The Azerbaijan national soccer team, governed by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), represents Azerbaijan in international football. The team was established following the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. They played their first official match on September 17, 1992, against Georgia.

History and Major Successes

• Early Years: After its formation, the team initially struggled to make an impact on the international stage, facing tough competition in the European football landscape.
• European Championship and World Cup Qualifiers: While Azerbaijan has participated in numerous qualification campaigns for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup, they have yet to qualify for the final stages of these tournaments.
• UEFA Nations League: Azerbaijan has competed in the UEFA Nations League, which offers a platform for smaller teams to compete and improve through a league-based system.
• Notable Victories: Over the years, Azerbaijan has achieved some notable victories in qualifiers and friendly matches, which have been celebrated as significant achievements in their football history.

Notable Players

• Gurban Gurbanov: A former striker and one of Azerbaijan's most renowned players, Gurbanov is also noted for his successful coaching career.
• Rashad Sadygov: Known for his leadership and defensive skills, Sadygov has been a key figure in the national team, earning numerous caps and serving as captain.
• Vugar Nadirov: A forward known for his scoring ability, Nadirov has been a prominent player in Azerbaijan's attacking line-up.

Notable Coaches

• Berti Vogts: The former German national team coach took charge of Azerbaijan from 2008 to 2014, bringing international experience and improving the team's competitiveness.
• Gurban Gurbanov: Transitioning from a successful playing career to coaching, Gurbanov has managed the national team, contributing his expertise and leadership.
• Gianni De Biasi: Appointed in 2020, the Italian coach has brought his extensive experience to the team, focusing on development and tactical improvements.

The Azerbaijan national team continues to strive towards improvement and qualification for major tournaments, with a focus on developing young talent and enhancing their presence in European football.