The Somalia national football team is affiliated to FIFA but cannot host international games due to the ongoing civil war. The team played its first international in 1963, losing by an incredible 14-0 scoreline to North Korea.
One of the poorest countries in the world, and one of the most lawless, Somalia has earned the unwanted title of a failed state. Since 1991, no government has managed to control the entire country, resulting in a constant state of civil war. This situation, coupled with a lack of competitive home matches, means that there is little support for the Somalia national football team when it plays.
Somalia entered its first world cup qualification campaign in 1982, playing a two-legged tie against Niger. Despite drawing both legs, the team was eliminated on the away goals rule. Somalia didn’t enter another world cup until the 2002 competition and has never qualified.
Ranked 202nd by FIFA, Somalia will struggle to break into the top 200 until they can play competitive matches at home again.
World cup 2018
Fixtures to be announced.
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