Iraq–Saudi Arabia football rivalry  Iraq and Saudi Arabia are two fierce rivals of the Arab world. Their matches are often considered to be one of the most heated rivalries in the world. Although received lesser attention comparing to rivalry with Iran of both sides, it is one of the oldest rivalries in Asia. Emotions often run high when two teams meet each others. The main reasons for this rivalry are political differences, and historical grievances. During the Gulf War in the 1990s, Iraq invaded Kuwait, an ally of Saudi Arabia, and both fought a short but bloody war that would continue to have a major impact on their relations. Accusations from Iraq that Saudi Arabia is instigating terrorist groups, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, further deepened enmity between the two nations.  1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification 1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification 1996 AFC Asian Cup 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification 2004 AFC Asian Cup 2007 AFC Asian Cup 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification