Historical Ranking of Football Nations

*Update for 2022 World Cup

For more than the Century in history of World football, it has been created a lot of greatness to be memorized and football has still been the most popular sports in the World. The first official tournament of the World competition refers to the 1908 Olympic Games and the Olympic Games before World Cup era is considered as the highest football tournament in the World. The first ever FIFA World Cup was held in 1930. However, the standard of World Cup between 1930 and 1950 was not high as the later tournaments due to disappearance of many top nations.



50. Senegal
Football Association Year of Establishment :  1960
Zone   :  West Africa
Stadium : Stade Leopold Senghor  (60,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  35h
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  9th
West Africa Zone II Championship : WN (8), RN (5)
African Cup of Nation : Winner (1), RN(2), 4th(3), QF(8), R12(7), R16(3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  QF(1), R12(2), R16 (6)
FIFA World Cup :  QF (1), R16(1), R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 22th (Feb - Dec 2002)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Henri Camara (29 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :   El Hadji Diouf
The Greatest Manager Ever :   Bruno Metsu

“Lions of Teranga” Senegal is one of the most popular African teams in the modern era. It was affiliated to FIFA and CAF and played the first international match during the early 1960s. Senegal's first appearance in the African Nations Cup was in 1965 and was able to finish fourth place in the tournament. However, Senegal was not a regular member in African Cup of nation final tournament until the 1990s. In 2002, it is the greatest year in history of Senegal football after they reached their best achievement in continental level with African Cup of nation runner-up after lost on penalties as well as reaching quarter-final in the 2002 FIFA World Cup despite it is their first participation. All of this are the symbol of their golden era in the early 2000s. Senegal also holds the record most winners in Amilcar Cabral Cup.

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49. Ivory Coast
Football Association Year of Establishment :  1960
Zone   :  West Africa
Stadium :  Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny  (35,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  48th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  5th
West Africa Zone I Championship :   WN (3), RN (1)
African Cup of Nation : WN (2), RN (2), 3rd (4), 4th (2), 
QF (9), R12 (3), R16 (3)
FIFA World Cup Qualifying : FN(3), QF(4), R12(2), R16(1)
FIFA World Cup :  R20 (2), R24 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 12th (Feb - May 2013)
All-Time Top Scorer : Didier Drogba (65 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :   Didier Drogba
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Henri Michel

The Côte d'Ivoire National Football Team or Ivory Coast is one of the highest potential African teams in the 2000s. The first international match was held in 1960. They was affiliated to CAF in 1960 and FIFA in the next year. Ivory Coast first participated in African Cup of Nations in 1965 and reached semi-final round for consecutive three times since then. However, they met a hard time disqualify for most final tournaments during the 1970s. They entered to play in FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time in 1974. Ivory Coast finally touched their first and only African cup of Nations title in 1992. However, it was not great enough to qualify for World Cup for the first time until it was fulfilled in 2006 and went on qualifying once again in 2010. They have won total two games in groups of death in two final tournaments, it caused the second half 2000s became their most accomplished era finally.
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48. Bolivia
Football Association Year of Establishment :  1925
Zone   :  South America
Stadium :  Estadio Hernando Siles (42,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  69th
All-Time Copa America Table :    8th
Copa America: WN(1-A),RN(1-B),4th(2-A),5th(1-B),6th(1-B)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : 4th(1), SF(2), 5th(1), 6th(2)
FIFA World Cup : R12(1-A), R16 (1), R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 18th (July 1997)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Joaquin Botero (20 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Marco Etcheverry
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Danilo Alvim

Bolivia national team was first affiliated to FIFA and CONMEBOL in 1926. In the same year, they entered to lay in South American Championship as their first ever international match. It was one of the founding members of FIFA World Cup final tournament in 1930. Bolivia withdrew to play in South American champions for ten tournaments between 1929 and 1959. In their second participation in the 1950 World Cup, it is still no point for them after lost in all games. In 1963, Bolivia built the victory to win their only South American Champion in the history. The real golden age of the team was during the mid 1990s, Bolivia took advantage for their accustoming to play in very high altitude above sea level to win many home games until qualified for the 1994 World Cup and it is the golden generation to play in the period. They finally won one point in World Cup after draw a game. The golden age was ended in 1997 when they finished second place in Copa America.

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47. Turkey

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1923
Zone  :  Asia Minor
Stadium :  Ataturk Olympic Stadium (76,092 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  40th
All-Time European Championship Table :  17th
UEFA Euro : SF (1), QF (2), R16 (2), R20 (2), R24 (4)
FIFA Confederation Cup : 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (4), R24 (5)
FIFA World Cup  : 3rd(1), R12(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 9th (Nov 2002)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Hakan Sukur (51 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Lefter Küçükandonyadis
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Fatih Terim

“The Crescent Stars” Turkey national team is a very identity and the greatest team ever of the Middle East. Turkey played its first international match and was admitted to FIFA in 1923. Although Turkey qualified for the 1950 World Cup in Middle East Zone as the first participation, they had to withdraw due to financial problems. They finally entered to play in the 1954 FIFA World Cup as the first appearance. Turkey was first a member of UEFA in 1962. It had been more than four decades Turkey did not enter in any major tournament until the 1996 European Championship.  The 2000s became the golden era of Turkey national team when they could win third place in the 2002 FIFA World Cup as their best achievement in the history before reached its best ever place in European Championship in the 2008 semi-finalist.
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46. Ecuador

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1926
Zone   :  South America
Stadium : Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa (40,948 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 38th
All-Time Copa America Table : 9th
Copa America : 3rd(1-A), 4th (1-A,1-B), 5th (2-B), QF(1)
World Cup Qualifying : 2nd(1),3rd(1),4th(1),SF(1),6th(3)
FIFA World Cup :  R12(1), R20(1), R24(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 11th (Mar 2013)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Agustin Delgado (31 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Alberto Spencer
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Hernan Dario Gomez

Ecuador national team is one of the successful South American teams in the modern era. The affiliation to FIFA and CONMEBOL was created during the mid 1920s. Ecuador played its first international match in 1938.They first entered to play in South American championship in 1939. Their first participation in a World Cup qualifying campaign was in the 1962 campaign. From a historical viewpoint, Ecuador has been in the bottom level of the continental standard. Their best place ever in Copa America is fourth place in 1959 and 1993. However, they finished third place in 1997 if consider result for only South American nations. Their golden era came true in the 2000s, Ecuador has become the top team in the continent and first qualified for World Cup of the 2002 tournament and could reach second round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup as their second participation. Ecuador won three games in the two final tournaments.

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45. Algeria

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1962
Zone : North Africa, Stadium : El Djezair (66,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  47th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  6th
African Cup of Nation : WN (2), RN (1), 3rd(2), 4th(2), QF(8), R12(4), R16(3)
Afro-Asian Cup of Nation : WN(1),Olympic Games : QF(1)
World Cup Qualifying : FN(3),SF(2),QF(1),R12(2),R16(3)
World Cup : R16(2), R24(1), R28(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (Dec 1981)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Abdelhafid Tasfaout (35 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Riyad Mahrez                       
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Mahieddine Khalef


“The Desert Foxes” Algeria is one of the most recognized North African teams. They played its first international match in 1957. It was first admitted to FIFA in 1963 and CAF and 1964. Algeria participated in African cup of nations for the firs time in 1968 and qualified for the final tournament before first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification of the 1970. The early 1980s became their golden age after Algeria qualified for the 1980 Olympic game, won the 1980 African Cup of Nations runner-up and built the memorable performance, won two games in the group round and very close to qualify for round of 12 just missed for goal different in the 1982 FIFA World Cup as the first appearance. The rest of 1980s was still performed well and it was beautifully ended after Algeria could win their only African Cup of nation in 1990. Zinedine Zidane built a large reputation to Algeria nation for his Algerian primitive, is considered as a Citizen of Algeria as well.

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44. Wales


Football Association Year of Establishment :  1876
Zone : British Isles
Stadium : Millennium  (74,500 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  54th
British Home Championship : WN (12)
All-Time European Championship Table : 16th
European Championship : SF(1), QF (1),R12(1),R16(2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  R16 (1), R24 (8)
All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1), R32(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Ian Rush (28 Goals)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (October 2015)
The Greatest Player Ever :  John Charles
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Mike Smith

"The Dragons" Wales played its first international match with Scotland in 1876 and won the first international trophy at the 1907 British Home Championship. It became a member of FIFA in 1906 but withdrew from FIFA matches since 1928 and re-affiliated in 1946. It also affiliated to UEFA in 1954. Wales first played outside the British isles in 1933. Although Wales never qualified for UEFA Euro final tournament until 2016, it would have qualified for the model of 16 teams three times, achieving quarter-finalist in 1976. Wales achieved its longest winning streak at 6 game between 1980 and 1981. Between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Wales declined to the bottom group among European teams. In 2015, Wales Achieved its best ever FIFA Ranking at 8th place as a result from performance in the 2016 UEFA Euro qualification, was developed incrementally at 109 ranks from 117th in 2011.  

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43. Tunisia


Football Association Year of Establishment :  1956
Zone   : North Africa
Stadium :  Olympic Stadium of Rades (65,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  44th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  8th
African Cup of Nation : WN(1), RN(2), 3rd(1), 4th(3),
QF(10), R12(4), R16(4)
World Cup Qualifying: 1st(1),FN(3),SF(3),QF(5),R16(1)
FIFA World Cup : R12 (1), R24 (3), R28 (1), R32 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 24th (June 1978)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Issam Jemaa (36 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Tarak Dhiab
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Roger Lemerre

“The Eagles of Carthage” Tunisia is one of the authorized North African teams during the first half 2000s. They played its first international match in 1957. It was first admitted to FIFA and CAF in 1960. Tunisia was first participated in the African Cup of nation and the FIFA World Cup qualifying round of the 1962 tournament and achieved qualifying for the first one, finished third place. However, they met their hard time between the second half 1960s and the first half 1970s, did not qualify for the final tournament. In 1978, Tunisia could qualify for World Cup final tournament for the first time and it is also their best achievement as the closest to qualify for quarter-final round in their all-time record. Even so, they had a failure era once again between the middle 1980s and early 1990s, was unable to qualify for African Cup of nation for five times in row before came back to be a regular participant of the tournament and finally won their victory title as the only one in their history in 2004. Tunisia also qualified for World Cup three tournaments in row between 1998 and 2006.
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42. Egypt

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1921
Zone : North Africa
Stadium :  Cairo International (75,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  65th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  1st
African Cup of Nation : WN (2-A,5-B),2nd(3B),3rd(3),4th(3),QF(6),R12(4),R16(2)
Olympic Games : 4th (2), QF (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : 1st (1-A), FN (1), 
2nd(1-A,1-B), SF(1), QF(4), R12(5), R16(1)
FIFA World Cup : R16-A(1), R20(1), R32(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (Aug 2010)
All-Time Top Scorer : Hossam Hassn (69 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Mohammed Salah                 
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Mahmoud El Gohary

“The Pharaohs” Egypt is the greatest African team of all-time in history of African cup of nation as they hold the record most winners with seven and place as number one in all-time African Cup of nation table. It is also the only African nation to have ever achieved both top ten FIFA ranking (2010) and Elo rating (2010). Egypt is the oldest team in Africa when it first international match was held in 1920 and is the only African team to affiliate to FIFA in the pre-war era in 1923. They first appeared to the official match in the 1924 Olympic game. It is the first African team to participate in World Cup final tournament in 1934. Egypt is one of the founding members of CAF in 1957. It was a representative of the Africa in the 1954 FIFA World Cup qualifying international play-off. Egypt won the first ever African Cup of nation in 1957. They came back to enter in FIFA World Cup qualifying round again in 1974 and they could qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup just once time after the post-war era despite Egypt was known as “The King of African Cup of Nation” . They hold the record most consecutive champions in African Cup of nation with three between 2006 and 2010.

