The Soviet national team participated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Oganesian became the first Armenian player to take part in the World Cup. Oganesian scored one goal in the second group stage against Belgium. The goal proved to be decisive, as the final score was 1-0. Though the USSR tied with Poland 0-0, the Polish team advanced to the knockout stage instead due to total goal difference. Oganesian concluded playing for the national team of the country in 1984. In his five years on the team, he played 34 matches and scored 6 goals, most of which proved decisive.