Football is the most popular game in the world. It is played by many countries. It is also the most affordable sport. In third-world countries, the poor are not obliged to buy equipment for this sport. They can simply play with a soda can and kick it around. Check the 10 Most Successful International Football Teams.
FIFA has 208 members. There are many international competitions held by this organization. Evidently, some countries will find success more than others.
Currently, Brazil’s international football team is ranked in the first position of the most successful team in the world. This team has been a member of FIFA since, 1923 and also a member of CONMEBOL since, 1916.
Here is a list of the best football nations in the world, based on their success.
Top 10 Most Successful International Teams in the World.
10. Russia
Russia’s historical success is mainly derived from the Soviet Union. The Soviets had a solid team for decades. They finished fourth in the 1966 World Cup.
The country also had some success in the European Cup. They won the European championship in 1960 and finished second on three different occasions (1946, 1972, 1988).
The Soviets also produced a handful of talented players: Lev Yashin was the most notable one. Yashin is considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper of all time.
9. England
England is always a threat in international competition. However, when it comes to success, England has come short often. England, believe it or not, has only captured one World Cup, back in 1966. In addition, they have never won a European championship.
However, England has one of the best football leagues in the world and has produced a handful of great players. Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Allan Shearer are among the great players England has produced.
Unfortunately for England, they have fallen short on numerous occasions despite their unbelievable talent. Last year, they fell just short of an international trophy, losing against Italy on penalties. With a mix of youth and experience, they are one of the favorites in the upcoming World Cup.
8. Netherland
Although the Netherlands is an underrated team, nobody would want to face them in international competitions. The Netherlands fell short in the 2010 World Cup, losing to Spain in the Finals. This wasn’t their first time in a World Cup Finals; the Dutch also fell short in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
Despite their heartbreaks in the most popular sporting event in the world, they have one European Championship under their belt.
Many formidable players are from the Netherlands, including Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Edwin Van der Sar, Marco Van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp.
The Netherlands will look to improve its international resume when its team full of veterans will try to make an impression in the 2023 World Cup.
7. Spain
The Spaniards were the world champions in 2010. The 2010 World Cup was their first victory. Spain is also the most recent European champion.
The Spaniards have a respectable historical background: one World Cup (2010), two European Championships (2008 and 1964 ), runner-ups for the 1984 European tournament, and fourth-place finishers in the 1950 World Cup. Spain also has one of the best football leagues in the World.
Notable Spanish nationals include Raul, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, and Andres Iniesta.
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6. Italy
The Italian national team has one of the most fanatical fan bases in the world. And there is a good reason for it: their four World Cups and two UEFA European Championships are a huge reason why they have so many fans. I
n addition, many great players are from Italy, Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti, Gianluigi Buffon, and Paolo Rossi are some of the great players the European nation has produced.
Italy underachieved in the 2010 World Cup. They failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018. Then, they went on a rampage of 35 international games without a loss and lifted the European Championship in 2020 with a young side.
5. Argentina
Argentina has produced legendary players throughout its history. Diego Maradona, considered by many to be the greatest Argentinian player of all time, was the reason why the South American nation won the World Cup in 1986 and was close to a third World Cup in 1990. Lionel Messi is considered by many as the best player in the world.
Argentina is never short on talent. However, even with a talented roster in the last two decades, the South American nation has fallen short in the World Cup.
However, Lionel Messi has led this team to a Copa America win in 2021, their first international trophy since 1993. With the influx of players coming into the team along with the magic of Messi, they can still be the favorites in the 2023 World Cup.
4. Belgium
International football’s Red Devils top the FIFA World Rankings for a reason and their squad is stacked in all areas of the pitch.
Belgium has improved a lot under Roberto Martinez. Until now their best tournament performances saw them finish third at the 2018 World Cup and runners-up at the 1980 European Championship.
They’ll be hoping to claim silverware for the first time this summer at the World Cup.
3. France
The French had frustrating years in which they would underachieve in international tournaments. Then came the great Zinedine Zidane. Zidane led the French team to a World Cup victory in 1998, to a European Championship in 2000, and led the French team to a second-place finish in the 2006 World Cup. Before Zidane became a pro, France was only victorious in the 1984 European Championships.
Aside from Zidane, France has had some tremendous players throughout its history: Patrick Viera, Fabian Barthez, Samir Nasri, and Michel Platini. Any side with Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann, and Raphael Varane is a force to be reckoned with
France is considered by many to be the best international team right now with great talents and experienced players. With a World Cup win in 2018 along with the Nations League win, they would be the favorites in 2023.
2. Germany
The German national team has enjoyed loads of success throughout their history. They have won three World Cups and hold the record for most European championships won with three.
Germany has produced great players in the past: Oliver Kahn, Gerd Muller, Miroslav Klose, and Jurgen Klinsmann are good examples.
Germany has performed decently in the World Cup in the last three tournaments. In 2002, they lost a heartbreaking game to Brazil in the finals. They finished in third place in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
In the 2010 World Cup, Germany was written off by many to reach the quarterfinals. Behind Mesut Ozil’s brilliance, the German national team proved their critics wrong.
In the 2014 World Cup, they went one better, and with a side filled with experienced players, they went on to lift the trophy in Brazil.
Now, the team is headed by the former Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick, with young and upcoming players heading the team in a new direction.
1. Brazil
It comes as no surprise that Brazil is the most successful team in football history. When casual fans think about football, they think about Brazil.
The South American nation had a big impact on the football world for many reasons: their exciting style of play, their dominance in the World Cup, and the great players they have produced over the years.
Although Brazil is not the most successful team in the Copa America tournament, creating legendary players has not been an issue for Brazil.
Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho were greats that will be talked about for generations to come. The likes of Fernandinho, Rodrygo Goes, and Arthur Melo being left out of their Copa America squad highlights the strength in depth Brazil boasts.
Brazil did not do well in the latest Copa America tournament. A good reason for their failure is because they built a team with players that lack experience.
Once this Brazilian team gains experience behind Neymar, look for them to do some damage in international tournaments.