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41. Ghana

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1957
Zone :  West Africa
Stadium :  Ohene Djan Sports (40,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  36th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  3rd
West Africa Zone 3 Championship : WN (5)
African Cup of Nation :  WN(4), 2nd(5), 3rd(1), 4th(4), QF(7), R12(5), R16(2) 
Olympic Games : 3rd (1)
World Cup Qualifying : FN(1), 2nd(1),SF(1),
QF(4), R12(1), R16(3)
The Highest Elo Rating : 13th (June 1966)
FIFA World Cup :  QF(1), R16(1), R24(1), R32(1)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Asamoah Gyan (48 Goals)                  
The Greatest Player Ever : Osei Kofi 
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Milovan Rajevac


“The Black Stars” Ghana is one of the most successful African teams of all-time, was famous for its technical style. The first international match was held in 1950. It was first a member of FIFA and CAF in 1958. Before gaining independence from Great Britain in 1957, the country played as the Gold Coast. Ghana entered to play in qualifying round of FIFA World Cup and African Cup of nation of the 1962 tournament for the first time but disqualified both. Ghana first qualified for the 1963 African cup of nation and won the champion immediately. Before went on holding the record most consecutive final matches with four. Regrettably, The allocation of African team wasn’t advantage to them during that golden period. Even Ghana won four African Cup of nation trophies in seven final games by 1992, it was incredible the team has never participated in World Cup until it was finally achieved in the 2006 tournament and Ghana is the best African team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the Africa when finish as quarter-finalist. Ghana holds the record most appearance in African Cup of nation final match with nine.
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40. Japan

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1921
Zone   : Eastern Asia
Stadium: Yokohama International (72,372 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  29th
All-Time Asian Championship Table :  3rd
East Asian Championship : RN (3) 3rd (1)
Asian Championship :WN(4-B),2nd (1-B), 4th(1-B),QF(2-B),R12(1-B)
FIFA Confederation Cup: 2nd (1),Olympic Games: 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification: FN(2-A,3-B),SF(5),R12(4)
FIFA World Cup : R16(4), R28(1), R32 (2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (Aug 2001, Mar 2002)
All-Time Top Scorer : Kunishihe Kamamoto (75 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Hidetoshi Nakata 
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Takeshi Okada

“Samurai” Japan national team is the only team in Asia & Oceania zone to ever achieve top ten rank in both FIFA ranking (1998) and Elo Rating (2001). They played the first international match in 1917. It was affiliated to FIFA in 1929 and was one of the founding members in AFC in 1954 before first participated in the FIFA World Cup qualification round in the same year. The first major achievement in international football came in the 1968 Summer Olympics where the team won Bronze Medal as a record the only team for the Asia to win medal. They also took part in AFC Asian Cup qualification for the first time in the same year. However, the absence of a professional domestic league hindered its growth and Japan did not enter to play in AFC Asian Cup for many times until could qualify for the final tournament for the first time in 1988 and won its first trophy in 1992 as host and finally became the most champions in AFC Asian Cup. The professional J-League was formed in 1993 and this originated their greatness in the 2000s. Japan missed their first appearance in World Cup final in the last minute in the same year before finally won the first appearance in the 1998 tournament. Until the present, Japan has become a regular member of FIFA World Cup final.

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39. Iran
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1920
Zone : Western Asia, Stadium : Azadi  (100,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 46th
All-Time Asian Championship Table : 1st
West Asia Championship : WN (4), RN (1), 3rd (1)
Asian Championship : WN(3-A), 3rd(4-B), 4th(1-B), SF(1), QF(5-B)
Olympic Games  : QF (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification  FN (2), SF (4), QF (4)
FIFA World Cup : R16(1), R20(1), R24 92), R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 15th (August 2005)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Ali Daei (109 Goals)                        
The Greatest Player Ever :  Mehdi Madahvikia
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Jalal Telebi

“Persian Stars” The national football team of Iran is the greatest West Asian teams of all-time in history of World Cup final tournament and placed the first in AFC Asian Cup all-time table. Its football federation was created as the first ever among West Asian nations and played the first international match in 1941. Iran participated in AFC Asian Cup final tournament for the first time 1968 and the team was able to win trophy immediately and went on holding the record most consecutive winners in history of the tournament between 1968 and 1976 in which was the golden period of Iran football until they first qualified for the 1978 FIFA World Cup successfully after first participated in the 1974 qualification round.  Even Iran has never won AFC Asian Cup again since then, it still qualified for World Cup twice more times. They holds the record most winners in Asian Games football with four and also most champions in West Asian football championship with the same number. As Iran is the only one in the West Asia not being a member of Arab league, they played in RCD Cup during from 1964 and 1974, met Turkey for all five tournaments and beat them twice. Iran achieved the highest place ever in Elo rating among West Asian nations at 15th in 2005.
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38. Australia

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1961
Zone : Oceania, Stadium : ANZ Stadium (83,500 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 41th
All-Time Asian Championship Table : 13th
Oceania Nation’s Cup  : WN (4), RN (2)
Asian Championship : WN(1-B), RN (1-B), QF (2-B)
World Cup Qualifying (AFC) : FN (4-A,2-B),SF(2),QF(2)
FIFA Confederation Cup : RN (1), 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup :  R16(3), R24(1), R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 9th (Nov 2001)
All-Time Top Scorer  Tim Cahill (41 Goals)                 
The Greatest Player Ever :  Harry Kewell
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Rale Rasic

Socceroos” The Australia national association football team is the greatest Oceania team of all-time. Its first international match was he din 1922. It was first a membership of FIFA in 1963. For the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final, It was the first time the team participated in qualification round and placed together with Zone Asia. Australia always finished in the top-flight ranking until they first appeared in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final and won one point. Nevertheless, Australia was changed playing on their own zone in Oceania and following by international play-off since 1983 and never qualified for World Cup final even it was near missed several times until achieved the second appearance in the 2006 tournament. Finally, they came back to Zone Asia again in 2007 and first played in AFC Asian Cup in the same year. Their most top footballers played in the famous clubs in the Europe. Australia currently holds the world record for the largest win in an international match against American Samoa with 31-0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying round.

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37. Northern Ireland

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1880
Zone : British Isles
Stadium : Windsor Park  (24,374 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  28th
British Home Championship : WN (8)
All-Time European Championship Table : 23rd
UEFA Euro : QF (1), R12(2), R16(2), R20(2), R24(3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  R16 (6), R24 (7)
All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1),R12(1),R20(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 14th (May 1986)
All-Time Top Scorer : David Healy (36 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  George Best
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Peter Doherty

"Norn Iron" Northern Ireland national team is one of the parts in British football history, was founded as Ireland national team for the first international match in 1882. In 1884, Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship. They affiliated to FIFA in 1911. In 1920 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA  and it was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Northern Ireland achieved their best highlight of its history when they reached the 1958 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. They met another recognizable era in the 1980s, qualified for their last two World Cups. However, Northern Ireland has never qualified for European Championship final tournament, the narrowest occasions were created in the 1976 and the 1984 tournament.
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36. Morocco

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1955
Zone   :  North Africa
Stadium :  Stade Mohamed V (67,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  32th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  7th
African Cup of Nation: WN(1), RN(1), 3rd(1), 4th(2), 
QF(8), R12(8), R16(3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :1st(2), FN(3), SF(2), QF(3), R12(1), R16(1)
FIFA World Cup : 4th (1), R12 (1), R16 (1), R20 (1), R24 (1), R32 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 10th  (April 1998)
All-Time Top Scorer : Ahmed Faras (42 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Ahmed Faras
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Jose Faria

“Lions of the Atlas” Morocco is the greatest North African team of all-time in history of FIFA World Cup qualification zone Africa. They played the first international match in 1957. It was first affiliated to FIFA and CAF in 1960. Morocco first participated in FIFA World Cup qualifying round of the 1962 tournament and the 1963 African Cup of nation but disqualified both. In 1970, Morocco was the first African team to appear in FIFA World Cup since the post-war era. It is the first time for them to participate in African Cup of nation final tournament in 1972 and finally success their only champion in the history in 1976. Morocco became the first African team to qualify for FIFA World Cup second round in 1986. They met their successful era again during the middle 1990s, qualified for World Cup for two consecutive tournaments. There were Moroccan-born players that achieved world-class performance in the Europe, are Just Fontaine and Larbi benbarek.

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35. Costa Rica

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1921
Zone : Central America
Stadium : Ricardo Sparissa Ayma (24,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  30th
All-Time CONCACAF Gold Cup Table : 3rd
CCCF Championship  : WN (7), RN (1), 3rd (1)
Copa America : QF(2-B), Centroamericana: WN(5),RN (2)
CONCACAF Gold Cup : WN(3),RN(1),3rd(6),4th(3),R6(3), QF (2)
World Cup Qualification :1st(2),2nd(4),3rd(1),4th(4),R6(2)  
FIFA World Cup:  QF(1), R16(1), R20(1), R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 13th (Mar 1960)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Rolando Fonseca (47 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Alejandro Morera
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Marvin Rodriguez


Costa Rica is by far the greatest Central American team of all-time, holds the record most winners in CCCF Championship and Centroamericana Cup and also has the greatest record in CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifying round among Central American teams. The national team made its debut in the Independence Centenary Games in 1921. Costa Rica was first admitted to FIFA in 1926 and CONCACAF in 1962. Throughout the 50s and 60s, and were very much the second strongest team in the CONCACAF zone behind Mexico, finishing runners-up in World Cup qualifying in the 1958, 1962 and 1966 qualifiers. They first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification round of the 1958 tournament. Costa Rica victory won the first edition of CONCACAF championship in 1963. However, between 1973 and 1981, it is their most failure era, not qualified for every final tournament. Costa Rica finally qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup and reached their best result ever in 2014 FIFA World Cup. 
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34. Republic of Ireland

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1921
Zone : British Isles, Stadium :  Aviva  (51,700 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  42th
All-Time European Championship Table : 25th
European Championship : R6(1), R12(1), R16(4), R20(4)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :   R16 (6), R24 (4)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R16(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (Apr, Jun 2002)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Robbie Keane (67 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Liam Brady
The Greatest Manager Ever : Jack Charlton

Republic of Ireland national team made its debut at the 1924 Olympics after affiliated to FIFA in 1923, reaching the quarter-finals. Between 1924 and 1936, the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950, it was referred to by the FAI as Éire or Ireland. In 1953, it is officially called as Republic of Ireland and was first admitted to UEFA in 1958. They first participated in European Championship final tournament in 1964. Contrarily to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland spent four decades in the second half of the 20th Century with no appearance in FIFA World Cup until 1990 before went on participation for next two tournaments. The late 1980s to the early 1990s is the golden era of Irish football when they reached  European Championship final tournament in 1988 following up by acquiring of its best ever place in history of World Cup with quarter-finalist  in 1990 before made impressive performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. 
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33. Greece

