Best Soccer Countries: Top-20 World Rankings 2020

Best Soccer Countries World Rankings

What is the best soccer country in the world? Read on to find out.

A sport with over 4 billion ardent fans scattered about every nation in the world, world football (soccer) is a sport known to galvanize public interests and opinions. From the significant big-spending leagues in Europe to the minor leagues in Africa, the emotions that star-studded games can be found even among matches that do not receive prominent media attention. That has inspired our article on the best soccer nations in the world.

A wave of revolution has swept through the world of soccer in recent years. Certain countries known to be home to young, energetic talents have begun to climb the ladder of countries that pose formidable rivalry to other significant contenders of the best soccer nations.

An instance of this undeniable fact was the emergence of Croatia as runner-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to the surprise of football fans. The Croatian national team was never seen as the favorite even to top their group, much more progress to the final of the most prestigious tournament in men’s football.

In this article, we’ll review the top-20 best soccer countries in the world. Rankings are based on standing in the FIFA World Rankings in recent years, performance in recent matches. We also considered the popularity of the sport in the country and the emergence of players who have thrilled fans with unique talents.

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The Best Soccer Countries: World Football Rankings

20. Algeria

FIFA World Ranking: 35

Top League: Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1

Flag of Algeria

Currently ranked 35th in the FIFA World Rankings, Algeria had an incredible outing in 2019. They grabbed a late strike to defeat the super eagles of Nigeria in what was a tough semifinal match in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to progress to the final of Africa’s top football tournament, which they won. Stars such as Manchester City player, Riyad Mahrez and Ismaël Bennacer helped swell the rank of the team.

19. Senegal

FIFA World Ranking: 20

Top League: Senegal Premier League

Flag of Senegal – Top African Soccer Country

Runner-up in the  2019 AFCON, Senegal is currently ranked 20th in the FIFA World Rankings. The country’s football squad boasts of young, energetic players such as Sadio Mané, Salif Sané, and Kalidou Koulibaly. These players have been vital to the team’s uprising in recent years. They tied for a 1-1 draw in a recent friendly with soccer giant, Brazil.

18. Denmark

FIFA World Ranking: 16

Top League: Danish Superliga

Flag of Denmark

Under the leadership of head coach, Åge Hareide, Denmark’s position in the FIFA World Rankings increased to the 16th position. The 1992 European champions, had a successful stint at the 2018 FIFA World Cup until a penalty shootout eliminated them by the runner-up, Croatia. Players such as Christian Eriksen and Andreas Cornelius are some of the current players who have contributed to the top form of the team.

17. Switzerland

FIFA World Ranking: 12

Top League: Swiss Super League

Flag of Switzerland

In the latest round of FIFA rankings, the Swiss national team places 12th position. The current spot they occupy in the  FIFA ranking is a clear reflection of their recent performance. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the dream of claiming their first major International tournament was cut short in the round of 16. Hopefully, the team gets another opportunity to win their first trophy at the Euros 2020. Captain, Granit Xhaka, and Liverpool winger, Xherdan Shaqiri, are prominent members of the squad.

16. Sweden

FIFA World Ranking: 17

Top League: Allsvenskan

Flag of Sweden

Rated the 17th best national football team in the world, the Swedish had a successful outing at the 2018 World Cup, where they progressed to the last eight, for the first time since 1994. Goalkeeper Robin Olsen and Manchester United defender, Victor Lindelöf, are some of the players who have been instrumental to the team’s top form.

15. Chile

FIFA World Ranking: 17

Top League: Chilean Primera División

Flag of Chile

The Chile National Football “La Roja” ranks as the 17th best national football team by FIFA and 15th on our best soccer countries in the world. In the 2015 Copa America and the 2016 Copa America Centenario, they defeated South American football giant, Argentinia, both times to emerge winner of the top South America tournament. Despite their top form, the team failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a massive disappointment to her fans. Some of the team’s key players include Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal

14. Mexico

FIFA World Ranking: 11

Top League: Liga MX

Flag of Mexico

The Mexican national team is one of the best in the world. The team which ranks 11th in the FIFA World Rankings has qualified to every world cup since 1994 and progressed to round of 16 in the last seven FIFA World Cup. They have also won two of the most prestigious tournaments in world football, the summer Olympics and the Confederation Cup. Notable members of the team include Héctor Herrera and Jorge Sánchez.

13. Italy

FIFA World Ranking: 13

Top League: Serie A

Flag of Italy

One of the most successful national teams in the world, Italy national team boasts of the best talents in the world of soccer. Though in recent years, their performance has been on the low side, it’s past achievement still speaks for its formidable rivalry. The team has won the FIFA World Cup four times, and the European Championship once. They finished 13th in the latest FIFA rankings. Italy’s top talents include captain Leonardo Bonucci and Lorenzo Insigne.

12. Colombia

FIFA World Ranking: 10

Top League: Categoría Primera A

Flag of Colombia

The Colombia national squad “Los Cafeteros” or “La Tricolor” ranks 10th in the FIFA World Rankings. The 2001 Copa America winner, had their best World Cup outing in 2014, finishing in the quarter-final. Some of La Tricolor stars include James Rodríguez and Juan Cuadrado.

11. Netherlands

FIFA World Ranking: 14

Top League: Eredivisie

Flag of Netherlands

The Dutch national squad is one that boasts of young talents making waves in Europe top soccer leagues. The team is also home to the 2019 UEFA Best Male player, Van Dijk. They have competed in 10 World Cup tournaments but failed to qualify for the 2018 event. According to the latest FIFA world rankings, they place 14th in the world. Aside from Van Dijk, the team’s talent includes young Juventus defender, Matthijs de Ligt, and Barcelona star, Frenkie de Jong.

