International football has seen a remarkable period in the twenty-first century. Legendary teams, well-known athletes, and events that have influenced the sport’s global story characterise this era. National teams have consistently produced outstanding performances, from the tumultuous drama of FIFA World Cups to the technical contests of UEFA European Championships and the ferocious passion of Copa América.
There is more to ranking the greatest of this era than just counting trophies. It involves assessing a team’s performance in key competitions, their consistency across events, their unique style and enduring legacy, the impact of their generational potential, and their capacity to compete against the best in the world on the biggest stages. We have created a list of the top 10 national teams of the twenty-first century based on those standards.
10. The Netherlands
Major Awards: None (2010 FIFA World Cup Finalists)
Key accomplishments: runners-up in the 2010 World Cup, semifinalists in the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, and Euro 2000
Despite not winning a major championship since their success at Euro 1988, the Netherlands has had an indisputable influence on football in the twenty-first century. Their identity is still based on their “Total Football” philosophy, which was a gift from the 1970s. Fans are enthralled by their fluidity, ferocity, and attacking mentality. Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and a strong defence led them to the World Cup final in South Africa in 2010, which was their closest moment of glory. The run demonstrated their quality, but they lost to Spain in extra time. They defeated Spain 5-1 in the group stage, which helped them get to the Brazil semifinals in 2014. World-class athletes like Virgil van Dijk and Robin van Persie have continuously come from the Netherlands. Their orange jerseys and bold style guarantee their spot among the greatest of the century even if they don’t win a championship.
9. Croatia
No major titles (2018 FIFA World Cup finalist)
Principal Accomplishments: runners-up in the UEFA Nations League and the 2018 World Cup World Cup third place in 2023 and 2022
The ascent of Croatia is a narrative of tenacity and unadulterated skill. This tiny Balkan country, which has a population of just over four million, has frequently astounded the football community. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was their turning point. In an incredible campaign, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mario Mandžukić defeated Argentina and England to advance to the final. Despite their defeat by France, their voyage won hearts. They demonstrated their durability in 2022 when they placed third in Qatar, with Modrić still orchestrating at the age of 37. Croatian style combines unwavering perseverance with technical accuracy. They deserve a place on this list because they are an example of what skill and belief can accomplish.
8. The United Kingdom
No major titles (Euro 2020, 2024 finalist)
Key accomplishments: World Cup semifinalists in 2018, runners-up in 2024, Euro 2020, and quarterfinalists in 2022
With their 1966 World Cup victory a faint memory, England’s early 21st century was characterised by frustration. However, there has been a notable change in the last ten years. The Three Lions have overcome their reputation for faltering under Gareth Southgate. After playing at Wembley and making them to the Euro 2020 final, they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout. Their 2022 quarterfinal performance against France and their 2018 World Cup run to the semifinals indicate a team on the rise. Raheem Sterling, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane are among the players who have contributed to this comeback. England’s strategy restores national pride while being realistic and becoming more dynamic. They are closer than they have been in decades, but a big prize is still out of reach.
7. Portugal
Major Awards: UEFA Nations League 2019; UEFA Euro 2016
Key accomplishments include finishing second in the 2004 Euros, winning the 2016 Euros, and consistently making long tournament runs.
Cristiano Ronaldo is essential to Portugal’s prosperity in the twenty-first century. The Seleção has reached new heights because to his remarkable talent and unwavering ambition. Their greatest triumph occurred at Euro 2016. Portugal won 1-0 in extra time despite Ronaldo’s injury early in the match against France, and Éder’s goal sealed a historic upset on French territory. They added the first-ever UEFA Nations League championship in 2019. Portugal’s flair has been shown from Bruno Fernandes now to Luís Figo and Deco in the early 2000s. Their potential was demonstrated by their second-place result at the home-hosted Euro 2004. Portugal is now a team that opponents fear playing against since they are a reliable challenger.