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1926
Zone  :  Balkan Peninsula
Stadium :  Olympic   (71,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  52th
All-Time European Championship Table :   14th
UEF Euro : WN(1), QF(2), R16(3), R20(4), R24(2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (1), R16 (4), R24 (7)
FIFA World Cup  : R16(1), R24(1), R28(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 7th (Aug 2004)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Nikos Anastopoulos (29 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Vassilis Hatzipanagis
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Otto Rehagel

Hellenic Football” Greece national team is famous for surprising the World when they could win European Championship in 2004. Its first international match was first held in 1929 two years after affiliation to FIFA. Greece first participated in World Cup qualification round of the 1934 tournament. They won runner-up in the 1935 Balkan Cup.  Greece was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Its history was known as the garden tree team, had never qualified for major tournament until got achievement to qualify in the 1980 European Championship. Greece qualified for FIFA World Cup for the first time in the 1994 tournament. In 2004, they won the victory European Championship title as the second appearance. This really changed history of Greece football to be a lot higher respectful team. Greece acquired the only game win in the 2010 World Cup.
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32. Scotland

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1873
Zone:British Isles,Stadium:Hampden Park(52,103Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  34th
British Home Championship : WN (41)
All-Time European Championship Table : 23th
European Championship : R6(1), R12(2), R16(1), R20(6), R24(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (8), R24 (3)
FIFA World Cup : R12(2), R16(3), R20(2), R28(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Kenny Dalglish,Denis Law (30 Goals), The Greatest Player Ever :  Denis Law
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Jock Stein

Scotland national team is the greatest British team during the 1920s and the second half 1970s, is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872. Scotland played the first edition of British home championship in 1883 and turned professionalism in 1893, They first joined FIFA in 1910 and played their first match outside the British Isles in 1929. Scotland, like the other Home Nations, did not enter the three FIFA World Cups held during the 1930s. This was because the four associations had been excluded from FIFA due to a disagreement regarding the status of amateur players. Scotland was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and also play their first ever World Cup in the same year. Scotland qualified for FIFA World Cup for five consecutive tournaments between 1974 and 1990. Their best place ever is 9th in the 1974 tournament. They participated in European championship final tournament twice during the 1990s and won fifth place as its best place ever in 1992.
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31. Cameroon

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1959
Zone:Central Africa,Stadium:Omnisports(38,720Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  31th
All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  4th
FIFA Confederation Cup : 2nd (1)
Central African Championship  : WN (8), RN (4)
African Cup of Nation : WN(5), 2nd(2), 3rd(2), 4th(1), QF(8), R12(2), R16(6)
Afro-Asian Cup of Nation : WN (1)
Olympic Games: 1st (1),FIFA Confederation Cup: 2nd (1)
World Cup Qualifying : FN(3),SF(4),QF(2),R12(1),R16(3)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R20(2), R24(2), R28(1), R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 12th (Jun 2003)
All-Time Top Scorer : Samuel Eto’o (56 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Samuel Eto’o
The Greatest Manager Ever : Valeri Nepomniachi

“The Indomitable Lions” Cameroon is the greatest African team of all-time in overall history and history of World Cup final tournament, holds the record most appearances in World Cup with six. They played the first international match in 1960 and It was first a member of FIFA and CAF during the early 1960s. They did not enter in the first five tournaments of African Cup of nation before first participated in qualifying round and final tournament in 1968 and 1970, respectively.  Cameroon first participated in FIFA World Cup qualifying round in 1970. They became the best team in Africa in the 1980s. Cameroon qualified for World Cup for the first time in 1982 and it was the first African team to qualify for World Cup quarter-final and this achievement positively effect to history of African football when FIFA increase African teams in World Cup. Cameroon holds the record most consecutive appearances in World Cup for African teams with four between 1990 and 2002. In 2003, Cameroon became the only African team to reach FIFA confederation cup final match.

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30. Nigeria

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1945

Zone  : West Africa, Stadium : Abuja (60,491 Seats)

All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  33th

All-Time African Cup of Nation Table :  2nd

African Cup of Nation : WN(3), 2nd(4), 3rd(8), 4th(1), QF(3), R12(2), R16(4)

All-Time Afro-Asian Cup of Nation : WN (1)

Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (1)

FIFA World Cup Qualification : FN(1), 2nd(1), SF(6), 
QF(4), R12(1), R16(1)

FIFA World Cup : R12(2), R16(1), R24 (1), R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 15th (May 2004)

All-Time Top Scorer : Rachidi Yekini (37 Goals)

The Greatest Player Ever :  Nwanko Kanu

“Super Eagles” Nigeria is one of the strongest side of African football and is the greatest African team of all-time in history of World Cup qualifying round and Olympic games. Nigeria played its first official game in October 1949, while still a British colony. The Nigeria football association was first admitted to CAF in 1959 and FIFA in 1960. Nigeria first participated in FIFA World Cup qualifying round in 1962. They first entered to African Cup of nation in 1963 and could qualify for the final tournament. Nigeria started to be the top African team during the second half 1970s, finished third place of African Cup of nation twice before won their first champion in 1980. They came close to qualify for World Cup several times during the 1980s but missed all. In 1994, it is the best year in history of Nigerian football, they won their second African cup of nation and came close to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup quarter-final as their first participation and continued appearing in World Cup for three tournaments in row since then until 2002.

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29. United States of America

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1913
Zone: North America,Stadium:Rose Bowl(94,542 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 23rd
All-Time CONCACAF Gold Cup Table : 1st
CONCACAF Gold Cup : WN(6), RN(6), 3rd(2), 4th(1)
Copa America : 4th(2-B), Olympic Games : 2nd(1),3rd(1)
All-Time Confederation Cup : 2nd(1),3rd(2)
World Cup Qualification : 1st(3),2nd(4),3rd(1),4th(1),R6(4)
FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1-A), QF(1), R12 (2), R16 (1A,3B), R24 (1), R28 (1), R32 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 9th (June & Jul 2009)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Landon Donovan (57 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  William Gonsalves
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Bob Bradley

The United States of America is one of the strongest sides from the North America in the modern era of football and is the oldest national team in the Americas when its first game was held in 1885. USA achieved winning medals in the 1904 Olympic Games. USA was affiliated to FIFA in 1914 and turned professional status in 1921 as the first nation in North Americas. It was one of the members in the first edition of FIFA World Cup in 1930 and won third place as highest place in their history of the tournament. In the post-war era, USA still performed well in the 1950 FIFA World Cup and ended the first half the 20th Century impressively. On the other hand, unpopularity in Soccer sport for the USA citizen was the very strong factor to lead them disappearing in the World stage between 1950s and 1980s, not qualified for World Cup and even CONCACAF championship final tournament until 1989. The 1990s is regarded as the rebirth of American soccer. They qualified for the 1990 World Cup for the firs time in four decades and was selected as host in 1994. Since then, its football has been much developed and reached their best achievement in the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalist. USA has been catching from an eye around the World to see their level in the prime.

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28. Austria

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1904
Zone  : Central Europe
Stadium :  Ernst Happel  (53,008 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  21th
Central European International Cup : WN (1), RN (2)
All-Time European Championship Table : 22th
European Championship : QF(1-A),R12(4),R16(1), R20(3),R24(3)
Olympic Games :  2nd (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (2), R24 (7)
World Cup : 3rd(1),4th(1-A),QF(2),R16(1),R20(1),R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (May 1934)
All-Time Top Scorer : Toni Polster  (44 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Matthias Sindelar
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Hugo Meisl

Austria national team is one of the greatest European teams during the pre-war era. Its international match was first held in 1902 and first affiliated to FIFA in 1905. They played the first international tournament in the 1912 Olympic Games. Austria was introduced professionalism in 1924. Austria won fourth place in the 1934 FIFA World Cup as the first appearance.  It is their first champion in international tournament when Austria won the 1932 Central European International Cup. They also won the 1936 Olympic Games silver medal and all of these confirm their golden age during the 1930s. During the war-time, Austria was disappeared to be combined as a part of Germany team. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and they achieved finishing third place as their best place ever in World Cup in that year. Austria met the failure era between 1962 and 1974, did not qualify for every major tournament until return to the top level status reaching quarter-final in the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cup. Austria has never qualified for European Championship and they played in the 2008 tournament as host. The 2000s is also one of their failure eras.

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27. Bulgaria

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1923
Zone : Balkan Peninsula
Stadium :  Vasil Levski National (43,632 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  39th
Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 27th
UEFA Euro : QF(1), R12(3), R16(3), R20 (1), R24(4)
Olympic Games :  1st (1), 2nd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(3), R24(9)
FIFA World Cup : 4th (1),R12 (2), R16 (3), R32 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (1969)
All-Time Top Scorer : Dimitar Berbatov  (48 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :   Hristo Stoichkov
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Dimitar Penev

Bulgaria national team is one of the strongest teams in Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria played its international match and was affiliated to FIFA in 1924. They first played in international tournament in the 1929 - 1931 Balkan Cup before won three titles in five during the first half of the 1930s. Bulgaria first participated in FIFA World Cup qualification round of the 1934 tournament. Bulgaria was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. They finally qualified for their first ever World Cup of the 1962 tournament and could go on four consecutive appearances until 1974 but could not win in any game. They met their golden era during the middle 1990s, finished fourth place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup as the highest point in their history. They also participated in European Championship final tournament for the first time in 1996. However, their best achievement of the competition is a quarter-finalist in 1968.
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26. Korea Republic

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1928
Zone : Eastern Asia
Stadium : Seoul World Cup (68,476 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  26th
All-Time Asian Championship Table :  2nd
East Asian Championship : WN(3), RN(3), 3rd(1), 4th(1)
Asian Championship : WN(2-A), 2nd(1-A,3-B), 
3rd(1-A,3-B), QF(3-B), R12(1-B)
Olympic Games : QF (1), FIFA Confederation Cup : None
FIFA World Cup Qualification : FN(2-A,6-B), SF(4), QF(1)
World Cup : 4th(1),R16(2),R20(3),R24(2),R28(1) R32(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Cha Bum Kun (55 Goals)
The Highest Elo Rating : 15th (Sep 1980, June 2002)
The Greatest Player Ever : Song Hueng Min
The Greatest Manager Ever : Guus Hiddink

“Taegeuk Warriors” The Korea Republic national team is the greatest and the most prestigious Asian national team of all-time. by far holds the record most appearances in FIFA World Cup final, is the only Asian team to ever reach FIFA World Cup semi-final and win the all-time greatest performance in history of FIFA World Cup qualification zone Asia. They played its first international match and was first admitted to FIFA in 1948 and was one of the founding members of AFC in 1954 before took part and immediately qualified for FIFA World Cup final in the same year. In 1956, South Korea was one of the first members in AFC Asian Cup and could win its first victory trophy. The greatness of South Korean football  was started since 1986 when they could qualify for World Cup for the second time and then they never missed the final tournament until the present and holds the record most consecutive appearance for the Asian team with seven. In 2002, South Korea won fourth place as host among many criticisms to referees for the eyes around the World.  However, South Korea is not the best in AFC Asian Cup in both number of trophies and place in the all-time table. They have been famous for their discipline and uncompromising style. South Korea holds the Asia record as the most consecutive unbeaten with 28 games between 1977 and 1979.

