Football
Which Football Team is the Most Successful in the World?
Football is the most followed and premier sport in the world. One key thing that makes the beautiful sport stand out from the rest is the crazy following for both club and international level matches and tournaments.
Lionel Messi lifts the FIFA World Cup Trophy//Getty Images
International tournaments have always been a key ingredient of football. Tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, Euros, Copa America, AFCON and AFC Asian Cup have a very rich history. While newer competitions such as the UEFA Nations League, CONCACAF Gold Cup and Finalissima have also got fans intrigued and interested.
Talking about international football, Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most goals, with an incredible 135 goals to his name. Lionel Messi currently shared the title for most assists in internal football alongside USMNT legend Landon Donovan, with 58 assists to their name.
Today we are focusing on the tournament of all tournaments, the FIFA World Cup. The tournament has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War. Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the most recent edition of the tournament in 2022.
Join us as we take a look at the top 10 most successful countries in FIFA World Cup history based on SportsBoom MeraScale.
Methodology
International Teams:
We evaluated international success using FIFA World Cup data. Each team's performance was assessed through a weighted scoring system:
80% weightage was assigned to World Cup wins.
20% weightage was assigned to runners-up finishes.
MetaScale Calculation for International Teams
| Team | Winners | Runners-up | Score |
| Brazil | 5 | 2 | 4.4 |
| Germany | 4 | 4 | 4.0 |
| Italy | 4 | 2 | 3.6 |
| Argentina | 3 | 3 | 3.0 |
| France | 2 | 2 | 2.0 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 1.6 |
| England | 1 | 0 | 0.8 |
| Spain | 1 | 0 | 0.8 |
| Netherlands | 0 | 3 | 0.6 |
| Hungary | 0 | 2 | 0.4 |
10. Hungary
While younger fans may not think of Hungary as a powerhouse on the international stage but history tells a different story. Hungary have featured in the FIFA World Cup on nine different occasions, with their first appearance coming in 1934. The nation have also finished as the runners-up of the tournament on two separate occasions (1938 and 1954). The nation’s last appearance in the tournament was in 1986.
9. Netherlands
Netherlands have produced some of the best footballers and managers in football history, from Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Rijkaard and many more.
Netherlands made their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1934 in Italy. They have finished second on three separate occasions (1974 against West Germany; 1978 against Argentina and 2010 against Spain). The Oranje finished in third place during the 2014 edition.
Netherlands hold the record for featuring in the most FIFA World Cup finals without ever winning the trophy.
8. Spain
Taking the 8th spot on the list is the nation that beat Netherlands in the World Cup final in 2010, Spain. Spain dominated the international scene during this era, winning an incredible three successive trophies (Euros in 2008 and 2012; FIFA World Cup in 2010).
Spain are one of only eight nations to win the FIFA World Cup. They have made 16 appearances at the tournament over the years, reaching the semi-finals twice and the quarter finals six times. The nation most recently won the UEFA Euros in 2024.
7. England
England did not feature in the first three editions of the FIFA World Cup, making their first appearance in 1950. The nation's best performance came in 1966 when they lifted the trophy as hosts. They have finished in fourth place on two occasions (1990 in Italy and 2018 in Russia). The Three Lions have reached the quarter-finals on various occasions as well, most recently in 2022 in Qatar.
6. Uruguay
Uruguay are one of the only six nations to win the FIFA World Cup on two separate occasions. The nation hosted and won the first edition of the tournament, setting the tone for the tournament moving forward.
Uruguay won their second and last title in 1950, beating favourites Brazil in the final. They have qualified for 14 editions of the tournament, reaching the semi-finals five times and the finals twice.
Interestingly, Uruguay refused to participate in the 1934 and 1938 editions due to political and geo-political reasons.
5. France
France have a very rich and successful history in World Cups. Les Blues were one of only four European nations to take part in the inaugural 1930 edition.
France won their first FIFA World Cup title in 1988 beating Brazil in the final. While winning their second title in 2018, beating Croatia in the final. They have finished second on two occasions as well, losing both matches on penalties (2006 against Italy and 2022 against Argentina).
Les Blues have finished third on two occasions as well (1958 and 1986), and in fourth place once (1982).
4. Argentina
Taking fourth spot on the list are the current holders of the FIFA World Cup: Argentina. Argentina finished as runners-up of the inaugural edition of the tournament, losing the final to Uruguay. Lead by great players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste are one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history, with 18 appearances in different editions.
Argentina have won three FIFA World Cups (1978, 1986 and 2022). At the same time, finishing as runners-up on three occasions as well.
3. Italy
Italy might have not shown a good account of themselves at recent editions but they have appeared in 18 out of the 22 editions.
Gli Azzurri have won the tournament on four separate occasions (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006) while they have reached six finals and also have a third and fourth finish to their names.
2. Germany
Germany are the second-most successful nation in World Cup history. They have appeared at 20 editions of the tournament, winning an impressive four titles (1954, 1974, 1990 and most recently in 2014).
DFB have also recorded second and third-placed finishes on four occasions each, while also finishing fourth once. They have a record 12 podium finishes in the tournament's history.
Germany are also one of only four nations to win the FIFA World Cup outside their continental confederation.
1. Brazil
Taking the first spot on the list is the nation most synonymous with the FIFA World Cup: Brazil. Selecao Canarinho are the most successful nation in the tournament's history.
Brazil are the only nation to feature in all FIFA World Cup editions (22) in history. The nation also holds an incredible record in the tournament, recording 76 wins in 114 matches, with just 19 defeats and an impressive 129 goal difference.
Selecao Canarinho have won a record five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). Brazil are also the only nation to win the tournament in four different continents.
With over a decade of experience in sports writing, Hardik Malhotra has built a distinguished career in the internet industry. His expertise spans across various domains including Art Direction, Web Content Writing, and Content Management, all underscored by a high degree of initiative. Hardik’s passion for sports is reflected in his professional journey and personal interests.