Top 10 Greatest Soccer Nations
Let's be honest about this. It's not just about where you're from. Honestly, who is the best?
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers (3,300,000 sq mi) and with over 214 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most populous. Its capital is Brasília,... read more Skill and participation are two different things. I generally do not like European soccer, except for Italy, France, and Spain, because it is so robotic and boring. I much prefer the Latin style of soccer, where ball control and unexpected plays are the norm.
Brazil has produced the most soccer stars, and the best by far, Pelé. It has qualified for every single World Cup, and many years it could have won the cup with its "B" team. It has won five times. No other nation comes even close, although Italy is following Brazil's path.
I do not count Argentina since its '78 cup was won under evident bribing and corruption of opposing teams. And who can forget the no-call handball of Maradona in the Mexico '86 final against Germany.
Germany was formally united in 1871 under the initiative of Bismarck with King Wilhelm of Prussia as emperor. The previous 'Holy Roman Empire', basically a continuation of the empire of Charlemagne/Karl der Grosse was dissolved in 1806... read more Germany is the most consistent team in the world. Brazil was great, but look at them now! They were crushed in the World Cup by Germany. Germany might not have a Ronaldo, Maradona, or Messi, but they have solid players in every position. Brazil, Italy, Spain, Argentina, etc., all have good players, but they also have some holes in some positions. Besides, we do have the greatest goalkeeper in the world and ever to live.
When it comes to our players, we have a strong squad that can play fantastically, and all are masters of passing. Italy is never consistent and relies too much on older players. Spain isn't a contender because they have won it once and only now are becoming a considerable force. Argentina is a joke when it comes to competition because of their massive gap in player quality! They have Messi as a striker, then a random 19-year-old who is playing his first game behind him!
The Netherlands is the only team that I truly respect. They also make it to the semi-finals, and despite not having a titan squad, can play fantastically together. Overall, Germany has the best soccer life, best squad and players, best tactics, and is the most consistent. We also have won 4 World Cups!
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of 2,780,400 km2 (1,073,500 sq mi), making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, the fourth-largest country in the Americas, and the eighth-largest country... read more Argentina is considered the best football team in the history of the sport, dubbed the champion of champions. No other country compares to Argentina in terms of football prowess. It deserves to be in first place.
Argentina has everything needed to be the best, producing legendary players including Messi and Maradona, who are unparalleled. The main focus isn't on how many times they have won the World Cups but on how they play, and they play the best. Argentina is the home of football, where all legendary footballers come from.
So, Argentina is a God-gifted country and remains the best, regardless of its ranking. Argentina has always been superior to Brazil and Germany and will continue to be in the future.
Italy (Italian: Repubblica Italiana) is a sovereign state and unitary parliamentary republic in south-central Europe.Italy covers an area of 301,338 km². With almost 62 million inhabitants, it is the third most populous EU member state. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy shares... read more
Italy, for me, is the No. 2 after Brazil, with Germany only at No. 3.
Why? If you look at it historically (and that's what the word "greatest" implies to me), Italy has been a dominant force in the World Cups from the very beginning, winning two consecutive tournaments, a feat that only Brazil has matched.
They have consistently performed well, becoming champions two more times in 1982 and 2006, and finishing second in 1970 and 1994, both times behind Brazil. They have four titles, which Germany also has, but only since last year. For me, the timing of these victories matters. Italy secured their first two championships in the 1930s, while Germany only began to show strength starting in 1954, and their victory against Hungary was more a result of luck and rain than skill.
Italy won their third title in 1982, eight years before Germany's third, and their fourth in 2006, also eight years before Germany's fourth. Brazil had their five titles already by 2002 when Italy and Germany both had only three. And they are just THE football nation... That's why Brazil is definitely No. 1.
But Italy is certainly underrated in this poll and should be No. 2, just as surely as Brazil is No. 1.
Germany might get the prize for consistency, okay, but when talking about the greatest football nation, by historical depth and charisma, Nos. 1 and 2 are certainly Brazil and Italy.
Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in southwestern Europe with parts of territory in the Atlantic Ocean and across the Mediterranean Sea. The largest part of Spain is situated on the Iberian Peninsula; its territory also includes the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands... read more Spain should be considered the best soccer nation in the world because they've got some of the top players ever, such as Iniesta, Ramos, David Silva, Xavi, Pedro, and Xabi Alonso. Now, I know Spain has only won one title in the World Cup, but they are better than any team. Just watch them.
Not only does Spain have the best teams, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, but its national team also boasts players from these top teams. In recent years, Spain has won almost every tournament it has participated in, including the World Cup and the Eurocup.
The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country located in north-western Europe with overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands consists of twelve provinces, and borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the... read more The Netherlands, one of the smallest nations in the world, has produced a ridiculous number of all-star players. Their Orange Legion fans are known around the globe for their fair play and good spirit, even among their opponents with whom they can sing and dance. It's also the country with the world's worst luck when it comes to winning the cup. They were close many times and always lost it in the end.
But every nation respects their vision of football and always fears the Dutch lions when they enter the field. The Netherlands produces some of the most entertaining football to watch with their attacking formations and quick ball circulation. They should be higher up the rankings, if you ask me.
France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign state comprising territory in western Europe and several overseas regions and territories. The European part of France, called metropolitan France, extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to... read more France should definitely be in the top 5. I like to think that any football tournament before the '70s should not really count because, back then, only a few nations competed and the organization was awful. This gave the teams that cared the most the best chance (Italy, England, Uruguay, Brazil). France used to be horrible because they really did not care, and as a result, not many people gave them a chance.
However, if you look at their modern performance, they are definitely one of the greatest football nations ever. Euro 1984 winners, 1998 World Cup winners, Euro 2000 winners, Confederation Cup winners in 2001 and 2003, World Cup finalists in 2006 (which they frankly should have won). I would honestly say that France's 1998 through 2001 team was the second-best team in the history of football, second only to Spain's current team.
Of course, Brazil dominated in the earlier part of the 20th century, but if you look at the competition back then, it really is not saying much. Now, with all the best players being paid ridiculous amounts of cash and playing high-level soccer in youth academies and clubs, the best each nation has to offer is put to the test, more so than before. And with that, you have to give France credit where credit is due. They have produced better players recently than most other nations. Those are my two cents.
England, previously the Kingdom of England, is a constituent country of the United Kingdom along with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.England can trace its history as far back as the 10th century, but modern England didn't start till the Norman Invasion of 1066. In 1535, England annexed... read more
If there was an alternative to penalty shootouts, England might have won at least two more World Cups. They've had great older players like Shearer, Lineker, Beckham, Owen, and the legendary Bobby Moore, along with some outstanding current players like Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck, Sturridge, and the now internationally retired Gerrard. Despite being heavily criticized for reasons I can't fathom, Heskey was a formidable player.
The teamwork needs improvement. Look how well they've done in the qualification rounds! It's really frustrating how they falter in the main event. But I hope this boosts English hopes. If only penalty shootouts didn't exist...
Portugal (est.1152), officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. Its territory also includes... read more Portugal has done tremendously well considering the lack of talent they have on the current side. They have the best player of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo, and he has done tremendously well carrying them to three finals and European glory.
Portugal has had and currently has legendary players such as Eusébio, Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many others. Even though they have never won a World Cup, they are definitely in the top 10.
Let's take population size into consideration. Portugal has only 10 million people, but currently has two world-class managers in the Premier League. Additionally, they have Cristiano Ronaldo, possibly the best player in the world, and a host of other world-class and Premier League players (Meireles, Postiga, Pauleta, etc.).
Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is part of the Southern... read more You can argue that Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Argentina can be ranked higher, but to place them below Mexico, Portugal, and France is just not right. With 4 World Titles, 15 Continental titles, and the 1980 Gold Cup played between past World Cup winners, Uruguay's achievements are formidable.
