Lebanon's men's national team, the Cedars, have built a resilient football identity in West Asia. The team has reached the Asian Cup, but has never won a major title or qualified for the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 status
Lebanon entered the AFC qualifying route for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did not reach the finals. The country is still waiting for its first World Cup appearance.
| 2026 status | Qualification route | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Entered qualifying; did not qualify | AFC qualifying | Did not reach the finals |
Lebanon hosted and played at the Asian Cup
The Cedars returned to the Asian Cup finals
Lebanon continued its Asian qualifying pathway
Still waiting for a first Asian Cup title and World Cup appearance
The Asian Cup remains the central target
Lebanon have appeared at the AFC Asian Cup, yet the group stage has remained the barrier. Competing with Japan, South Korea, Iran and Gulf powers demands depth that is difficult to maintain.
Lebanon's tournament profile
A team built on resilience
Lebanon draw strength from players developed in the domestic league and diaspora communities. Organisation and commitment have kept the Cedars competitive even when preparation has been difficult.
From hosting the Asian Cup to chasing a new identity
Lebanon hosted the 2000 Asian Cup, a major moment for the country's football culture. Later appearances showed that the Cedars could return to the continental stage, but the group stage remained unforgiving.
A new generation now has to combine that experience with a more settled development pathway and the confidence to turn competitive performances into wins.
Lebanon's men's record at a glance
| Tournament | Best result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup | Group stage | Recent appearance |
| FIFA World Cup | Never qualified | Waiting |
| Major titles tracked | None | Waiting |
The next step
A first Asian Cup win and a place in the knockout stage would be a major turning point. World Cup qualification remains the long-term ambition.
Lebanon's road from Asian Cup appearances to a first breakthrough
Frequently asked questions
Has Lebanon won the Asian Cup?
No. Lebanon have never won the AFC Asian Cup.
Has Lebanon qualified for the World Cup?
No. Lebanon have never reached the FIFA World Cup finals.
What is Lebanon's next target?
A first Asian Cup win and a knockout-stage appearance are the clearest goals.
Data sources & verification for Lebanon
Last verified 2026-09-08. Trophy dates are checked against official competition information and the relevant football confederation.
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