Greatest Soccer Nations

Skill and participation are two different things. I generally do not like European soccer (except for Italy, France & Spain) because it is so robotic and boring. I much prefer 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, Pele. It also has qualified to every single World Cup and many years it could have won the cup with its "B" Team, not to mention it has won 5 times. No other nation comes even close, although Italy is following Brazil's path. I don't 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.

Brazil is obviously the most successful football country of all time, there is no doubt. Just look at those stats:

5 FIFA World Cups (more than anybody else)
4 FIFA Confederations Cups (more than anybody else)
8 Copa Américas
1 Olympic Gold medal

Also, Brazil is placed number 1 in the All-time table of the World Cup with more victories and less losses than any other team

104 Matches, 70 Wins, 17 draws and only 17 losses.

That means: 227 points achieved (more than any other team) which represents 2.18 Average points per match (more than any other team)

So, HISTORICALLY, Brazil is the best team for sure. Although their current team may not be the best, there is no other nation with more achievements in the world.

I am certainly no fan of Brazil in soccer, but even I must admit that, historically, they are the greatest. First of all, they have the most World Cup titles. Second, they are tied first in appearances in the Final. Third, they have qualified for every single tournament-also first place there. In conclusion, they are first in every relevant statistic and, though Germany comes close, there is just no beating Brazil.

By the way, Germany does have the most FIFA World Cup finals appearances, as well as highest medal count. Now due to Nazi Germany, Germany had trouble qualifying for earlier world cups, however they have qualified for every World Cup since 1954, and to help you feel a bit saltier, they've made it to every quarterfinal + since 1954 which is unheard of in any other nation. Sorry, but this entire list is crap for someone that has dedicated his life to this sport as both a fan and player. Go DFB!

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 or maradonna or Messi but they have solid players in every position. Brazil, Italy, Spain, Argentina etc all have good players but they do 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 fantasticly and all are the masters of passing. Italy is never consistent and rely too much on older players, Spain isn't a contender because they have won it once and just now are becoming a considerable force, Argentina is a joke when it comes to competition because of their massive gap when it comes to player quality! They have Messi as a striker then a random 19 year old who is playing his first game playing behind him! Netherlands is the only team that I truly respect. They also make it to the semi finals ...more

Most world cup finals in the history of the sport. 4 world cup semifinals in a row 2002-2014. Highest world cup scorer of all time: Miroslav Klose. They have made every world cup except two: the first one in 1930 and 1950 because they were banned for what they did in World War II. They also gave the worst defeat to Brazil in Brazil's history (tied with Uruguay 6-0 Brazil September 18, 1920). They also have the best defender of all time (Franz Beckenbauer) and one of the twenty-five best goalkeepers of all time (Manuel Neuer)(He's ranked number 8 by bleacher report. They have also won the most UEFA European Championships (tied with Spain with 3).

I had to look at the comments on Brazil, That they are the only ones that have qualified for every world cup.. Well perhaps on a technicality. Germany has appear in every world cup accept for one, where they were band due to the war. If you look at all aspects Germany out rank Brazil. You also have to consider is more difficult for the European teams because of the great competition, just look 8 of the top countries in the world are European. However, both countries are clearly the 2 top in the world.

Germany is better than Italy FIFA ranking do matter how can you sit there on your diving throne and say you are better when you can't make it past group stages? Germany has nearly always made it into the final four unlike Italy always being inconsistent. You can't say you're the best if you can go from winning to not making past the group stages and losing to Costa Rica. Germany is the nation of football. Brazil is the master but Germany is the child of Brazil same talents not as good luck.

The best football team in the history of football, Argentina is the champion of champion country. No other country is like Argentina, it deserve to be in 1ST place. They have everything to be the best, all the player from Argentina is a Legend. And Argentina had got the two best player in the planet "MESSI" and "MARADONA", this two are the only best player in the planet. It's not matter how many time they won the world cups the main thing is that how they are playing and they are playing the best. Argentina is the home of football, from there all the legendary footballer has came. So Argentina is the GOD gifted country and it still remained the best, no matter in what ranking they are. Argentina was always better than Brazil and Germany and is better till date and in future also remained like this...