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25. Colombia

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1924
Zone   :  South America
Stadium : Estadio Nemecio Camacho (44,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 27th
All-Time Copa America Table :  7th
Copa America  : WN (1-B), RN (2-B), 3rd(4-B), 
4th(3-B), 5th(3-B), 6th(3-B), QF(1)
FIFA Confederation Cup : 4th (1)
World Cup Qualifying : FN(1),2nd(1),3rd(1),SF(2), 6th(3)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1),R16(3),R20(1),R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 4th (6 Times in 2014 and 2015)
All-Time Top Scorer :  R. Falcao, A. Iguaran (25 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Carlos Valderrama
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Francisco Maturana

“The Coffee Growers” Colombia national team is the greatest side from the North of South America. It was first member of FIFA and CONMEBOL in 1936. Its irst international match was held in 1938. Alfredo Di Stefano appeared to play under Colombian shirt in 1949. As its professional league was started so lately in the Continent, they first entered to play in South American Championship in the 1945 tournament before participated in FIFA World Cup qualification round for the first time in 1957. Colombia withdrew to play in South American Championship for six times after then. They could qualify for FIFA World Cup for the first time in the 1962 tournament. The 1990s became their golden decade of Colombia when the golden generation was formed and they could qualify for World Cup for three consecutive tournaments and reached best result in the 1994 World Cup second round, and achieved the outstanding record consecutive unbeaten for 27 games between 1992 and 1994. In 2001, Colombia finally won their only Copa America title. In all-time World Cup record, Colombia won three games and drew twice.
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24. Hungary

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1901
Zone : Central Europe
Stadium : Puskas Ferenc(56,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 18th
Central European International Cup : WN (1), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 19th
UEFA Euro : 3rd(1), 4th(1), QF(1), R12(2), R16(2), R20(1), R24(4), Olympic Games : 1st (3), 2nd(1), 3rd(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (7), R16 (1), R24 (4)
World Cup : RN(1A,1B),QF(1A,2B),R12(1),R16(2),R20(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (53 - 57, 58, 64, 65)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Ferenc Puskas  (84 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Ferenc Puskas
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Gusztav Sebes

“The Magical Magyars” Hungary national team is one of the greatest primes ever during the first half 1950s and is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history.  It is the greatest team ever in history of Olympic Games, hold the record most Gold medal with three. Hungary is the oldest team in Eastern Europe as its first official international match was held in 1902. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1907. Hungary was introduced professionalism in 1924. They played the first international tournament in Central European international Cup in 1927 and never played in Olympic Games before World Cup era. They first entered to play the first World Cup in the 1934 tournament and could win runner-up in the 1938 FIFA World Cup. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history, The side of that era has the all-time highest Football Elo Ranking in the world, with 2166, and one of the longest undefeated runs in football history, remaining unbeaten in 31 games, spanning over more than 4 years. The post-golden age decades saw a gradually weakening Hungary. They has become a normal team in Europe during the 1990s and the 2000s.

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23. Denmark

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1889
Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Parken (38,065 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  9th
Nordic Football Championship :  WN (3), RN (7)
All-Time European Championship Table : 11th
European Championship : WN(1),SF(2),4th(1),QF(2),
R12(1), R16(2),R24(2)
Olympic Games: 2nd(3),3rd(1),Confederation Cup : WN(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(5), R24(3)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R12(2), R16(1), R24(1), R32(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (Apr 1914, Apr 1920)
All-Time Top Scorer : Poul Tist Nielsen, 
John Dahl Tomasson (52 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Michael Laudrup
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Richard Moller Nielsen

Denmark national team is one of the greatest European teams in the earliest era of football. Denmark played it first official international match in 1908 and was affiliated to FIFA in 1904. As amateur status, Denmark played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won silver medal before went on golden era to win silver medal again in the next Olympic Games. They won the first international tournament in the first ever Nordic Championship held between 1924 and 1928. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 before first entered in the FIFA World Cup qualification for the 1958 tournament. It is the first appearance of Denmark in the 1964 European Championship. Denmark was introduced professionalism in 1978. They spent a long period until qualified for their first ever World Cup of the 1986 tournament. The 1990s is the greatest era of Denmark. They were allowed to join the 1992 European Championship after Yugoslavia withdrew and surprised the World by winning the title. Denmark reached their best place ever in World Cup with fifth place in the 1998 tournament.
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22. Poland

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1919
Zone : Central Europe,Stadium : Silesian (55,221 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  16th
All-Time European Championship Table :  18th
UEFA Euro : QF (1),R12(3),R16(3),R20(3),R24(5)
Olympic Games :  1st (1), 2nd (2), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (5), R24 (5)
World Cup : 3rd(2),QF(1),R12(1-A),R16(2),R24(1),R32(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (Oct 1975)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Wlodzimierz Lubanski (48 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Robert Lewandowski
 The Greatest Manager Ever :  Kazimierz Gorski

“The White Eagles” The Poland national football team is one of the most prominent Eastern European teams during the first half 1970s. Poland played its first international match in 1922 and was first a member of FIFA in the next year. Poland played its first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic Games. They first entered to participate in the 1938 FIFA World Cup and qualified for the final tournament at once. It was first affiliated to UEFA in 1955. They met the failure era through the 1950s and the 1960s until the golden era was created when they won Gold Medal in the 1972 Olympic Games and went on winning third place in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Poland qualified for World Cup for five occasions in row between 1974 and 1986 before got flopping in the 1990s. It was the first appearance of Poland in European Championship final tournament in 2008 before being a host in 2012.

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21. Peru

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1922
Zone :  South America
Stadium : Estadio Nacional (55,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 37th
All-Time Copa America Table : 6th
Copa America  : WN (1-A,1-B), 2nd (1-B), 3rd(4-A,5-B), 4th(4-A, 1-B), 5th(1-B), 6th(5-B)
World Cup Qualification : 3rd(1), SF(1), 5th(4), 6th(2)
FIFA World Cup : QF (2), R12 (1-A), R20 (1), R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 12th (June 1978)
All-Time Top Scorer: Guererro, Cubillas (26 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Teofilo Cubillas
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Marcos Calderon

Peru national team is one of the most recognizable South American team in the prime. It was first member to FIFA and CONMEBOL and played the first international match during the mid 1920s. It first participated in South American Championship in 1927. The 1930s is considered to be the first golden era of Peruvian football. In 1930, It was one of the founding members in FIFA World Cup first edition.  Peru was the only South American football representative in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the most outstanding point is the 1939 South American Champion. Peru sustain their level in the top flight of South America during the 1940s and 1950s before reached their prime as second golden era again in the 1970s to the early 1980s. Peru finished quarter-finalists twice in two World Cup appearances and won the first edition of Copa America in 1975. Peru played the last World Cup in 1982 before got decline. The 1987 Alianza Lima Air Disaster is still the symbol of the falling down of Peruvian football in the later era.

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20. Switzerland

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1895
Zone   :  Western Europe
Stadium :  St-Jakob-Partk  (38,500 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  15th
All-Time European Championship Table : 19th
European Championship : QF(1), R12 (3), R16 (4)
Olympic Games : 2nd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(4), R24(5)
FIFA World Cup : QF(3-A,1-B), R12(1), R16(6), R20(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 8th (June 1924)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Alexander Frei (42 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Severino Minelli
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Karl Rappan

“Schweizer Nati” The Switzerland national team is known as one of the smallest football nations in the Europe. They first played international match in 1905 after joining with FIFA in 1904. Switzerland entered to play their first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic Games and won silver medal immediately. This achievement is perhaps the best in their history as the Olympic Games was the best football tournament in the World at that time. Switzerland got successful period during the 1930s in FIFA World Cup after they participated for the first time in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and being host of World Cup in the same year and reached quarter-final round which is regarded as their best result ever in history of the tournament. They met the dark era during the 1970s and the 1980s, did not qualify for FIFA World Cup for six tournaments in row until 1994. They first qualified for European Championship final tournament in 1996.

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19. Chile

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1895
Zone  :  South America
Stadium :  Estadio Nacional (49,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 22th
FIFA Confederation Cup : 2nd (1)
All-Time Copa America Table : 4th
Copa America : WN (2-B), 2nd (2-A,2-B), 3rd (4-A,2-B), 
4th (9-A,2-B), 5th (2-B), 6th (2-B), QF (1)
World Cup Qualification : 2nd(1), 3rd(1), 4th(1), SF(3),
5th(2), 6th(2)
FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1), QF(1-A), R12(4), R16(2), R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 3rd (Oct 2015)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Marcelo Salas (37 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Elias Figueroa
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Fernando Riera

Chile national team is the fourth greatest South American team in term of all-time FIFA World Cup final tournament record of results. Its firs international match was held in 1910. Chile was first joined to FIFA in 1913, and was one of the founding members of CONMEBOL in 1916 in which they also played the first tournament of South American Championship. Chile was one of the founders in the FIFA World Cup first edition in 1930. Chile was introduced professionalism in 1933. The best Chilean result in the World Cup was third place in 1962, as the host nation. Regrettably, Chile withdrew to play in South American Championship in 1963 despite it was their golden period. In history of South American championship and Copa America, Chile has never won title and the closest occasion to win is the 1979 Copa America when they drew in the play-off final match but lost on goals aggregate. In overall history, Chile’s performance has been performed irregularly and it has been always opposite result between FIFA World Cup qualifying round and South American Championship in each period. This led them to have never met the dark era.
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18. Romania

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1909
Zone   :  Balkan Peninsula
Stadium :   Stadionul National  (55,200 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  28th
Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 24th
UEFA Euro : QF(4), R12(3), R16(2), R20(3), R24(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (8), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup : QF (1-A,1-B), R12 (2-A,3-B)
The Highest Elo Rating : 5th (June 1990)
All-Time Top Scorer : G. Hagi, A.Mutu (35 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Gheorghe Hagi 
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Angel Iordanescu

Romania national team is the considerably successful team from Eastern Europe even it is the only one in this zone to have never achieved concretely. Romania played the first international match in 1922 before admitted to FIFA in the next year. Romania had the successful era during the 1930s, won the first ever Balkan Cup in 1931, participated in all three World Cup tournaments and was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup. It was also one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. The dark era was happened during the 1950s and the 1960s, did not qualify for major tournament until 1970 and flopped disqualifying again through the 1970s until the first appearance in the 1984 European Championship. Romania’s golden age is the 1990s after they qualified for consecutive three World Cups and reached fifth place in the 1994 tournament as their best place ever. Romania reached their best result ever in history of European Championship in the 2000 quarter-finalist.

