The Syria national football team was one of the pioneers of Asian football. The team played in world cup qualification as early as 1950. Syria formalised a team in 1936 and joined FIFA in 1937.

From 1958 to 1961 Syria joined Egypt to form the United Arab Republic football team.  Results from this period are attributed to Egypt by FIFA. Since reforming Syria has a good record in competitions. Most success involves the Asian Cup.

The 1966 world cup saw Syria placed in the European qualifying zone along with Israel. Israel are now an official part of European qualifying but Syria have remained in Asia. Both teams withdrew from 1966 world cup qualification. Syria and Israel joined a boycott by Asian and African teams of the competition. The confederations had only one place at the finals between them and were understandably upset.