This is way off... it seems people are only focusing on world cup titles... Argentina and France are the only nations to have won every major competition at senior level. Argentina has 2 world cups, 14 Copa Americas (South American championships) two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA confederations cup...making them the nation with the most titles at a senior level behind Uruguay with 19 official titles, the reason I don't rank them 1st is they never won gold at the olympics. Titles are titles, tournaments are tournaments... how can Brazil be 1st if they are 3 in the South American titles behind Uruguay and Argentina? Also... you guys have nations solely on players...not enough to rank eg... Portugal, never won anything. my humble ranking would be 1st Argentina, 2nd Uruguay (remember Uruguay wears 4 stars on their shirts, they won the equivalent to the world cup before it was established twice making them 4 time winners), third Brazil, fourth Germany, fifth Italy.

Few people have actually told me (out of envy I suppose) that Argentina isn't actually really good at football. If Argentina isn't good, how do we get so far in the World Cup? We play against countries that are amazing at football, yet we still defeat them. We have so many great players, including Messi.

FYI, just because Argentina and Brazil are serious rivals in football, does not mean we hate each other all the time. I have Brazilian friends, and they are awesome.
FYI, just because

Why is Argentina on this list? I read a disturbing a sentence stating Germany sucks and that Argentina should be second. According to the last two World Cup finals that included Argentina vs Germany (1990,2014) Argentina did end up in second
Place which only means that it's fitting to all you Germany haters. And why isn't Italy before Argentina, just wondering.

Italy, for me the no.2 after Brazil.
Germany only no. 3.

Why? If you look at it historically (and that's what the word "greatest" implies to me), Italy dominated the world cups from the very beginning and won two consecutive world cups in a row, something that only Brazil achieved too.

They have been almost always good since. Champions two more times 1982 and 2006, 2nd 1970 and 1994, both after Brazil.

They have 4 titles which Germany also has but only since last year. And for me, it counts when those titles were won. Italy was two times world champion in the 30s while Germany started to be strong only in 1954 and that game against Hungary was more luck and rain than skill.

Their 3rd title they got in 1982, 8 years before Germany's 3rd title.
Their 4th title they got in 2006, 8 years before Germany's 4th title.

Brazil had their 5 titles already in 2002 when Italy and Germany both had only 3 titles. And they are just THE football nation... ...more

Brazil, Germany, Argentina AND Italy. Those are your Big Four. Not sure how Spain is above Italy; no disrespect to Spain who have been outstanding the last eight years but their legacy (excluding Liga) is nowhere near Italy historically who have been a power since the 1930s. One has to be mighty impressed by Italy's national team and domestic achievements. They also have produced some of the greatest managers and players in history. Look at any list of greatest players - Italians measure up nicely against Brazilians. Never mind how many great Argentinians and Brazilians footballers/coaches have Italian blood too! Tactically, few countries measure up and they have been quite influential at different points. They also produce unique players with interesting styles like Totti, Pirlo, Baresi, Baggio, Rivera etc.

Clear 2nd Best of all time. Brazil is 1, Italy 2, Germany 3. Italy has had some of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch. Our defense is crazy good, and we have some good attackers as well, ex. Baggio, Vieri, Zola, Del Piero, etc. Italy has had 4 World Cups, 2 finals, and 1 third place which is a testament to their greatness. Italy has a dominant record against Germany in international football, 15 - 8. Argentina has a few 1 time wonders, Maradona and Messi, but no one else. Very inconsistent, and only 2 World Cups won. Italy should definitely be #2 here.

Forza Azzurri! The Azzurri are the 2nd greatest! 4 time world cup champions of which the first two came back to back (34 & 38). We've always owned Germany so I don't understand how they are ranked above us. Also we have 4 cups to their 3, so Germany can't compare. Brazil (currently) is numero uno. They have 5 world cups of which two of those came from beating Italia in the Championship game. Can't really dispute that. Even though our head to head numbers are very close, Brazil beat us when it mattered the most so I have to give them the nod for first. I will say this, Italy has to wake up, 2 world cups in a row not being able to get out of the group stages is inexcusable and unacceptable. Favorite Italians: Paolo Rossi, Fabio Cannavaro, Mauro Camoranesi, Gianluigi Buffon, Mario Balotelli & Andrea Pirlo.

