While Lebanon would not participate in World Cup qualifiers until 1994, they participated in the 1972 and 1980 Asian Cup qualifiers, failing to qualify in both occasions. Lebanon hosted the inaugural edition of the Arab Nations Cup in 1963, finishing in third place. They would also participate in 1964 and 1966, where they finished in fourth place on both occasions, as well as in 1988. Lebanon also participated in the Pan Arab Games in 1953, 1957, which they hosted and where they finished in third place, 1961, where they finished in fourth place, and 1965. Lebanon also hosted the 1959 Mediterranean Games, where they finished in third place, and participated in the 1963 edition.