The Longest Unbeaten Runs in Football

There are many unbeaten runs by football teams across the globe. SportsBoom compiled a list of the longest unbeaten runs in international football, including European and South American countries, and the FIFA World Cup. SportsBoom also listed the longest unbeaten runs in the English Premier League, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. 

Who Has the Longest Unbeaten Run in International Football?

The Italian men’s football team hold the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten run in international football history. The Azzurri went undefeated in 37 matches from 2018 to 2021. In September 2021, Italy equalled the 35-match unbeaten runs by Brazil and Spain when they drew 1-1 with Algeria. 

Three days later, they claimed the outright record with a scoreless draw against Switzerland in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification match. The unbeaten run extended to 37 games after thrashing Lithuania 5-0. However, nothing lasts forever. Roberto Mancini’s men were not invincible, and defeat came soon after. 

Spain defeated Italy 2-1 in the 2021 UEFA Nations League semi-final in Milan. The defeat was the first competitive match the Italians had lost on home soil since 1999. The undefeated run consisted of 30 wins and seven draws. Mancini’s side scored 93 goals, but they only conceded 12 times. 

Italy lifted the Henri Delaunay Cup in 2021. They beat England 3-2 on penalties, after drawing 1-1 in regulation time at Wembley Stadium in the 2020 UEFA EURO final. Brazil’s unbeaten run started in 1993 and included the 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph in the United States of America. A 2-0 defeat for the Seleção versus Mexico in the 1996 Gold Cup ended the South American’s outstanding run of results. 

Spain’s long reign as one of the best teams of all time is iconic. La Roja won three international tournaments in a row and became the first nation to do the treble. Spain won UEFA UERO 2008 and 2012, back-to-back, while claiming the 2010 FIFA World Cup title in South Africa. Two managers oversaw the country’s 35-match unbeaten run. 

Luis Aragonés managed Spain from 2004 to 2008, winning the EURO 2008. Vicente del Bosque coached the team from 2008 to 2016. While at the helm, he continued his predecessor’s invincible form until a shock defeat to the United States at the Confederations Cup in 2009, ended Spain’s glorious run. 

In total, five countries have gone unbeaten for 30 or more matches. Italy is the only country to do so twice. Five of the six longest undefeated records have all delivered silverware. Italy won the 2020 European Championship and the 1938 World Cup. Brazil were the world champions in 1994. 

Spain won EURO 2008. Argentina, who had won the 1990 World Cup the year before beginning their 31-match unbeaten streak, won back-to-back CONMEBOL Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993. France did not win any international tournaments; however, the 1994-1996 team set the foundations for the successful World Cup triumph on home soil in 1998. 

Arsenal players celebrate with Premiership trophy//Getty Images

Who Has the Longest Unbeaten Run in the English Premier League?

Arsenal holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in the English Premier League (EPL). Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” won the 2003/24 Premier League title without losing a game. The Gunners won 26 of their 38 EPL matches, drawing 12. Their unbeaten run lasted 49 games across 2003 and 2004 and is the longest unbeaten run in English top-flight football. 

Arsenal’s run began with a 6-1 win against Southampton in May 2003. The invincible run ended away to Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 2004. Wenger’s side lost 2-0 to United in one of the most acrimonious matches in modern top-flight football history. The match has gone down in infamy.

The match has been dubbed “The Battle of the Buffett” after a brawl and food fight ensued in the tunnel at the end of the game. Sir Alex Ferguson was hit with a slice of pizza by an unknown Arsenal player. However, years later, Cesc Fàbregas owned up to “Pizza Gate” on an episode of A League of Their Own on Sky One in 2017.

The Longest Unbeaten Runs in La Liga

Barcelona holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in La Liga history. The Catalan club went 43 matches without defeat between April 2017 and May 2018. Ernesto Valverde led his team to the title, beating out Real Madrid. Valverde’s side also completed a domestic double, winning the Copa del Rey after thrashing Sevilla 5-0 in the final.

However, the longest unbeaten home record in La Liga belongs to rivals Real Madrid. Their run spanned nine seasons, from February 1957 to March 1965. Los Blancos played 121 Spanish top-flight matches without losing. Madrid was the best team in La Liga and Europe. They won seven La Liga titles in those nine campaigns. Barcelona holds the record for the longest consecutive unbeaten away streak in La Liga. The Blaugrana went unbeaten for 23 league games between February 2010 and April 2011.