
1 Emin Mahmudov 15 56 {{#expr:15/56 round 2}} 2016–present
2 Gurban Gurbanov 14 68 {{#expr:14/68 round 2}} 1992–2005
3 Ramil Sheydayev 10 69 {{#expr:10/69 round 2}} 2016–present
4 Vagif Javadov 9 58 {{#expr:9/58 round 2}} 2006–2014
5 Elvin Mammadov 7 39 {{#expr:7/39 round 2}} 2008–2017
Branimir Subašić 7 40 {{#expr:7/40 round 2}} 2007–2013
Dimitrij Nazarov 7 46 {{#expr:7/46 round 2}} 2014–2022
Rauf Aliyev 7 47 {{#expr:7/47 round 2}} 2010–2018
9 Zaur Tagizade 6 40 {{#expr:6/40 round 2}} 1997–2008
Mahir Emreli 6 56 {{#expr:6/56 round 2}} 2017–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Position
Template:Flagicon 1930 to Template:Flagicon 1990 Part of Template:Fb Part of Template:Fb
Template:Flagicon 1994 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Template:Flagicon 1998 Did not qualify 8 1 0 7 3 22 5/5
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2002 10 1 2 7 4 17 6/6
Template:Flagicon 2006 10 0 3 7 1 21 6/6
Template:Flagicon 2010 10 1 2 7 4 14 5/6
Template:Flagicon 2014 10 1 6 3 7 11 4/6
Template:Flagicon 2018 10 3 1 6 10 19 5/6
Template:Flagicon 2022 8 0 1 7 5 18 5/5
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2026 6 0 1 5 3 16 4/4
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2030 To be determined To be determined
Template:Flagicon 2034
Total Template:Tooltip 72 7 16 49 37 138 —

UEFA European Championship

UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Position
Template:Flagicon 1960 to Template:Flagicon 1988 Part of Template:Fb Part of Template:Fb
Template:Flagicon 1992 Part of Template:Fb Part of Template:Fb
Template:Flagicon 1996 Did not qualify 10 0 1 9 2 29 6/6
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2000 10 1 1 8 6 26 5/6
Template:Flagicon 2004 8 1 1 6 5 20 5/5
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2008 12 1 2 9 6 28 8/8
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2012 10 2 1 7 10 26 5/6
Template:Flagicon 2016 10 1 3 6 7 18 5/6
Template:Flagicon 2020 8 0 1 7 5 18 5/5
Template:Flagicon 2024 8 2 1 5 7 17 4/5
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2028 To be determined To be determined
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2032
Total 0/8 76 8 11 57 48 182 —

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
Season Division Group Round Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
2018–19 D 3 Group stage 2nd 6 2 3 1 7 6 Template:Rise 46th
2020–21 C 1 Group stage 3rd 6 1 3 2 2 4 Template:Same position 43rd
2022–23 C 3 Group stage 2nd 6 3 1 2 7 4 Template:Same position 38th
2024–25 C 1 Group stage 4th 6 0 1 5 3 17 Template:Fall 47th
Total Group stage (C) 4/4 24 6 8 10 19 31 38th

Honours

Friendly

  • Trans-Caucasian Championship
    • Champions (2): 1926, 1927
  • ECO Cup
    • Third place (1): 1993
  • UAE International Cup
    • Third place (1): 2009

See also

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Notes

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References

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