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17. Paraguay

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1906
Zone   :  South America
Stadium :  Estadio Defensores De Chaco (36,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  25th
All-Time Copa America Table :  5th
Copa America : WN (1-A,1-B), 2nd(5-A,1-B), 3rd(6-A,1-B),4th(1-B), 5th(5-A,1-B), 5th(4-B), 6th(2-B), QF (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : 2nd (2),3rd(1),4th(3),
SF(2), 5th(1),6th(3)  : Olympic Games : 2nd (1), QF (1)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R12(1-A,2-B), R16(3), R20(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 4th (Feb 1954)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Roque Santa Cruz (32 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :   Arsenio Erico
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Gerardo Martino 

Paraguay national team is one of the strongest and consistency teams in history of South American football. They played the first international match in 1921. It was first member to CONMEBOL in 1921 and FIFA in 1925. Paraguay participated in South American Championship for the first time in 1921 and was one of the founding members in the FIFA World Cup first ever tournament in 1930. It is one of the most outstanding periods of Paraguay between 1947 and 1953. In three tournament appearances, the team finished second place twice and won its first champion in 1953. Even Paraguay met the difficult time disqualifying for World Cup through the 1960s and the 1970s, they still perform well in Copa America and even won the second title in 1979. Since 1998, Paraguay has regularly qualified for World Cup for four consecutive tournaments. Paraguay has gotten a few football superstars in history and their top-class teamwork always compensates this.
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16. Mexico

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1927
Zone : North America,Stadium: Azteca(104,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  13th
All-Time Copa America Table :  8th
All-Time CONCACAF Gold Cup Table : 2nd
NAFC Championship Performance :  WN (3), RN (1)
CONCACAF Gold Cup : WN(11),2nd(3),3rd(4),4th(1),R6(2)
Copa America : RN (2-B), 3rd (3-B), QF (3-B)
Olympic : 4th (1), Confederation Cup: WN(1),3rd(1),SF(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : 1st(8),2nd(3),3rd(1),R6(2)
FIFA World Cup : QF(2), R12(4), R16 (1-A,8-B)
The Highest Elo Rating : 5th (July 2011)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Jared Borgetti (46 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Hugo Sanchez
The Greatest Manager Ever : Juan Agiurre


Mexico is by far the greatest national team in the North America continent, holds the record most winners in CONCACAF Gold Cup and is the first place in its all-time table, and has dominated the FIFA World Cup qualifying zone CONCACAF. The first international match was held in 1923, turned professional status in 1927 and first joined FIFA in 1929. Mexico was one of the first members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. Mexico was one of the founding members of CONCACAF in 1961 before first won its championship in 1965. As being a dominance side of the CONCACAF zone, Mexico missed to qualify for World Cup just three occasions since the post-war era, one of those was banned in 1990 due to using players over the age limit in Olympic Games. Mexico ever host FIFA World Cup twice and their closest occasion to reach semi-final as a victory was created in the 1986 tournament when they lost on penalty in quarter-final match. Since 1994, Mexico has qualified for every World Cup and finish second round in all five. Mexico also holds the record most consecutive champions in CONCACAF Gold Cup with three between 1993 and 1998. Mexico was very successful in Copa America after they has been regularly invited to play since 1993.

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15. Sweden

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1904
Zone  : Scandinavia, Stadium : Ullevi  (43,000Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  11th
Nordic Football Championship :  WN (9), RN (4)
All-Time European Championship Table :   12th
UEFA Euro : SF(1), QF(2), R12(1), R16(5), R20(2), R24(2) 
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 3rd (2), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  R8 (5), R16 (7), R24 (3)
FIFA World Cup : RN(1), 3rd(1-A,1-B), 4th(1-A),
QF(3), R12(1), R16(4), R24 (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 2nd (June 1950)
All-Time Top Scorer : Zlaton Ibrahimovic  (59 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Nils Liedholm
The Greatest Manager Ever :  George Raynor

The Swedish national team is the greatest Scandinavian team of all-time. They played first international match in 1908 after admitted to FIFA for four years. Sweden played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won fourth place. They participated in their first World Cup ever in the 1934 tournament. Sweden won its first Nordic championship in 1936 and finally holds the record most tournament winners at nine. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Sweden reached semi-final round in the last pre-war World Cup and the first post-war World Cup and also won their only Olympic Games gold medal in 1948. Sweden won runner-up as their best place ever in the 1958 FIFA World Cup as host. Sweden was introduced professionalism in 1967. It was the failure era of Sweden in the 1960s and the 1980s. The first half of the 1990s is their another prominent era after it entered to play in their first ever European Championship final tournament in 1992 as host and reached semi-final round as their best place ever before finished third place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
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14. Portugal

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1914
Zone  : Iberian Peninsula
Stadium :  Estadio Da Luz (65,647 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 15th
All-Time European Championship Table : 6th
UEFA Euro : RN(1), SF(3), QF(1-A,2-B), R16(5), R20(3)
Olympic Games :  4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (7), R24 (6)
FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1), 4th(1), QF(1), R12(1), R16(1) R20(2), R24(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 2nd (June 2006)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Cristiano Ronaldo (61 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Cristiano Ronaldo
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Luis Felipe Scolari

“The Navigators” Portugal national team is one of the most technical teams in the Europe. They played the first international match in 1921 and joined with FIFA in 1923. Portugal played its first international tournament in the 1928 Olympic Games. They first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification of the 1934 tournament. Portugal had to wait until their golden era coming visit to make the first appearance in FIFA World Cup of the 1966 tournament and immediately won third place as their best result ever. The 1970s and the 1980s was the dark era of Portugal until return to make first participation in European Championship of the 1984 tournament and could reach semi-final round, also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The 2000s is their second greatest era, qualified for all three European Championships and World Cups, finished runner-up as their best ever place in the 2004 European Championship as host and finished fourth place in the 2006 tournament.
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13. Belgium

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1895
Zone  : Western Europe
Stadium :  King Badouin  (50,122 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  10th
All-Time European Championship Table :  12th
European Championship : 2nd(1), 3rd(1), R6(1),QF(3), R12(1), R16(2), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification  : R8 (5), R16 (8)
FIFA World Cup : 4th(1),QF(1),R12(1-A,5-B),
R16(2-A,1-B),R20(1), R24 (1) Olympic Games : 1st (1), 4th (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (2019)
All-Time Top Scorer :B.Voorhoof, P.VanHimst (30 Goals) 
The Greatest Player Ever :  Jan Ceulemans
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Guy Thys

“Red Devils of the Europe” Belgium national team is the oldest national team in West Europe. Its official first international match was held in 1904 and was admitted to FIFA in the same year. Belgium played its first official international tournament in the 1920 Olympic Games and won Gold medal in which is regarded the World Champion at that time. Belgium is one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 and played every World Cup during the 1930s. It was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. They met the dark period between the middle 1950s and through the 1960s, disqualified for every major tournament. Belgium’s golden age came visit in the 1980s when they achieved runner-up in the 1980 European Championship and fourth place in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, both results are their best place ever in history of the tournament. Belgium qualified for World Cup for six consecutive tournaments between 1982 and 2002. Belgium was ranked as the first place in FIFA Ranking in November 2015 as the only time in its history. 

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12. Netherlands

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1889
Zone   :  Western Europe
Stadium :   Amsterdam Arena  (52,960 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 5th
All-Time European Championship Table :  3rd
European Championship : WN(1),3rd(1),SF(3),R6(1)
QF(2),R12(1),R16(4)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(8), R16(2), R24(5)
FIFA World Cup : RN(3),3rd(1)4th(1),QF(1),
R12(1A,1B),R16(3), Olympic Games : 3rd (3), 4th (1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (4 Years 5 Months)
All-Time Top Scorer : Robin Van Persie  (50 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Johan Cruyff
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Rinus Michels

“The Knight Oranje” Netherlands national team is a notable offensive force in the Europe, tied with Germany as the most runner-up in FIFA World Cup with 3. Holland was admitted to FIFA in 1904 and played its first international match in 1905. Holland played its first ever international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won third place for three consecutive tournaments between 1908 and 1920. They first participated in World Cup of the 1934 tournament. Holland was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Netherlands was introduced professionalism in 1954. Its football didn’t reach European standard during the 1950s and the 1960s and didn’t qualify for any major tournament in that period until entered to play the 1974 FIFA World Cup in which they perform the famous “Total Football” style of play ever. Holland finished runner-up of FIFA World Cup in row by 1978. They won third place in their first ever European Championship appearance in the 1976 tournament. In 1988, Netherlands acquired the only major title in their history after won the 1988 European Championship. Since then, Holland has finished at least quarter-final round in every European Championship and won vice-champion in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 
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11. Czechoslovakia

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1901
Zone  : Central Europe
Stadium :  Tehelne Pole (30,085 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 20th
Central Europe International Cup: 1st(1),2nd(1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 8th
UEFA Euro:1st(1),2nd(1),3rd(1A,1B),QF(2),R12(4),R16(3)
Olympic Games: 1st(1),2nd(1), Confederation Cup: 3rd(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (4), R16 (4), R24 (5)
World Cup : 2nd(1A,1B),QF(1A,1B),R12(1),R16(3),R20(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st 
All-Time Top Scorer :  Jan Koller (55 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Josef Masopust
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Rudolf Vytlačil

 “The Bohemian-Moravian”  Czechoslovakia the greatest Eastern European team of all-time, Is one of the only six teams to ever reach  final match in both European Championship and FIFA World Cup. They affiliated to FIFA in 1907 but it was more than a decade to play in the officially first international match in 1920. It was their first international tournament as the participation in the 1920 Olympic Games and won Bronze medal. 1927. Czechoslovakia played their first ever World Cup in 1934 and could finish runner-up immediately. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Czechoslovakia won the last Central European international cup in 1960 and won third place in the first ever European Championship in the same year. The 1962 FIFA World Cup runner-up and the 1976 European Championship Champion are regarded as their greatest achievements ever. They played the last competition in the 1992 European Championship qualifying round before the partition of nation. Czech Republic played its first tournament in the 1996 European Championship and could win vice-champion. Czech republic and Slovakia played in their only World Cup in the 2006 and the 2010 tournament, respectively.
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10. Soviet Union 

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1912
Zone: Eastern Europe,Stadium: Luzhniki(89,318Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 12th
All-Time European Championship Table : 9th
European Championship : WN(1-A), RN(3), 4th(1), 
QF(3), R12(2), R6(2), R20(1)
Olympic Games :  1st (2), 3rd (3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (10), R16 (5)
FIFA World Cup : 4th(1), QF(6), R12(1), R20(2), R24(2)
All-Time Top Scorer : Andriy Shevchenko (48 Goals)                
The Greatest Player Ever :  Lev Yashin
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Valery Lobanovski

“Red Army” The Soviet Union National Football Team was one of the strongest sides of the Europe during the 1960s. The All-Russian Football Union was affiliated to FIFA in 1912 before changed to Soviet Union later and Its first international match was held in 1924. Soviet Union was first admitted to FIFA in 1946 and was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. Soviet Union entered to play in World Cup for the first time in the 1958 tournament as the same period as their beginning of golden era. Between 1958 and 1972, Soviet finished quarter-finalist for three times in World Cup and reached fourth place as their best place ever in the World Cup of the 1966 tournament and they also won the first ever European Championship in their home in 1960 and finished runner-up twice in that period. After the failure in the middle to second half 1970s, they returned to show top-class performance again in the 1980s. Soviet Union played the last tournament in the 1992 European Championship before the big separation of nation. Since then, Russia was first appeared in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Ukraine first participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and reached quarter-final round as the best place in World Cup among former-Soviet nations. 