Spain should be the best soccer nation the world because they've got like the t players ever such as: Iniesta, Ramos, David Silva, Xavi, Pedro, Xabi Alonso etc. Now I know Spain have only won 1 tittle in the world cup but they are better than any team. Just you watch them.

Not only does Spain have the best teams such as real madrid and Barcelona, but also, its national team has the best players from the best teams. Moreover, in the past years Spain has won almost every tournament it has participated in, like the world cup, and the eurocup.

Spain is home to some of the greatest modern and older players in history. Whether or not they actually place in the world cup, their players are responsible for the wins of most other countries.

Spain needs to be at least 2nd, we have Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, Villa, Pedro, Busquets, Alonso, Fabregas, Puyol, Ramos, Pique and the best goalkeeper ever... Casillas!

There are more soccerplayers in each of the top-5 countries, than the entire Dutch population (17 million). It's a shame Oranje lost three world cup finals, in all the finals they could have scored more goals than the eventual winner. Also too Many times it has gone wrong in the semis, mostly stupid losses against weaker teams.

Also the fact that 6-time Major european competition winner Ajax is from Holland makes this top sport more than deserved. Imagine where this small country would have been if they just were a bit less arrogant in the final phase of big tournaments..

One of the smallest nations in the world and yet produced a ridiculous amount of all star players.
Their orange legion fans are known around the globe for their fair play and good spirit even among their oponents who they can sing and dance with.
Its also the country with the world worste luck when it comes to winning the cup.
They were close many times! And always lost it in the end.
But every nation respect their vision of footbal and always fear the dutch lions when they enter the field.

Produces one of the most entertaining footbal to watch with their attacking formations and quick ball circulations.
They should be higher up the rankings if you ask me

You can say what you want about Dutch football but for such a small nation, the passion for football is as great, if not greater, than Brazil. Football lovers will agree regard,ess of nation.

You won't see many boring matches, they have their own unique playstyle and it's an absolute joy to watch them play, whether they win that piece of precious metal or not.

Many great names and football moments got their roots in the Netherlands. Whatever the world may throw at them, the Dutch will surely persevere and keep popping up in international football!

3 time World Cup finalist: 1974, 1978 and 2010. They almost made it to the final in 1998 and gave the French a worn out Brazilian Team in the final. Best Dutch team ever may have been the 1990 team (could have become world champion) but they didn't get far because of huge internal troubles with their coach. The Dutch have not only introduced Total Football and produced great players... by laying the foundations for FC Barcelona's greatness, Dutch Football is the basis of Spanish soccer successes... o irony 2010. Great football nation... even greater given its small to medium-size.

France has been in the WC Semi Finals 6 times, which is more than Argentina. France has won 2 World Cups, won 2 out of 3 finals, won 2 Euros, been in the finals of the Euros 3 times, won an olympic tournament, 2 Confederations Cups, a Nation's League. It should be ranked 4th. Zidane, Platini, Just Fontaine, Henry, Cantona, Benzema... for me France is greater than Argentina, it should be 4th. 7th is just ridiculous.

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, giving 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 give them a change. 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 2001 and 2003, world cup finalists in 2006 (which they frankly should have won)... I would honestly 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 ...more

For the past 6 world cups (1998-2018), France has been in 3 finals, or 50% of them. Brazil has been in two, every other countries only appearing once.

The current world champions. I'm pretty sure that France is one of the favourites to qualify for Qatar, sure. There are 29 spots left. Qatar, Germany and Denmark are through, who will join them sooner or later?

Ha, England, the history of football, the reason why we all are here talking about this very the subject, the reason FIFA, leagues and Neymar Ronaldo Messi Pele Maradona all became who they are. Not only this, but teams like Leicester and Spurs both are filled with English players some are there best: Deli Alli, Kane Dier, Vardy those teams have GREAT youth scouting and training and since they are English clubs we can be expecting many future English stars. And of course, my final point was the World Cup England won but it was a special cup because of how well England smashed the other teams, not even with some of their best ever players so how well do you think they did in the other cups with those legendary players!

