Top five nations with most major international football trophies

South American nations have dominated in football.

The FIFA World Cup is inarguably the biggest sporting event in the history of sports. It has the highest viewership and has the best nations of the world participating in it. A player representing his country at any level is a very exceptional feat in itself.

Just like some clubs dominate in various competitions, there are some nations that have consistently won various trophies.

Let’s take a look at the top five national football teams with the most major international trophies. Italy and Germany are honourable mentions since they have won the FIFA World Cup more than once but have just a few fewer trophies overall.

5. United States of America – 9

Football is growing at an exponential rate in the United States of America. The beginning of MLS and its growth has helped football grow in America. It is a bit surprising to see the USMNT on this list. However, they have dominated much of the CONCACAF competitions.

The USMNT have won the CONCACAF Championship or Gold Cup 7 times in their history. Just recently the national team won the CONCACAF Nations League beating Mexico in the semi-finals and Canada in the finals.

The National team’s best progress in the FIFA World Cup was in their debut year (1930). The USMNT finished third place and have never managed to reach that position to date.

4. Mexico – 12

The Mexico national team vs the USA national team have turned out to be quite a rivalry. Mexico have lost many more matches and competitions in recent times but have more history.

Mexican footballers are surely dominant in the Gold Cup, having won it 11 times in the past. They have also won the FIFA Confederation Cup, beating giants Brazil in the finals in 1999. However, Mexico have’t gotten their hands on the CONCACAF Nations League trophy yet.

Moreover, like the USA national team, they have yet to win a FIFA World Cup. Their best finishes were a quarter-final position once in 1970 and the second time in 1986.

3. Uruguay – 19

La Celeste are a regular contender for the FIFA World Cup and specifically the Copa America. Uruguay have a vast trophy cabinet and quite a rich history. They have had some legendary players as well such as Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and many more.

Uruguay won the first FIFA World Cup, beating Argentina 4-2 in 1930. They then proceeded to beat hosts and favourites Brazil from a deficit in 1950. The Uruguayans have also secured not one but two gold medals (1924, 1928).

The majority of the team’s success have been in Copa America. The Uruguayan national team have won the Copa America an astounding 15 times in their history.

2. Brazil – 20

The heartthrob of football. Brazil have produced and still have many talented players to date. The flair, skills and love for the game that the Brazilians possess is unmatched. Neymar Jr., Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, and Pele are just some of the many legends.

As expected, Brazil have won the FIFA World Cup 5 times, which is the highest in the history of the World Cup. They have also won the FIFA Confederations Cup most of the time (5). Brazil have won the Copa America 10 times in its history, with the latest win coming in 2019.

Despite their immense success, the Brazil team have failed to replicate its previous success. Despite having such great players, Brazil have not won the FIFA World Cup since 1992. Neymar Jr. and his team bowed out on penalties against Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

1. Argentina – 23

Brazil vs Argentina is a very fierce rivalry. The Argentinians have edged Brazil and are three trophies ahead of them.

Argentina have a very rich history, winning the FIFA World Cup, Copa America, CONMEBOL, Panamerican Championship and the FIFA Confederations Cup. Argentina have won the Copa America 20 times in the past and are the current defender of the title, winning it in 2024. They are also defenders of the FIFA World Cup since they just recently won it in 2022.

Lionel Messi had yet to achieve success with Argentina until they won the Copa America in 2021. Despite losing their first World Cup fixture against Saudi Arabia, they went on to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This speaks a lot about how Messi and his team have developed throughout the years.

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