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9. Uruguay

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1900
Zone  : South America
Stadium :  Estadio Centenario  (66,106  Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  9th
All-Time Copa America Table : 3rd
All-Time Copa America Performance: Winners(11-A,4-B),2nd(4-A,2-B),3rd (7-A,4-B),4th(3-A),5th(2-B),6th (2-B), QF (2)
Olympic Games: WN(2), FIFA Confederation Cup : 4th(1)
World Cup Qualification : FN(1),2nd(1),3rd(1),SF(4),5th(6)
FIFA World Cup : WN(2-A), 4th(3), QF(1), R16(5), R28(1)
The Highest Elo Rating :  1st 
All-Time Top Scorer : Luis Alberto Suarez (45 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Juan Schiaffino
The Greatest Manager Ever : Oscar Washington Tabarez

Uruguay is one of the greatest national team of the World in the earliest era of its history, holds the record ties with Argentina as the most winners in Copa America. They tie with Argentina as the oldest team in the South America when its official first international mtch was held in 1902.  It was one of the founding members in CONMEBOL and South American Championship in 1916. It was first affiliated to FIFA in 1923. Uruguay victory won the first ever South American Champion ship in 1916 and FIFA World Cup in 1930. They absolutely dominate South American football during the second half 1910s, won three champions and one vice-champion. Uruguay was known as the greatest national team in the World in the 1920s after they won two gold medals in Olympic Games during the decade. Uruguay was introduced professionalism in 1932. After won the second FIFA World Cup champion in 1950, Uruguay has gradually declined in the second half of 20th Century. They didn’t qualify for World Cup for six occasions after then but still won fourth place in final tournaments for three times, include Copa America champions six times. Between 1983 and 1989, Uruguay met their most successful period in Copa America era, reached its final match for three consecutive times and won once.
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8. Yugoslavia

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1919
Zone  :  Balkan Peninsula
Stadium :  Crvena Zvezda Belgrade   (55,383 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 14th
Balkan Cup :  WN (1), RN (7)
All-Time European Championship Table : 10th
UEFA Euro : RN (1-A,1-B), 4th(1), QF(4), R12(4), R16(2)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (3), 3rd (1), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  R8 (5), R16 (7), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup : 2nd (1), 3rd(1-A,2-B),4th(1),QF(5),R16(1),R24(4)
The Highest Elo Rating : 3rd (Jan 1999)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Davor Suker (45 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Dragan Dzajic
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Ivica Osim

“White Eagles” Yugoslavia national team is regarded as the most beautiful style of play in the Europe as its players have been a naturally technical gift. The national team was founded the Kingdom of Serbs in the first international match in 1920. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1923, played its first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic games and it was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. The greatest era of Yugoslavia was happened in the 1950s to the early 1960s when its superstars formed the team until reaching semi-final round as their best ever place in the FIFA World Cup of the 1962 tournament and additionally finished runner-up in the first ever European Championship in 1960. Even they disqualified for the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cup, it is surprising that the team could finish second place again in the 1968 European Championship. Yugoslavia met another prominent time in the late 1980s and played the last tournament in the 1990 FIFA World Cup before the partition of nation and was suspended in the 1992 European Championship and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro made their first appearance for the international tournament in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Croatia could win third place. 

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7. England

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1863
Zone : British Isles, Stadium : Wembley (90,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 6th
British Home Championship  :  WN (54)
All-Time European Championship Table :  7th
European Championship : 2nd (1), 3rd(1), SF(1), R6(1), QF(5),
R12(4), R16(1), R20(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (9), R16 (5)
FIFA World Cup : WN(1),4th(2),QF(1A,8B),
R12(2) R16(1), R28(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st
All-Time Top Scorer :  Wayne Rooney (53 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Bobby Charlton
The Greatest Manager Ever :   Alf Ramsey

“Three Lions” England has long been considered as one of the most prestigious team of all-time, is the greatest British team of all-time. It was one of the greatest team in the World in the first half of the 20th Century. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland that played together in the world's first international football match in 1872. It was affiliated to FIFA in 1905. England played in international tournament just only for British home championship.  England didn’t participate in pre-war World Cups due to disagreement with FIFA despite they were the top team in the World at that time. They played their first ever World Cup in 1950 and It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. England’s golden era was the 1960s, won their only World Cup champion in 1966 as host and first qualified for European Championship of the 1968 tournament and won third place. The 1970s became their dark era as they didn’t qualify for World Cup twice from total three. The 1990 FIFA World Cup fourth place and the 1996 European Championship semi-finalist are their greatest achievement after its golden age. They hold the record most winners in British home championship.

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6. France

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1919
Zone : Western Europe
Stadium : Stade De France (81,338 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 5th
All-Time European Championship Table : 4th
UEFA Euro : WN(2),RN(1), SF(1), R6(1), QF(4),R12(2), 
R16(2), R20(1), FIFA Confederation Cup : 1st (2)
Olympic Games : 1st(1), 2nd(1), 4th(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(5), R16(6), R24(2)
FIFA World Cup : 1st(2), 2nd(2), 3rd(2), 4th(1), QF(2A,1B), R12(1A,2B), R16(1), R28(1), R32(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st
All-Time Top Scorer : Thierry Henry  (51 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Michel Platini
The Greatest Manager Ever : Michel Hidalgo

France is the greatest team in the World during the late 2000s. They first international match was held in 1904 and was first member of FIFA in 1907.France played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games. It was one of the founding members of the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 and being a participant in all three pre-war World Cups. France was introduced professionalism in 1932. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. The 1958 FIFA World Cup third place is the symbol of their first ever successful. France was one of the founding members in the first ever European Championship in 1960. France is honorably record as the participant in the first match ever in both FIFA World Cup and European Championship Final Tournament. The 1970s is their darkest era, didn’t qualify for any major tournament. The 1980s is regarded as their first golden age, France reached semi-final in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup and won their first European Championship in 1984 in the era of Platini. After disqualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the last minute, France returned as the strongest team in the Europe, won the record 30 unbeaten games. France won their only World Cup in 1998 as host and won its second European Championship in 2000. They also won the record consecutive 14 game wins between 2003 and 2004. They ever disqualified for World Cup for five times totally.

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5. Spain

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1909
Zone :  Iberian Peninsula
Stadium : Santiago Bernabeu  (80,354 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 7th
All-Time European Championship Table : 3rd
UEFA Euro: WN(3), RN(1), SF(1), R6(1), QF(5), R12 (3)
FIFA Confederation Cup : 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(9), R16(5), R24(1)  
FIFA World Cup : WN(1),4th(1A),QF(1A,3B),
R12(6), R16 (2), R20(1),R24(1), Olympic Games : 1st(1), 2nd(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (8 Years 3 months)
All-Time Top Scorer :  David Villa (56 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Luis Suarez Miramontes
The Greatest Manager Ever :   Vicente Del Bosque

“The Red Fury” Spain is proud as the only team in history to win three major international tournament in row, won twice Euro and a World Cup between 2008 - 2012. It is one of four nations to ever won both FIFA World Cup and European Championship. They holds the World record most games unbeaten with 35 between 2007 and 2009 and also the record most consecutive game wins with 15 between 2008 and 2009, tied with Germany as the most appearance in European Championship final with three.  Spain was first admitted to FIFA in 1914 and played its first ever international match in the 1920 Olympic Games and immediately won Silver medal, is the only concrete achievement of them in the pre-war era. It was introduced professionalism in 1926. They played in their first ever World Cup in 1934. Spain was successful in the 1950 FIFA World Cup as finishing third place. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Spain won the 1964 European championship as their first ever appearance. Since 1978, Spain has qualified for World Cup every nine tournaments in row. They finished runner-up in the 1984 European Championship. The golden era came visit during the late 2000s after they won the 2008 European Championship and their only FIFA World Cup of the 2010 tournament. Spain ever disqualified for World Cup for four times during the 1950s and the 1970s.
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4. Argentina

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1893
Zone : South America
Stadium :EL Monumental  (57,921 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 3rd
All-Time Copa America Table :  1st
Copa America : WN(12-A,3-B), RN(10-A,4-B), 
3rd(3-A,1-B), 4th (1-A,2-B), 5th (3-B), 6th (13-B)
Olympic Games : WN(2),RN(2),QF(1)
WC Qualifying : 1st(3),FN(5),2nd(2),4th(1),SF(1),5th(1)
World Cup : WN(3), 2nd(1A,2B), QF(4), R12(1A,3B), 
R16(2), R20(1), Confederation Cup : WN(1), RN(2)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st
All-Time Top Score : Lionel Messi (55 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Diego Maradona
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Carlos Bilardo

Argentina national team is the greatest team in history of Copa America, holds the record most winners and is the first place in its all-time table. It is the oldest national team in South America alongside Uruguay whom Argentin aplayed its first international match together in 1902, affiliate to FIFA in 1912 and is one of the founding members of CONMEBOL in 1916. They first played in international tournament in the 1928 Olympic Games and won Silver Medal. Argentina reached final match in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. Argentina was introduced professionalism in 1931. Regrettably, the War-time disappeared two World Cups in the 1940s and they also withdrew to enter in 1938, 1950 and 1954. That period is considered as the golden age of Argentinean football. The golden generation was created from the main base of the La Maquina, holds the record most consecutive South American champions with three between 1945 and 1947. Argentina every disqualified for World Cup just once time for the 1970 tournament. However, they finally won its first FIFA World Cup champion in 1978 as host. In the second half 1980s, Argentina was the best national team in the World, much influenced by the phenomenon performance of Diego Maradona who led the team won the second title in 1986. They built the record 31 consecutive unbeaten games during the early 1990s. Despite they always have the potential to be Champion of World Cup in the next era, it has never been fulfilled due to disappearance of top-class manager.
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3. Italy

Football Association Year of Establishment :   1898
Zone : Southern Europe
Stadium : Stadio Olimpico  (72,698 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  4th
Central European International Cup : WN(2), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 2nd
European Championship :   WN (2), RN (2), SF (1), 4th (1), QF (3), R12 (3), R16 (1), R20 (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(9), R16(4), R24(2)
World Cup :1st(2A,2B),2nd(2),3rd(1),4th(1),QF(1A,1B), R12(5),R16(1),R24(1),R28(1), Olympic:1st(1),3rd(2),4th(3)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st (10 Years 11 Months)
All-Time Top Scorer :  Luigi Riva (35 Goals)                      The Greatest Player Ever : Giuseppe Meazza
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Vittorio Pozzo

”Azzuri” Italy is the most FIFA World Cup winners among European teams, is officially the greatest team of the World in the 1930s, has been well-known as its naturally defensive style of play. They affiliated to FIFA in 1905 and played its first international match in 1910. The 1912 Olympic Games was its first international tournament. Italy was introduced professionalism in 1923. Italy won the first ever Central European intercontinental cup in 1930 and won the second title in 1935 following up by winning the 1936 Olympic Games Gold medal. Azzuri won its first FIFA World Cup in 1934 as their first appearance and became the first team to win two consecutive World Cups after won the 1938 tournament. Italy was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and they disqualified for the 1958 World Cup as the only time in their history. The late 1960s is one of their remarkable eras when it won the 1968 European Championship as their first ever participation and reached the 1970 FIFA World Cup final. Italy won its first post-war World Cup in 1982. They was very close to win again in 1994 but lost in penalty before finish vice-champion in the 2000 European Championship. Italy won their fourth World Cup champion in 2006 greatly.
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2. Germany