OK. We made the sport we should have won the world cup in 1986 we had great team but went out in the semis to a maradona handball. In 1990 as we lost to germany on pens but dominated the game. Also 2018 as the ref was biased. that's 4 as we actually won in 1966. We will win in 2022 though as we will have Kane Sterling Rashford Sancho
Henderson Trent Maguire alli winks and mount.

Unquestioned #1 for football tradition. Not the best but how can anyone argue with the tradition? The first thing that comes to mind when you say England is soccer. Period. It is their sport. They also have and have always had the most competitive league by a wide margin.

If there was something to REPLACE penalty shootouts, england would have won 2 more world cups at least. Great older players like Shearer, Liniker, Beckham, Owen and the legendary Bobby Moore. Plus some great nowadays players like Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck, Sturridge, Well, the now internationally retired Gerrard, and he may get VERY heavily criticised for reasons I have no idea of, heskey. Ye, Heskey was a TANK of a player. Its just the teamwork needs improving. LOOK HOW WELL THEY HAVE DONE IN THE QUALIFICATION! Its just really annoying how they mess up in the actual thing. But I hope this raises the English hopes. If only penalty shootouts didn't exist...

Country with the best football players ever: Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusebio. Portugal is the current European Champion but also is one of the best teams in the European Champions League: 1st place in 2016, 3rd place in 2012, 2nd place in 2004, 3rd place in 2000, etc. Definitely one of the best soccer teams in HISTORIY. Also 4th place at the 2006 world cup and 3rd place at the 1966 world cup with Eusebio being the best player of the competition.

Let's take population size into consideration. Portugal has only 10 million people, but currently has two world-class trainers, in the premier league as well as Cristiano Ronaldo possibly the best player in the world, and a host of other world-class and premier-league players (Meirelles, Postiga, Pauleta, etc.. ).

Portugal have done tremendously well considering the lack of talent they have on the current side. They have the best player of all time in Cristiano, and he has done tremendously well carrying them to 3 finals and European glory.

Despite only coming close once to winning a World Cup, they can boast some of the world's gretaest players including Eusebio, Figo and not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo. They are underdogs but they managed to snatch a 2016 Euro from the hosts and favourites, France. This might be the start to a glorius future for them

Honestly, I don't know how Mexico got to be ranked so high in this list. They might have some good players but football (soccer) is a team game. Individual players matter but team strategy and dynamic in my opinion matter most. An example would be Germany which doesn't have extremely good players like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo and still is able to make it to the top four, semifinal or finals in the World Cup. In the future Mexico might be a decent team but right now you can't compare it to Uruguay or Croatia.

I am from Mexico and even I know that Brazil is the best, so no, my comment is not biased from where I am from. Even my mom agrees that Brazil is the best. So I write this to let you know that it may be true that Brazil has won the most world titles and comes superior in almost everything that they do.Eventhough Mexico isn't a close second or third or fourth it may be a close seventh. If only we didn't have bad luck, but we keep trying and that's what matters. We're gonna give Brazil a run for its money. You can count on that, and I'm not dissing them, I'm only being patriotic.

I can't believe Mexico was ranked this low in the list. If people see how they make their goals it is pretty fascinating. They are probably not as good as Germany or Portugal but they still kick butt in soccer. Plus they have Chicharito who is one of the best, and people usually only like Christiano because of his looks and not his skill.

Mexico definitely needs to be above Uruguay. Sure, Uruguay has great footballers, but their pool is much, much smaller, not to mention that their league is practically non-existent. Now, I don't agree with the rest of this list. Colombia and Chile need to be much higher up on the list.

Okay, I may have voted for Italy and commented for them (the comment that talks about Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon being 30 something), but I am American and I think that the US is a rising star in the futbol, football, fussball, soccer universe. Wait a few years, and the Empire (star wars reference laugh out loud) won't be the only thing striking back.

America is growing with 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

The most dominant international soccer team of all time (men or women) is the U.S. A women. They have never finished worse than 3rd in a world cup. Therefore the U.S. A is the greatest soccer nation.

