The 21st century has been an extraordinary chapter in international football. It is an era defined by legendary teams, iconic players, and moments that have shaped the sport’s global narrative. From the pulsating drama of FIFA World Cups to the tactical battles of UEFA European Championships and the fiery passion of Copa América, national teams have delivered brilliance time and again.
Ranking the best of this period goes beyond simply tallying trophies. It requires evaluating a team’s success in major tournaments, their consistency across competitions, the distinctiveness of their style and lasting legacy, the influence of their generational talents, and their ability to compete against the world’s elite on the grandest stages. With those criteria in mind, We have compiled a list of the top 10 national teams of the 21st century.
10. Netherlands
Major Titles: None (Finalists: 2010 FIFA World Cup)
Key Achievements: 2010 World Cup runners-up, 2014,2022 World Cup semifinalists, Euro 2000 semifinalists
The Netherlands have not won a major title since their Euro 1988 victory, but their impact on 21st-century football is undeniable. Their “Total Football” philosophy, a gift from the 1970s, remains a cornerstone of their identity. They play with fluidity, aggression, and an attacking mindset that captivates fans. Their closest brush with glory came in 2010, when Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and a stout defense carried them to the World Cup final in South Africa. They fell to Spain in extra time, but the run showcased their quality. In 2014, they reached the semifinals in Brazil, highlighted by a stunning 5-1 rout of Spain in the group stage. The Dutch have consistently produced world-class players like Robin van Persie and Virgil van Dijk. Even without a trophy, their orange jerseys and fearless style ensure their place among the century’s best.
9. Croatia
Major Titles: None (Finalists: 2018 FIFA World Cup)
Key Achievements: 2018 World Cup runners-up, UEFA Nations League runners-up 2023, 2022 World Cup third place
Croatia’s rise is a story of resilience and raw talent. With a population barely exceeding four million, this small Balkan nation has repeatedly stunned the football world. Their defining moment arrived at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mario Mandžukić led an unforgettable campaign, toppling giants like Argentina and England to reach the final. Though they lost to France, their journey captured hearts. In 2022, they proved their staying power, finishing third in Qatar with Modrić still orchestrating at age 37. Croatia’s style blends technical precision with relentless determination. They are a testament to what belief and skill can achieve, earning them a spot on this list.
8. England
Major Titles: None (Finalists: Euro 2020, 2024)
Key Achievements: Euro 2020, 2024 runners-up, 2018 World Cup semifinalists, 2022 World Cup quarterfinalists
England’s early 21st century was marked by frustration, their 1966 World Cup triumph a distant memory. Yet the past decade has seen a remarkable turnaround. Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions have shed their reputation for crumbling in big moments. They reached the Euro 2020 final, played at Wembley, only to fall to Italy in a penalty shootout. Their 2018 World Cup run to the semifinals and a gritty quarterfinal showing against France in 2022 signal a team on the rise. Players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Raheem Sterling have fueled this resurgence. England’s approach is pragmatic yet increasingly dynamic, restoring national pride. A major trophy remains elusive, but they are closer than they have been in decades.
7. Portugal
Major Titles: UEFA Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019
Key Achievements: Euro 2004 runners-up, 2016 Euro champions, consistent deep tournament runs
Portugal’s 21st-century success is inseparable from Cristiano Ronaldo. His extraordinary talent and unrelenting ambition have elevated the Seleção to new heights. Their crowning achievement came at Euro 2016. Despite Ronaldo’s injury early in the final against France, Portugal triumphed 1-0 in extra time, with Éder’s goal sealing a historic upset on French soil. In 2019, they added the inaugural UEFA Nations League title. From Luís Figo and Deco in the early 2000s to Bruno Fernandes today, Portugal’s flair has shone through. Their runner-up finish at Euro 2004, hosted on home turf, showed their potential. Now a consistent contender, Portugal is a team opponents dread facing.
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
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2014,
Key Achievements: Confederation Cup 2017, 2002 World Cup runners-up, Euro 2008 runners-up, consistent semifinalists
Germany’s consistency is unrivaled. They have reached at least the semifinals in five of the last six World Cups, a remarkable record. Their pinnacle came in 2014, when Mario Götze’s extra-time goal downed Argentina in Rio de Janeiro. That tournament included a jaw-dropping 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semifinals, a statement of their dominance. Joachim Löw’s team combined tactical discipline with attacking flair, powered by stars like Miroslav Klose, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos. Even in less successful years, Germany’s pipeline of talent and competitive spirit keeps them among the elite. They are a machine that rarely falters.
4. Brazil
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2002, Copa América 2004, 2007, 2019
Key Achievements: 2013 Confederations Cup, consistent Copa América contenders
Brazil launched the century with a flourish, claiming the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho formed a trio of samba magic, delivering a fifth star with irresistible flair. Though World Cup success has eluded them since, they have dominated South America with Copa América wins in 2004, 2007, and 2019. Neymar has carried the torch, keeping Brazil’s joyous, attacking identity alive. Their legacy, built on five World Cups overall, remains unparalleled. They continue to enchant fans worldwide, even as they pursue that elusive sixth title.
3. France
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2018, UEFA Euro 2000, UEFA Nations League 2021
Key Achievements: 2006, 2022 World Cup runners-up, Euro 2016 runners-up
France have been a powerhouse, blending artistry with potency. The century opened with Euro 2000, where Zinedine Zidane’s brilliance secured a second consecutive major title after their 1998 World Cup win. In 2018, they reclaimed the World Cup in Russia. Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann overwhelmed Croatia 4-2 in the final, showcasing their depth and dynamism. The 2021 Nations League added to their haul. France’s ability to produce superstars and adapt their style, from Zidane’s elegance to Mbappé’s explosiveness, makes them a perennial force. They are as entertaining as they are successful.
2. Argentina
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2022, Copa América 2021, 2024, Finalissima
Key Achievements: 2008 Olympic Gold, World Cup runners-up (2014) Copa América runners-up (2004, 2007, 2015, 2016)
Argentina’s 21st century was a saga of heartbreak until Lionel Messi turned it into triumph. After runner-up finishes in four Copa Américas and the 2014 World Cup, the Albiceleste broke through in 2021, defeating Brazil in Rio to end a 28-year drought. Then came the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Messi delivered a masterclass, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. The final against France, a 3-3 epic settled by penalties, was his crowning moment. With Ángel Di María and a resilient squad, Argentina’s emotional resurgence and Messi’s genius place them near the top.
1. Spain
Major Titles: FIFA World Cup 2010, UEFA Euro 2008, 2024, UEFA Euro 2012, UEFA Nations League 2023
Key Achievements: Dominated three consecutive major tournaments, redefined modern football
Spain sit atop this list, their era of dominance from 2008 to 2012 unmatched. They won Euro 2008 with a possession-based “tiki-taka” style, mastered by Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso. In 2010, they claimed the World Cup in South Africa, with Iniesta’s extra-time strike against the Netherlands sealing their legacy. Euro 2012 followed, a 4-0 rout of Italy in the final cementing their supremacy. Spain’s run of three consecutive major titles transformed football, influencing clubs and countries alike. Players like Sergio Ramos and David Villa added steel to their artistry. No team has defined the century more.