10. Croatia

FIFA World Ranking: 6

Top League: Croatian First Football League

Flag of Croatia

In the latest FIFA World Rankings, Vatreni were placed at the 6th spot, moving three spots up from the previous ranking. The Croatia national team “Kockasti” had their best outing in the FIFA World Cup in 2018, where they battled France in the final. The team’s success can be due to the presence of top strikers such as 2018 Best FIFA Men’s Player winner and captain of the side, Luka Modric, and vice-captain, Ivan Rakitic. Croatia takes the 10th spot on our ranking of the best soccer countries in the world.

9. Belgium

FIFA World Ranking: 1

Top League: Belgian First Division A

Flag of Belgium – Top Soccer Country

Die Roten Teufel (The Red Devil’s), are a top contender in world football. The team currently occupies the number one position in the FIFA World Rankings. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, they defeated England to emerge bronze winners. Top talents in the team include captain, Eden Hazard, PSG defender, Thomas Meunier, and goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.

8. Uruguay

FIFA World Ranking: 5

Top League: Uruguayan Primera División

Flag of Uruguay

In South American football, La Celeste (The Sky Blue), which is the nickname of the Uruguayan nation side, is a significant contender. They have played in about 13 World Cup tournaments and have won two and also emerged Copa America champions on 15 occasions. They are ranked the 5th best national football side in the latest FIFA World Rankings. Stars in the squad include Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez, and OSG forward, Edinson Cavani.

7. Portugal

FIFA World Ranking: 7

Top League: Primeira Liga

Portugal Flag

Portugal is ranked the 7th best national football team by FIFA, in its latest round of ranking and on our best soccer countries in the world. The team has been prolific in recent years, winning the 2016 Euros, as well as the maiden edition of the UEFA Nations League. Key players that have contributed immensely to the success include five-times Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Manchester City midfielder, Bernardo Silva.

6. Spain

FIFA World Ranking: 8

Top League: La Liga

Flag of Spain

Nicknamed La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), the Spanish are usually deadly and furious on the field. The team is one of the most successful national football sides in Europe. They have been in every World Cup since 1978 and won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. La Furia Roja has been crowned European champions on three occasions. They are currently ranked 8th in the FIFA World Rankings. Notable players in the team include captain Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper David De Gea.

5. England

FIFA World Ranking: 4

Top League: Premier League

Flag of England

Under the headship of coach, Gareth Southgate, the English national football side has been picking form. In the 2018 World Cup, England had an impressive run until the semifinals, where Croatia defeated them. Also, in the maiden edition of the UEFA Nation’s League, they finished third. The team places 4th in the FIFA World Rankings and 5th on our best football countries in the world. Key players in the English national side, includes youngster, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and captain, Harry Kane.

4. Germany

FIFA World Ranking: 15

Top League: Bundesliga

Flag of Germany

Germany is no doubt one of the most successful national side. The four-time World Cup winner surprised the world in the 2014 World Cup when they defeated hosts Brazil, 1 – 8. After conquering the world in 2014, they progressed to win the Confederations Cup, winning two of the most prestigious tournaments in international football. But in the 2018 World Cup, they finished at the bottom of the group, which many tipped them to top, probably affected by the trailing curse of the champions.

Germany is currently ranked 15th in the FIFA world rankings and 4th on our best soccer countries in the world. Star players on the national side include captain and goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, and forward, Timo Werner.

3. France

FIFA World Ranking: 2

Top League: France Ligue 1

Flag of France – Top Soccer Nation

The reigning world champion, the French national side “Les Bleus,” is currently the 2nd best national football side according to the latest FIFA rankings. The squad is just one of the three national teams to have won the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympics. They hold two World Cup titles, two Confederations Cup, two Olympics medals, and two European Championships.

Key players in the team include French Wonderboy, Kylian Mbappe, Manchester United forward, Paul Pogba, and Barcelona ace man, Antoine Griezmann.

2. Argentina

FIFA World Ranking: 9

Top League: Superliga Argentina

Flag of Argentina – Top Soccer Nation

La Albiceleste (The White and Sky-Blues) are just one of three national football teams to have won the three most prestigious tournaments in international football — the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympics. The team has won the World Cup on two occasions and the Confederations Cup once. They are also the most successful team in the Copa America, having won it 14 times.

In recent years, the team has not won any major international tournament, but they are still significant rivals in world football. Argentina places 9th in the FIFA World Rankings and 2nd on our best soccer nations. Top players in the team include 6-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain, Lionel Messi, and forwards, Sergio Agüero and Paulo Dybala.

1. Brazil

FIFA World Ranking: 3

Top League: Brasileirão Série A

Flag of Brazil – Best Soccer Country

Call them the Seleção (The National Squad) or the Esquadrão de Ouro (The Golden Squad); the Brazilian national side is the most successful national team in the major international tournament, the FIFA World Cup. Brazil won the competition five times, more than any national team, and also has earned Confederations Cup glory four times. The team has also qualified for every edition of the world cup since it’s inaugural edition.

Brazil ranks 3rd in the latest FIFA World rankings but has been on the number one spot about 159 times. Brazil also is the overall best soccer country in the world. Seleção has won all three of the most prestigious tournaments in world football and seen great soccer legends as part of its squad in the past, such as Pelé and Ronaldo Nazario. Key members of the team include PSG star, Neymar, Liverpool goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, and Liverpool forward, Roberto Firmino.

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Conclusion

What are your thoughts about this top-20 best soccer countries in the world? Which country do you think should make this list? Please share with us in the comments section below.