Top 5 most successful national teams in men’s football

• The list of the most successful national teams in men’s football is not the same as it was a decade ago.
• This is because teams like Germany, Argentina, Italy and Senegal have won major trophies in the past few years.
• Argentina currently tops the list of the most successful national teams in men’s football.

There is no doubt that the list of the most successful national teams in men’s football is not the same as it was a decade ago.

This is because we have seen teams like Germany, Argentina, Italy, and Senegal win major trophies in the past few years.

Argentina are the current world champions after they won the World Cup tournament barely two weeks ago in Qatar. But are they the most successful team of all time on the international stage?

Here, we will discuss the top five most successful national teams in men’s football based on major world trophies they have won.

1. Argentina -22 Trophies

Lisandro Martinez of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup trophy. Photo/ United In Focus.

Argentina has proven to be a powerhouse in football for many years. The South American nation has had some of the best football players of all time.

According to the Sporting Blog, Argentina currently tops the list of the most successful national teams in men’s football. Lionel Messi’s side, who are the current world champions, have so far won 22 trophies.

They have three World Cup titles, 15 Copa America trophies, one FIFA Confederations Cup, one Panamerican Championship and two CONMEBOL – UEFA Cup of Champions.

The South American side has achieved more success in recent years, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 UEFA Cup of Champions and the Copa America in 2021.

2. Brazil – 20 Trophies 

Brazil live and breathe football. It is one of the nations which pops up when the discussion is about the most successful national teams of all time.

And this is mainly because no nation has more World Cup titles than Brazil. The South American country has won the FIFA World Cup five times.

Brazil. Photo/ Goal.com.

On top of that, Brazil have also won nine Copa America titles, four Confederations Cups and two Panamerican Championships.

Brazil are currently ranked as the best national team in the world at the moment even though they failed to go past the quarter-finals in the just-ended World Cup.

3. Uruguay – 17 Trophies 

Uruguay have had their own share of success on the international stage. They have always been a constant threat to some of the bigger names in football like Brazil and Argentina.

Uruguay was the first nation to win the World Cup tournament in 1930. They won the trophy once again 20 years later.

However, the South American country has struggled to make any major impact at the World Cup in recent years. Their best performance was fourth finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Uruguay’s major success in recent years has mainly come in Copa America. They have won 15 Copa America trophies, with the last win in 2011 when they defeated Paraguay in the final.

Uruguay can be described as a sleeping giant in international football.

4. Germany – 8 Trophies 

Germany is one of the most successful national teams of all time, with eight trophies. The European side has won four FIFA World Cup titles (1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014).

Germany. Photo/ Los Angeles Times.

They have been World Cup finalists three more times, finishing as runner-up. Their success on the international stage also includes three European Championships.

Germany are the last winners of the FIFA Confederations Cup, a tournament which used to be contested by the six continental championships, the World Cup winner and the host nation.

FIFA abolished the Confederations Cup so as to expand the Club World Cup.

5. Italy – 6 Trophies 

Italy is another nation which has recently been struggling on the international stage. The European side has failed to qualify for the World Cup two times in a row.

However, many nations dream of the Azzurri’s achievement at World Cup.

They have won the FIFA World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006). The Azzurri shocked many football fans when they won the Euros tournament in 2021, defeating England in the finals.

The Azzurri’s status on the international stage is not a surprise considering the legendary players who call Italy home.

Italy. Photo/ 90MIN.