Even though America always enters the World Cup it isn't capable of playing challenging teams such as Algeria,Egypt,and Tunisia even after what they have faced. It's obvious that these countries are much more superior.

They have some good players and that's all. They are as their country: grey, boring and no panache. Better than the Netherlands, France etc? During the qualifications for the last 3 qualifications they played dwarf countries, they celebrated victories over Andorra as were it Germany. Last world cup: Belgium ended what, 5th or 6th with a star team, Netherlands ended 3rd with mediocre team and the most beautiful goal of the tournament.
Belgium? Nah!

Simply and very undoubtedly best team at this moment. Hope there wil be many years to come being 1st AND I hope they will beat the crap out of France in the Nations finals!

Only 13th? Better then the Netherlands and France for the moment. For such a small country they have amazingly good players!

At this moment in time, Belgium is with out doubt a top 10 national team. Lukaku, mirallas, benteke, hazard, dembele, de bruyne, witsel, fellaini, vermaelan, kompany, courtois... Team is absolutely loaded, and they're bound to have young Man you stud Januzai opt to join them.. All young, all class players, bound for great things in coming years

Supreme Leader live and breathe football. All nations inferior to glorious king of football. He have won 2000 world cups so far. All other countries are run by little girls.

North korea has the best team in everything and that's a fact. Glory to the greatest leader

North Korea won the World Cup. Did you see the news?

If they won against America. That's a dooms day for you.

Colombia is a really good team they deserve to be higher up. Plus it is unfair because when someone thinks soccer they think of Brazil or Argentina, Colombia is a good new team and they deserve 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.

Colombia could beat Brazil without neymar. But thanks to James who scored two goal against Uruguay. GOOO James!

Chile plays one of the best soccer than any other team in the world. How is Colombia ahead of Chile? Please stick to making empanadas. Only a couple years ago you were last in qualifying and now you guys think you can play. Win a copa america vs Argentina and then you can speak. You lose 2-1 vs Brazil. We tie 1-1 and lose in penalties. You guys don't have the same level of play as Chile.

How many cups you have Chile? you are so disgusting people! you have won just once in all your history to Argentina and you think you play good soccer. Think how many times Argentina beat you and didn't say anything. This is the main difference between having a mature and a loser attitude.

Chile has the most attendees per capita to international matches, while 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 the 62', 3rd place though

Canada, Pakistan, US, better than Chile? Are you serious? Lmao

Yeah sure, Canada, us, Pakistan are way better than Chile. They are higher because they are wasting their time in this page rather than being playing outisde

Keep doing your est and work hard you can accomplish anything not just soccer.

Drew with Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay in World Cup 2010. Only unbeaten team in the World Cup.

If NZ are 17, Australia should be one. Australia is so much better than NZ. Why are NZ ahead of Australia?

New sealand suck

The worst team ever! Worse then Yemen!

Australia is the best, the Brisbane Roar beat the Spanish Villarreal and Spain is al 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 because Italy cheated by faking a trip.

Australia won the Asian Cup, and tied with Germany for the World Cup friendly matches. The Aussies are one of the best at Soccer

Why are they all the way down here? Who won the Asian Cup? Australia.

They qualified for every world cup and won it a record 6 times!

Defeated football powerhouse Liechtenstein 1-0. Enough said.

This is absolutely crap, san morinho, south cheateria, unfairo islands, sandan, guacamole and poo calodenia ahead of Costa Rica and Sweden and Egypt and India!

The best football nation

Go down and vote Norway.

Indian population is 1.3 billion and even many people like cricket but in comparison,India has a craze of football too.50% of India likes cricket whether 41% of India likes football.No matter if India's rank is 150 in international football ranking.Any foreigner should visit and then see that What craze is in India over Football.Cricket is most played and Football is Second most played sport In India.

They will win everyday I tell you and they won't lose but they'll beat the wicked and undefeated Brazil in their socks and will be th champion of the world that nobody can beat ever again yo. Sampan Chaudhuri

The craze of soccer is spreading throughout the country.

India stinks at soccer because they never got to World Cup.