All this from a population of 3.5 million people - that's the equivalent of a neighborhood in Buenos Aires or Mexico City. Per capita, this little country reigns supreme and punches way above its weight.
This is a nation where the sport defines their identity. With a state the size of Washington and a population of only 3 million, they have won the World Cup twice - more than Spain, France, the Netherlands, and England. They've won the Copa America 15 times. No other country has more.
They produce quality superstar footballers like Cavani, Godin, Forlan, and Suarez. The only reason they're not in the top 4 or 5 is blatant ignorance and national pride for lesser countries.
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a federal republic located in North America. The country is located between the U.S. and Central America, and is known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts, and jungles. I am from Mexico, and even I acknowledge that Brazil is the best, so no, my comment is not biased by where I am from. Even my mom agrees that Brazil is the best. I write this to let you know that while it may be true that Brazil has won the most world titles and comes out superior in almost everything they do, Mexico isn't far behind, perhaps a close seventh.
If only we didn't have bad luck, but we keep trying, and that's what matters. We're going to give Brazil a run for its money. You can count on that. I'm not dissing them. I'm only being patriotic.
The United States of America, or the U.S.A. for short, is a federal republic composed of 50 states, 48 of them are contiguous states. There are two other states, Alaska and Hawaii, which are north and south of the contiguous states, respectively. The United States declared its independence from the... read more Okay, I may have voted for Italy and commented for them (the comment that talks about Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon being in their thirties), but I am American and I think that the US is a rising star in the football, soccer universe. Wait a few years, and the Empire (Star Wars reference) won't be the only thing striking back.
America is growing in soccer skill and soccer fans. As soccer is becoming more popular in America, we are getting better as a country. America is capable of a lot in the soccer world. Watch out, Europe - America has talent.
Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. It covers an area of 30,689 km2 (11,849 sq mi) and... read more At this moment in time, Belgium is without a doubt a top 10 national team. Lukaku, Mirallas, Benteke, Hazard, Dembele, De Bruyne, Witsel, Fellaini, Vermaelen, Kompany, Courtois... The team is absolutely loaded, and they're bound to have young Man Utd stud Januzaj opt to join them. All young, all class players, bound for great things in the coming years.
Simply and very undoubtedly the best team at this moment. I hope there will be many years to come being 1st, and I hope they will beat France in the Nations finals!
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country situated in the northwest of South America, bordered to the northwest by Panama; to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; and it shares maritime limits with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, Dominican Republic... read more Colombia is a really good team. They deserve to be ranked higher. It is unfair because when someone thinks of soccer, they think of Brazil or Argentina. Colombia is a strong new team and deserves more attention.
The whole country lives and breathes soccer! Although they've only won once, they are currently #3 in the world. They definitely deserve a spot here.
They were 5th in the World Cup. Venezuela didn't even qualify, and we were 2nd in the qualification table.
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica; occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Chile covers an area of 756,096... read more Chile plays better soccer than many other teams in the world. How is Colombia ahead of Chile? Please, stick to making empanadas. Only a couple of years ago, you were last in qualifying, and now you guys think you can play. Win a Copa America against Argentina, and then you can speak.
You lost 2-1 versus Brazil. We tied 1-1 and lost in penalties. You guys don't have the same level of play as Chile.
Chile, what a team! Their football is absolutely awesome to watch.
Chile has the most attendees per capita to international matches when playing at home. Chile had the whole Brazil team praying during the penalties, in their home, in the knockout!
Alexis - Arsenal
Vidal - Juventus
Bravo - Barcelona
Vargas - Napoli
Isla - Juventus
Medel - Sevilla
Hosted in '62, finished in 3rd place though.
Canada, Pakistan, US, better than Chile? Are you serious? Laugh out loud
Croatia is currently 7th in the world, took 3rd in the World Cup in 1998, has only 4 million people, and boasts 160 goals overall. Croatia is also undefeated against Italy.
For 4,250,000 people, Croatia has world-class players and can beat any team. They are an underrated team and have the potential to do big things.
Croatia's football team was awesome in the 2018 World Cup. Despite the fact that they lost in the final, Croatia made history!
