Ranking the 7 Most Successful Nations in Football History

• Major international tournaments are infrequent, making it crucial for teams to seize every opportunity to win silverware
• Leading football nations boast illustrious histories filled with a blend of World Cup triumphs and continental championships
• Sports Brief takes a look at the most successful nations in football history by major trophies

Euro 2024 and Copa America are approaching, with top international football teams vying for trophies. For many, it's the last chance to win silverware before the 2026 World Cup.

With international tournaments being rare, nations struggle to amass major accolades, and sustained success is hard due to the short span of players' international careers.

Here is a list of the most successful countries in football based on major trophies won. From the World Cup to the Africa Cup of Nations, the variety of silverware reflects geographic diversity.

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Surprisingly, Brazil, despite having the most World Cup wins, doesn't top the list.

Sports Brief takes a look at the most successful nations in football history by major trophies.

France (9 major trophies)

France nearly defended their World Cup title in 2022, losing to Argentina on penalties in the final, per Sky Sports.

Kylian Mbappe shone, just four years after his breakout performance in Russia.

He follows in the footsteps of stars like Zinedine Zidane, who led France to their first World Cup victory.

France's trophy cabinet also includes European Championships, Olympic triumphs, and a Nations League victory in 2021.

Germany (9 major trophies)

Germany, hosting Euro 2024, aim to break into double figures for major honours. A decade ago, Joachim Low led them to their fourth World Cup win, with Mario Gotze's late goal defeating Argentina.

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Their World Cup victories span decades, showcasing consistent quality. Julian Nagelsmann aims to add to their latest trophy, the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Germany is in a race with France to become Europe's most successful side and currently shares the record for most European Championships with Spain.

United States (10 major trophies)

Despite being one of the world's most populated nations, the United States has struggled to produce many world-class stars.

However, they remain one of the more decorated nations, thanks to back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League wins.

Their best World Cup finish was third place in 1930. A fierce rivalry with the next team on this list has hindered the USA's accumulation of more gold over the years.

Mexico (13 major trophies)

Mexico has a rich football history, winning their first trophy in 1965 and amassing 12 CONCACAF Championships, the latest in 2023 under Jamie Lozano.

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Their only other major tournament win was the 1999 Confederations Cup, with Miguel Zepeda starring in a 4-3 final against Brazil. While always entertaining at the World Cup, they rarely pose a threat to the favourites.

Brazil (18 major trophies)

Brazil holds the record for most World Cup wins with five titles, per Eurosport. However, two other South American nations have won more overall silverware. Brazil's last World Cup triumph was in 2002, led by Ronaldo.

Since then, they've had sporadic Copa America and Confederations Cup wins. Though still favorites for international trophies, their peak success came before the 21st century, with legends like Pele winning three World Cups.

Uruguay (19 major trophies)

Few see Uruguay as a commanding international force, especially with no trophies since 2011 despite talents like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950, while collecting 14 Copa America titles and two Olympic golds in the 20th century. Fans hope for a return to their former glory soon.

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Argentina (21 major trophies)

Argentina's recent success has set them apart from their rivals. Lionel Messi won his first World Cup in 2022, matching the legacy of Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in 1986.

Under current manager Lionel Scaloni, Argentina won the Copa America in 2021 against Brazil, starting a new era of success.

They have won the Copa America 15 times, equal to Uruguay, and also claimed the Confederations Cup in 1992.

Mbappe's sublime assist against Luxembourg

Sports Brief earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe produced a sublime assist to Randal Kolo Muani in France's Euro 2024 preparatory game with Luxembourg.

The 25-year-old, who completed his long-awaited dream move to the Spanish giants this week, captained Les Bleus in the first of their two friendly games ahead of the European Championship.