Top five longest unbeaten runs in international football of all time

By Waseem

Waseem has been part of Khel Now since 2018, covering World Football, Indian Football, Kabaddi, and other Olympic sports.

Published at :June 27, 2021 at 1:28 PM

Modified at :September 30, 2026 at 5:39 PM

Italy matched their own previous record after beating Austria in EURO 2020 Round of 16 clash.

The first semifinal of the UEFA Euro 2020 saw Italy defeat Spain on penalties on July 7. The game went into extra time and then penalties after both sides finished 1-1 in regulation time. The victory propelled Italy to the final of the tournament. It also extended their unbeaten run to 33 games, making it the third longest unbeaten runs in the history of international football.

Italy’s feat is currently among the top five best unbeaten runs in the history of international football. Here is a look at the five longest unbeaten runs in men’s international football, featuring some of the most iconic national teams of the past.

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5. Spain – 35 matches

**Spain won the 2008 UEFA Euros during this period**

Spain’s team of the late 2000s is regarded as one of the strongest international teams of all time. Spain are level with Brazil at the top with a streak of 35 games unbeaten. La Roja did not lose a game between 2007-2009. This golden generation of Spanish football saw players like Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Xavi and more come to the fore.

In this period, Spain won the 2008 UEFA Euro by defeating Germany in the final. A shock defeat to the United States of America in the 2009 Confederations Cup ended the streak. However, Spain picked up their form again and won 27 of the following 28 games. This run had the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA Euro triumphs.

4. Brazil – 35 matches

In the course of this run, Brazil won the 1994 FIFA World Cup by defeating Italy on penalties in a memorable final. The streak came to an end against Mexico.

Brazil lost to the CONCACAF member nation in the Gold Cup in 1996. Brazil were the reigning World Champions and participated in the tournament as a guest team.

3. Argentina – 36 matches

Argentina extend their run to 36 games unbeaten with a 5-0 victory over USA. The unbeaten run started in July 2019. The nation lifted the has Copa America trophy in 2021 and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions trophy in 2022. But Argentina’s run came to an end in the opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia.

2. Italy – 37 matches

As mentioned above, Italy surpassed their own previous best record by going 35 games without a defeat. their last defeat came in September 2018 against Portugal in a UEFA Nations League game. Since then, Roberto Mancini’s side have not lost a single match and are only four short of matching the all-time unbeaten record.

Italy drew against Switzerland on September 6, 2021 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to create a new record of 36 unbeaten matches.

Moreover, their record is the longest active unbeaten run followed by Algeria, who have not lost their last 27 games. Roberto Mancini’s men surpassed Argentina with their victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020.

1. Spain – 40 games

Spain became the first men’s team in international football history to go 40 games undefeated. Following an overwhelming victory over Croatia in Seville, the Spanish national team has a 40-match undefeated streak in all official and friendly internationals.

Spain has won 31 games and drawn 9 matches to maintain their unbeaten record in all competitions. La Roja already surpassed Italy’s record during the World Cup when they lifted their second World Cup in the summer.

In how many games are Spain unbeaten?

In 40 games.

In how many matches have Argentina gone undefeated?

In 36 matches.

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