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1904
Zone   :  Central Europe
Stadium :   Alianza Arena (69,901 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table :  2nd
All-Time European Championship Table :  1st
UEFA Euro: WN(3), 2nd(3), SF(2), R6(1), R12(3), R16(1)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (1), 3rd (3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(10), R16(2)
FIFA World Cup : WN (4), 2nd(4), 3rd(1-A,3-B), 4th(1), QF(4), R12(1-A),R24 (1), R32(1) 
FIFA Confederation Cup : 1st (1), 3rd(1)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st
All-Time Top Scorer : Miroslav Klose (71 Goals)                    
The Greatest Player Ever :   Franz Beckenbuer
The Greatest Manager Ever  :  Helmut Schon

“Iron Eagle” Germany is the greatest European team of all-time, holds the record most winners in European Championship, place the number one in the European Championship final tournament all-time table and is the only European team to have never disqualified for World Cup as it did not enter in 1930 and was banned in 1950. Germany also holds the record highest ELO Rating of all-time achieved in July 2014. Germany is also the most appearance in FIFA World Cup final among European teams with 7. They played the first international match in 1908. They played their first ever World Cup in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 as West Germany and won their first ever World Cup champion in the same year. West Germany played their first ever European Championship in 1972 and finish runner-up before won the 1974 FIFA World Cup as host. Germany ties with Brazil holds the record most consecutive appearance in FIFA World Cup final with 3, was created between 1982 and 1990. East Germany ever qualified for World Cup just once time in 1974. After the re-unification of Germany, they acquired only champion in the 1996 European Championship, finished runner-up in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Germany’s lowest place ever in World Cup is tenth in the 1938 tournament. It holds the World record most consecutive international games win exclude friendly matches with 15 achieved in the 2010 to 2012. 
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1. Brazil

Football Association Year of Establishment :  1914
Zone: South America, Stadium: Maracana(82,283 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 1st
All-Time Copa America Table : 2nd
Copa America : WN (3-A,6-B), 2nd (8-A,3-A), 3rd (4-A,3-B), 4th (3-A,1-B), 5th (2-B)
Olympic Games : 2nd (2), 3rd (2)
FIFA Confederation Cup : WN (3), RN (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification :  1st (3), FN(6), 3rd(1)
FIFA World Cup : WN (5), 2nd(2), 3rd(1A,1B), 4th(2),
QF(7), R12(1), R16(1A,1B)
The Highest Elo Rating : 1st
All-Time Top Scorer :  Pele (77 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :   Pele
The Greatest Manager Ever :  Mario Zagallo

“The Selecao” Brazil national team is the greatest South American team of all-time, holds the record most winners in FIFA World Cup with five and is the first place in its all-time table. The first international match of Brazil was held in 1914. Brazil was one of the founding members in CONMEBOL in 1916 and the affiliation to FIFA was created in 1923. It was one of the first participants in the first ever FIFA World Cup 1930. Brazil was introduced professionalism in 1933. Until the present, Brazil is the only team to make every appearance in history of FIFA World Cup final tournament and holds the record most consecutive appearance in World Cup final match with 3 between 1994 and 2002. Brazil’s greatest era was the 1960s when Pele and many top legends appeared to lead Brazil as a dominance side of the World. In history of South American Championship, Brazil is not closed as a number one, won only two trophies and did not enter for ten tournaments. However, Brazil is the best in Copa America era, reached seven final matches in nine tournaments between 1989 and 2007 and won five champions, it was three consecutive between 1995 and 1999. Brazil holds the World record most consecutive undefeated games in all competition with 35 between 1993 and 1996 and with 13 in World Cup between 1958 and 1966, holds the record most consecutive game wins in World Cup with 11 between 2002 and 2006 the South American record most consecutive game wins with 14 in 1997.
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Honourable Mention

51. Ivory Coast (Africa)
52. Honduras (Central America)
53. Finland (Europe)


Statistics By Continent

Europe  : 26
South America : 9
Africa : 7
Asia & Oceania : 5
Concacaf : 3
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The Greatest World National Teams of Eras

First Half 1920s : Uruguay
Second Half 1920s :  Uruguay
Early 1930s : Austria
Mid 1930s :  Italy
Late 1930s : Italy
Early 1940s : Argentina
Mid 1940s : Argentina
Late 1940s  : Italy
Early 1950s : Hungary
Mid 1950s  : Germany
Late 1950s : Brazil
Early 1960s : Brazil
Mid 1960s : England
Late 1960s : Brazil
Early 1970s : Germany
Mid 1970s : Germany
Late 1970s : Argentina
Early 1980s :  Italy
Mid 1980s :  Argentina
Late 1980s : Germany
Early 1990s : Germany
Mid 1990s : Brazil
Late 1990s : France
Early 2000s : Brazil
Mid 2000s : Italy
Late 2000s : Spain
Early 2010s : Spain
Mid 2010s : Germany 
Late 2010s : France 

47 comments:

  1. It's very difficult to make a national ranking, but i think Brazil need to be ahead Germany.
    And there are some nations that's the best player ever is wrong, for me.
    France best player ever: Zidane
    Spain: Di Stéfano
    Itally: Meazza
    Scotland: Dalglish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The case off Brazil VS Germany is the only pair I have implemented methodologically based on standard of competition. The result shows Germany has significantly superior to Brazil.

      WC Standard BRA-P BRA-R GER-P GER-R BRA SRT GER SRT
      1934 3.5 3 1.75 0 18.375
      1938 3 3 1.75 15.75 0
      1950 2.5 4 3 30 0
      1954 3.5 3.5 1.1 4 5 13.475 70
      1958 4.5 5 5 3.5 1.5 112.5 23.625
      1962 3.5 4.5 5 78.75 0
      1966 3.5 3 0.7 4 3 7.35 42
      1970 4.5 5 5 4 1.75 112.5 31.5
      1974 4.5 3.5 1.5 4.5 5 23.625 101.25
      1978 4 4 1.75 3.5 1.1 28 15.4
      1982 4.5 4 1.1 4 3 19.8 54
      1986 4 3.5 1.1 4 3 15.4 48
      1990 5 3.5 0.7 4.5 5 12.25 112.5
      1994 4 4 4.5 3.5 1.1 72 15.4
      1998 3.5 4 3 3 1.1 42 11.55
      2002 2.5 4 5 3.5 3 50 26.25
      2006 3.5 3.5 1.1 3.5 1.75 13.475 21.4375
      2010 3 3 1.1 3.5 1.75 9.9 18.375
      2014 3 3 1.5 4 5 13.5 60
      Total 670.28 669.66
      Average 35.28 41.85

      Di Stefano is the best player who ever played for Spain but he never participated in major tournament. I have also not counted this case of converted nation. Anyway, I did not update and Meazza is actually the best for Italy, and Dalglish for Scotland. I'll update them.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7/11/2017

      Just compare: https://www.11v11.com/teams/germany/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Brazil/

      5 to 12, anyway 4<5 WC. Your general list just fail with this basic compare

      Delete
  2. Anonymous10/17/2015

    You have some problems with all time top scorer section bro. Have you updated it already?

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    Replies
    1. I already update in very many points but some of small nations is still cannot found are Congo Republic, Libya and Gabon.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10/18/2015

      OK, that's fine enough. I'm so proud of you with your work. Can't wait for the others new categories is to be updated, especially 9x10 ranking list.

      Delete
  3. Chile won the copa América now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh OK I'll update (Actually its 2015 Copa America has been applied to the rating)

      Delete
  4. Anonymous10/20/2015

    Disaster. Beginner scoring. There is no logic there. This is your worst choice ever. Literaly processed material. Can I go first with Switzerland? Masters qualification, which is by far the best player was S ... ....... So the Swiss for the EC in 2016 were behind England and ahead of Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, San Marino. For WC 2014 landslide have been the winners of their group in a terrible competition: Iceland, Norway Slovenia, Albania and Cyprus. EC for 2012, Montenegro was too strong. For WC 2010 again narrowly svovoj first in the group, ahead of Greece, Latvia, Israel, Luxembourg and Moldova. Bravo Switzerland !!!! For the EC in 2008 were the hosts. For that, for WC 2006 left behind Israel (on goal difference), Ireland (1 point), and were convincingly better than Cyprus and Faro Icelands. For the EC in 2004 were ahead of Russia (worst in each other's matches), Ireland, Albania and Georgia. For 2002, were terrible. Russia, Serbia and Slovenia were better, Switzerland of its 14 points, scored 12 against Luxemburg and Faro Icelands. For EC 2000 Italy and Denmark were better, and Belarus Wales left behind. For WC 1998 of them were better Norway, Hungary and Finland. Switzerland was better than Azerbaijan. For 1996 were the first outside Turkey (not yet represented nothing serious), Sweden (major disappointment) and Hungary and Iceland. For 1994 they played well and were a pleasant surprise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know what are you trying to say ? All of your sentence refer to the minority of part of competition in history and I'm not even show the rating by tournament here.

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  5. Anonymous10/20/2015

    Before that, the championships were the last time in 1966. There is the "greatest" success of Swiss football. Three quarter-!!!! The first two are from 1934 and 1938, from the time when the Olympics were much stronger competition. Third were the hosts. At the European Championships are played 3 times and never passed the group. The largest Swiss success is actually a silver medal with the Olympics 1,924 years. Look at the little qualification for the first World Championships. Read about the role of judges in these first championships. On the other hand, we have Denmark with three silver Olympics, a bronze, semi-finals Euro 1964, and in modern football has a quarter-WC, 3rd place in the Euro 1984 and of course the gold in 1992 and winning the cup confederations in 1995. And do not write that Swiss quarter-final at the toilet more important than the Olympics or the listed Danish modern success, because I have to lose again an hour or two to write arguments are self-evident to anyone who knows the conditions, ways and circumstances in which the situation got worse. many greetings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not include international competition before 1920s covers the Olympic since it was participated by not only amateur teams but also the lower level team when Great Britain send its amateur team to compete and Denmark lost. Even I includes Denmark is still led by Switzerland. Additionally, football league in many European and South American nations had not been established yet and most of them was a fully amateur status so the competitions, are considered too much below standard of overall history. Not likes South American Championship in the 1910s, they’re amateur but they send the best squad to competition.
      FIFA Confederation is also not included in the main system. Otherwise, top nations in the post-1990 would have get advantage too much. The confederation cup is used as a judged parameter when total score is in the same level only.

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  6. Anonymous10/20/2015

    Switzerland?????? Best football player in Switzerland is Pirmin Zurbriggen!!!!!

