Lebanon — Football

Football is the most popular sport in Lebanon, with a passionate fanbase that follows both domestic and international competitions. The Premier League features 27 clubs competing across 2 organised competitions.

Despite periods of political instability, Football in Lebanon has maintained a strong following. The Lebanese Premier League attracts enthusiastic crowds, and the national team has achieved notable results in Asian football, including qualification for the AFC Asian Cup.

Football was introduced to Lebanon in the early 20th century during the Ottoman period, with organised competition developing under the French Mandate. The Lebanese Football Association was established in 1933 and joined FIFA in 1936.

Lebanon co-hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 2000, a milestone for the country's football infrastructure. The national team's qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup was celebrated as a major achievement, demonstrating the resilience of Lebanese football despite the country's challenges.

The Lebanese Football Association (LFA) is responsible for governing football in Lebanon. Founded in 1933, it oversees the Lebanese Premier League, the national teams, and youth development programmes. The LFA is a member of the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA.

The Lebanese football pyramid features three tiers. The Lebanese Premier League is the top division, with promotion and relegation linking it to the Second Division below. The Lebanese FA Cup provides additional knockout competition.

The league has faced disruptions due to political events but has consistently rebuilt. Several clubs have achieved success in Asian club competitions, raising the profile of Lebanese football regionally.

Al Ansar FC is the most successful club in Lebanese football history, with a record number of league titles. The Beirut-based club has also represented Lebanon in Asian continental competitions on numerous occasions.

Other notable clubs include Nejmeh SC, Al Ahed FC, and Safa SC. Al Ahed made history by winning the AFC Cup in 2019, becoming the first Lebanese club to win a continental title.

Lebanon has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup but has participated in the AFC Asian Cup on multiple occasions, including as co-hosts in 2000. The national team qualified for the 2019 tournament on merit, reaching the group stage.

Al Ahed FC's victory in the 2019 AFC Cup was a landmark achievement for Lebanese club football, demonstrating that the country can compete at the continental level.

The Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut is Lebanon's largest football venue and the home of the national team. The Saida International Stadium and Tripoli Municipal Stadium also host significant matches. Infrastructure development remains a priority for the Lebanese Football Association.

Football is deeply embedded in Lebanese culture, with club allegiances often reflecting the country's diverse communities. Derbies between Beirut clubs such as Al Ansar and Nejmeh generate intense passion. Lebanese fans are known for their vocal support, and football serves as a unifying force in a country of many identities.