Japan is an island country in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. It lies off the eastern coast of the Asia Mainland (east of China, Korea, Russia) and stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and near Taiwan in the southwest... read more Japan actually has amazing soccer teams. Their men's national team has Kagawa and Honda, who are great players. Their women's team also recently won the World Cup. They are definitely better than the Faroe Islands and Sudan. Japan should be in the top 15 or top 20.
Japan is awesome. They almost beat Belgium in Russia 2018, the women's team won in 2011, and with players like Honda, Kagawa, and Okazaki, they clearly deserve to be here. However, I did not expect them to be this high up.
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of 7,617,930 square kilometres (2,941,300 sq mi), Australia is the largest country by area in Oceania and... read more Australia is the best. The Brisbane Roar beat the Spanish Villarreal, and Spain is all the way up there. We won the Asian Cup and only lost to Italy because of a fake trip. We also have a great sporting background and have league, Union, and AFL to give us practice.
The only reason they didn't get to the World Cup final is that Italy cheated by faking a trip.
Australia won the Asian Cup and tied with Germany in the World Cup friendly matches. The Aussies are one of the best at soccer.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea, is a country in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Pyongyang. It is currently ruled by the Juche leader Kim Jong-Un, after inheriting the title from his father, Kim Jong-Il, who in turn inherited it from his father, Kim Il-Sung... read more
India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. Additionally, it is the most populous democracy in the world... read more India's population is 1.3 billion, and while many people like cricket, there is also a significant craze for football. Fifty percent of India likes cricket, whereas 41% likes football.
No matter that India's rank is 150 in international football, any foreigner should visit and then see the craze in India for football. Cricket is the most played, and football is the second most played sport in India.
They will win every day, I tell you, and they won't lose. They'll beat the mighty and undefeated Brazil in their socks and will be the champions of the world that nobody can ever beat again. Yo, Sampan Chaudhuri.
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. South Korea claims... read more South Korea has made it to the World Cup nine times, including the previous eight consecutively. South Korea is Asia's most successful soccer nation, with their top finish being fourth in 2002. They have achieved victories over Poland, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, and tied with the USA.
They have beaten Spain once by penalty kicks and tied 2-2 while down 2-0 with five minutes left. They have come back from 3-0 against Germany to score two goals in 1996. South Korea has also defeated Ivory Coast, Scotland, England, and won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. They produced the German Bundesliga's legendary goal scorer Cha-Bum Keun, and have had players in Europe for a couple of decades now.
Their arch-rival in Asia is Japan. Historically, Korea has won the overwhelming majority of matches. The challenge was that Asian football rarely produced many challenges for South Korea, making it to the world stage was almost a given. Now, with Japan, Australia, and Iran stepping up their game, it will only help South Korea and raise the level of Asian football even further.
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. Why is it so low on the list? They are amazing. Way better than some of these other teams. Let's go, Ticos!
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country in Eurasia, mainly in Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia,... read more Turkey is a growing soccer power. They already finished third in the world. They have so many talented players who are playing all over for the world's best teams.
Turkey is better than Canada, India, and all of the teams ranked above Turkey on page one. They deserve to be eleventh on the list.
They ranked third in the 2002 World Cup!
Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe.It borders Norway to the west and Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund. At 450,295 square kilometers (173,860 sq mi), Sweden is the third-largest... read more
I think I'm blind. I did not just see Sweden ranked so low. Does anybody here watch football or even know who Zlatan Ibrahimović is?
Sweden has one of the best players in the world and used to have one of the greatest teams ever! They shouldn't be ranked this low.
Sweden should be ranked above India, the Faroe Islands, Sudan, and others.
Hungary is a sovereign state in Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, Croatia to the southwest, Slovenia to the west, Austria to the northwest, and Ukraine to the northeast. One of the underdogs for Euro 2016, should definitely be higher on the list!
With the super coach Marco Rossi, Hungary is playing well, I have to admit.
One of the old powerhouses of football, not so much these days.