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  7. Anonymous10/21/2015

    I do not need to repeat, i have a lot of respect for this your idea. But this choice is really funny. Place the Polish national team, especially Romania and Switzerland ahead of Denmark, Scotland and Austria to me is ridiculous. If we ignore the England amateurs to 1920, Danes have had this result: Sweden-9 1 2 (35-14), Norway 8 0 2 (51-8), Germany 2 0 0 (7-2), France 2 0 0 (26 -1), Netherlands 2 2 0 0 (8-3). It can not be ignored. The Swiss are the quarter-finals WC 1934 come through three matches: Qualifications are passed without any real victory (2-2 Yugoslavia, Romania, the Swiss won the green table) and the championship Holland 3-2. In the quarter-finals in 1938, they beat Portugal 2-1 in qualifying. The championship was played one game. Against Germany 1-1, and in the replay 4-2. And there they are in the quarterfinals. In 1954 they hosted. Qualifying did not play. The championship got one game and there they are again in the quarterfinals. On these three world championships and qualifying for the championship, the Swiss had a total of 4 wins. With four victories and had the 3 quarter-finals. Conclusion: I am sure that more true Danish semifinals from 1984., than complete Swiss football history. Not to mention all of them .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are some adjustment in historical model in this evaluation to prevent injustice advantage/disadvantage due to competition format. In example, the former Euro final tournaments were competed by only 4 teams. So, it has been expanded to 16-team equally between historical tournaments. For only upper level of performance, Denmark is likely to the best among nations you've mentioned but not mean it represent the entire history.Also, the coefficient of World Cup is basically higher than Euro. That's why Poland could reduce the gap to Denmark's superiority on Euro.

      For a host nation and holder, they basically did not play qualifying match but I'm sure Brazil will be ranked below Italy if there is no point applied to them. I prevent this non-sense disadvantage by giving score for a host and holder based on their performance in the final tournam

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  8. Anonymous10/21/2015

    Your way of scoring is obviously wrong. There is no logic to Switzerland is ranked better than Denmark, Austria and Scotland. As it does not make sense that Romania and Poland ahead of Denmark. And my friend, that I still wonder, when you dismember the former communist alliances? I think that based on the players who played in their time can make some kind of scoring. How much of the past goes Croatia, and how much goes to Serbia? How much goes to Russia, Ukraine and Georgia? Cheska and Slovakia also ? You say Switzerland? So they did not have to Blatter and not imported players from Kosovo and Albania would be in the range of Luxembourg !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is always an incomplete solvable problem for ranking the former union and independent nations. As I specified, it include performance of former union body combined with the best performance of independent nations of former union group. In example, Croatia is the 1996 Euro is the best among independent nations, is included in Yugoslavia score.

      I also provide another model Yugoslavia-Serbia, Yugoslavia-Croatia, etc but not applied to the main top 50 rank because the set of Yugoslavia is repetitive. I'd not prefer to separate Former union and independent nation in the ranking system since the period time of participation is too different from the usual system and not make any meaningful comparison to the others.

      Regarding the lower level of performance, Denmark was lowest among these nations. It won only 1 point in the 1976 Euro qualifying zone and when count goal difference, it was better only Luxembourg and Cyprus and even below Malta. They also finished the lowest place in the 1980 qualifying. You can check the other three nations never fall to such the lowest point in Euro or World Cup qualifying.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous10/22/2015

    Now I laughed. You can thus observe things. Malta has collected two points for Greece was granted in 1976. Danes have won one point in the group with Spain, Romania and Scotland. Do you think that the Swiss played better qualifications for WC 1990? They won just one point in the group with Portugal, Cheskoslovakia and Belgium. Just then there was then Luxemburg, and with two wins against Luxembourg things look better. We are a team of friends from the Balkans. We're a little older than you. We play football and drink beer and talk about regular updates to your site. And we all agree that the Danish football incomparably stronger than the Swiss. You have to make more sophisticated classification of national teams, because it makes no sense to you. Look at how the Danes dropped from the World Cup in 1990 (by today's rules to pass), see 1994 as they were knocked out and the ruled in the final match! However, looking through the analysis, or the like around there's no way that Switzerland is better than Denmark. The rating system must be complex. What were the champions in 1992 is no coincidence. Reward them for what they played in the eighties, when they expected them trophies. Greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Importantly, Now I see the main part which let Switzerland rank higher. Denmark did not participate in World Cup qualifying 5 times during 1930s and 1950s when Switzerland never missed. Based on performance within its participation amount, Denmark is better as I check but the qualification round is a compulsory part of rating and I cannot give expansion coefficient to Denmark since most of European nations attended the qualifying in that period. Not like case of Asia and Africa, too few nations participated in the same period.
      Greece could draw West Germany in the away match in the 1976 qualifying match. It is surely not inferior to Scotland or Romania. I see Switzerland would obtain only 1 point equal to Denmark if Luxembourg is taken away from the group, still get better 3 goals difference. The margin of goal difference would be applied to the biggest lost within the competition. Denmark lost Romania 6-1 and Switzerland lost Czechoslovakia 3-0. If compare the level of team, is ahead of Denmark and Switzerland in related group, it is no significant difference.

      Anyway, It is very nice to know your lifestyle of football group. I always open for discussion.

      Delete
  10. 5 World Cup
    4 Confederations Cup
    8 Copas America
    Brazil is more than Germany
    5> 4 World Cups

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The list is not competed by only number of trophies. Standard of the tournament, the frequency of competition, performance in each tournament and the other finished rounds are also combined. For more detail is briefly existed in NT evaluation result on WGHC page and entirely existed in historical rating methodology.

      Delete
  11. Only Brazil National Team to compete in 20 World Cups
    This number is the sulficiente
    A nation celebrates Trophies goals or numbers?
    In Germany they did not like to stay with the best attack in the World Cup 2010 and even then did not take the title
    Brazil won five World Cups celebrated one more and that's sulficiente for worldwide less YOU consider Brazil the best selection of all time
    individually Ronaldo was better than Beckenbauer or any other German players and that makes us be proud to have a cheerful and not a defensive Football Football
    Your list says Beckenbauer was better than Ronaldo and even then the rest of the world does not consider this as Ronaldo played a football that was a pleasure to see play

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You take only advantages of Brazil and those advantages are just some example of cases. So, it could be applied to the entire historical rating. As I already make scorecard which shows rating in every tournaments, it would be better to issue the point of disagreement by item.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous12/13/2015

    Can you elaborate historical nation lineups?

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    Replies
    1. Historical line up of national team is now available in International Legendary Museum at xtralegend.blogspot.com

      Delete
  13. Anonymous6/24/2016

    I think you should revise the following bit: "“The Selecao” Brazil national team is the greatest World team of all-time", since Brazil is the 2nd place.

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  14. Anonymous7/27/2016

    You should update the greatest players ever for every nation so it fits your newest results. For example Italy's best player should be Rivera or Meazza (as in ILM).

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous7/28/2016

    And Suarez is the greatest Uruguay player now.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous7/28/2016

      No he is not, sorry, my mistake.

      Delete
  16. Should Rifaat El Fanagili be Egypt's greatest ever player? You have both Salah and El Khatib higher on the International Legendary Museum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I really did not update players for nation ranking.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous4/20/2020

    Great list, very detailed and complete. However, I disagree with the greatest nations per era. I would suggest swaping Germany with The Netherlands for the early 1970'. Dutch Teams won the Europa Cup 1 for 4 consecutive years from 1970-1973 and they dominated the 1974 World Cup. You could also make a point for France during the mid 1980' as they won EURO 1984.

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  18. I certainly don't mind too much. However, the information regarding the Yugoslav national team is your fault. So, in this area, football started playing in Croatia. The Football Association was founded in Zagreb and was only forcibly transferred to Belgrade in 1930, which of course caused a boycott of Croatian footballers and coach Ante Pandakovic. The first game played by the Yugoslav national team was played by 10 Croats and 1 Serb. The White Eagles were not synonymous for Yugoslavia, only for Serbia. I think it's time you finally separated us too. Croatia and Serbia had quite enough quality players to be able to stand on their own. The others can be modeled on the principle you have performed with Norway, Finland and Iceland.

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  19. Very bad ranking

    You think football is numbers and data, but clearly have no notion about the essence of the sport

    Your rank is based in results, and not what each nation truly meant during different eras of football

    Early Brasil 80s is the best team to ever play but they haven't won anything and you place italy better just because they won a match they played way worse

    1 brazil
    2 germany
    3 italy
    4 Argentina
    5 france
    6 netherlands
    7 uruguay
    8 england
    9 spain
    10 sweden

    Go watch some soccer instead of gathering data, placing netherlands after spain/england is ridiculous

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, to rank the historical performance based on % Ball Possession is illogical and not represent the word "Performance". The football teams with attractive styles will undoubtedly be followed by more fans but history not recognize their achievement. The winner is the game is undeniably a main purpose of football.

      I disagree Brazil 1980s is the best team when Toninho made a rare mistake and you can;t say they are the best team just because they had specially beautiful style.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous7/04/2021

    I agree with the top 6... but England placed better than Uruguay??? you have to be absolutely kidding me. Uruguay got so many trophies, silver and bronze medals as well. England??? They got 3 olympic gold medals from when the sport was still fairly new. 1 gold at the world cup and 1 bronze in the european championship. This has to be a joke, right??????? England is the biggest disappointment historically in national team football. Also, no one cares about the nations league, it's a glorified friendly tournament.

    Also Belgium above Hungary???? Hungary have way more medals and success than Belgium ever had. They will overtake them, sure, but as of right now, there can be no way Belgium is placed better than Hungary.

    I know that you are a football genius and know a lot about the game and such, but the england and uruguay part has to be a mistake surely??? Honestly if you think about it, England might be the worst performing 'big' football nation in history of the sport. They have had so many talents and big names, but consistently failed at the international stage. Considering how few medals they have, they don't even deserve to be in top 20 honestly.

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  21. 1. Brazil
    2. Germany
    3. Italy
    4. Argentina
    5. France
    6. Spain
    7. Uruguay
    8. Netherlands
    9. Hungary/Czechoslovakia
    10. England

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous8/13/2021

    Man, you need to improve your list. I watch football since 1960s, you missed some best players, also there is literally no way Brazil is number 2, no matter how you look at it. Overall it is not that bad, but has some serious mistakes. Cheers.

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  23. Hi Naratorn, maybe it's time to update this? None of the summaries for these countries include recent achievements, and I'd argue some of the rankings might have shifted based on the last decade.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks you for asking. I plan to update after world cup next year. These club and NT rankings requires a great deal of efforts to finish and I will be free from other activities after the mentioned time.

      Delete
  24. PORTUGAL IS UNDER RATED AS THEY WON THE EURO 2016 AND EURO NATIONS LEAGUE 2017,THAT DECADE BELONGS TO PORTUGAL

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  25. Anonymous3/25/2022

    Denmark deserves to rank better now that they won a bronze at the 2020 Euro championship, don't they??? They were so good.

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  26. I can see your latest update was in 2018. When you are making the next update Denmark should move up, and Senegal will probably take a spot in the bottom of top 50?

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  27. Anonymous6/18/2023

    There is one team, that ALWAYS, really ALWAYS is a disappointment again and again, in every big tournament they played throughout all these decades of years and this is England. Before every big tournament (WM/EM), their fans talk like they would be one of the big favourites and then they loose, before even making it far in the tournament. *lol*.

    One can only rub one's eyes, how such a loser-team like England, is always placed so high on all these internet-lists when it comes to the best teams (maybe english journalists posts these lists?). England has no place there in these lists, for me they are not even in the top 10 ranking! So finally kick them out of these lists, when it comes to the best football nations of all time.

    Every football fan in the world, who has watched all the important games/tournaments for many years now, knows exactly who are the BIG FOUR NATIONS in this sport, namely Brazil, Germany, Italy and Argentina and NOBODY ELSE!!! We alle know it, right, when we are really honest?

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