6. Italy
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2006, UEFA Euro 2020
Key Achievements: Euro 2012 runners-up, Euro 2000 runners-up
Italy’s 21st-century journey has been a rollercoaster, but their highs are monumental. The 2006 World Cup stands out as a triumph of grit and brilliance. Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon, and Andrea Pirlo anchored a squad that marched to glory in Berlin, clinching the title in a penalty shootout against France. In Euro 2020, delayed to 2021, Roberto Mancini reinvented the Azzurri with a possession-based style. They dazzled their way to the title, defeating England at Wembley in another shootout. Despite missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Italy’s ability to adapt and deliver in clutch moments secures their spot. Their legacy of defensive mastery and tactical nous endures.
5. Germany
Principal Titles: 2014 FIFA World Cup,
Confederation Cup 2017, 2002 World Cup runners-up, Euro 2008 runners-up, and regular semifinalists are among their notable accomplishments.
Germany is the most consistent team in the world. They have a stellar record, having advanced to at least the semifinals in five of the previous six World Cups. When Mario Götze’s goal in extra time defeated Argentina in Rio de Janeiro in 2014, it was their climax. They demonstrated their superiority in the competition by crushing Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals. Joachim Löw’s squad, led by players like Miroslav Klose, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos, blended attacking flair with tactical discipline. Germany’s talent pool and spirit of competition maintain them in the top tier even during less prosperous years. They are an infrequently malfunctioning machine.
4. Brazil
Principal Titles: Copa América 2004, 2007, 2019, FIFA World Cup 2002
Key accomplishments: regular Copa América contenders and the 2013 Confederations Cup
Brazil made a spectacular start to the century by winning the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in 2002. With enticing flair, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo created a triumvirate of samba magic to deliver a fifth star. They have dominated South America with Copa América victories in 2004, 2007, and 2019, but they have yet to win the World Cup. Neymar has continued the tradition, preserving Brazil’s exuberant, aggressive persona. With five World Cups under their belt, their legacy is still unmatched. Even as they strive for that elusive sixth crown, they never cease to enchant fans throughout the world.
3. The French
Major Awards: UEFA Euro 2000, UEFA Nations League 2021, FIFA World Cup 2018
Key accomplishments: runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, 2006, and Euro 2016
France has been a dominant force, combining strength and creativity. After their 1998 World Cup victory, Zinedine Zidane’s genius won them a second straight major championship in Euro 2000, the start of the century. They won the World Cup again in Russia in 2018. In the final, Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann outscored Croatia 4-2, demonstrating their versatility and depth. Their haul was increased by the 2021 Nations League. France is a constant power because of their capacity to create superstars and modify their styles, from Mbappé’s explosiveness to Zidane’s elegance. They are as successful as they are entertaining.
2. Argentina
FIFA World Cup 2022, Copa América 2021, 2024, and Finalissima are among the major titles.
Key Accomplishments: World Cup runners-up (2014), Olympic gold (2008) runners-up in the Copa América in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016
Lionel Messi transformed Argentina’s 21st century from a tale of grief into a victory. The Albiceleste broke through in 2021 after finishing second in four Copa Américas and the 2014 World Cup, defeating Brazil in Rio to snap a 28-year drought. The World Cup in Qatar in 2022 followed. Messi scored seven goals and sent out three assists in a masterpiece. His defining moment was the thrilling 3-3 victory over France in the final, which was decided by penalties. Argentina is in the lead thanks to Messi’s brilliance, Ángel Di María’s tenacious team, and their passionate comeback.
1. Spain
FIFA World Cup 2010, UEFA Euro 2008, 2024, UEFA Euro 2012, and UEFA Nations League 2023 are among the major titles.
Principal Accomplishments: dominated three major competitions in a row and revolutionised contemporary football.
Spain is at the top of this ranking, having had an unparalleled period of dominance from 2008 to 2012. Their possession-based “tiki-taka” style, which was perfected by Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso, helped them win Euro 2008. They won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, and their legend was cemented when Iniesta scored in extra time against the Netherlands. Following that, they won Euro 2012, solidifying their dominance with a 4-0 victory over Italy in the final. Football was revolutionised by Spain’s run of three straight major championships, which affected both clubs and nations. Steel was added to their creativity by players such as David Villa and Sergio Ramos. The century has never been better defined by a team.
