National Teams with the Longest Unbeaten Runs in History

The word unbeaten carries a special weight in football. It represents consistency, balance, and the ability to handle pressure across different continents, tournaments, and generations. In international football, unbeaten runs are not merely numbers on a record sheet; they are proof of endurance and unity, of squads that found rhythm and belief over long stretches of time.

Unbeaten streaks are measured through officially recognised matches, competitive fixtures, and friendlies sanctioned by FIFA. This means that every draw, every penalty shootout, and every goal scored under the international banner contributes to the longevity of a run. A defeat, regardless of whether it comes in a qualifier or a friendly, marks the end.

Across decades of world football, certain national teams have reached extraordinary levels of consistency. From Italy’s modern-day resilience to the brilliance of Brazil’s golden generation, these runs are reminders that dominance can take many forms: tactical, psychological, and collective.

Below is a look at the longest unbeaten runs ever recorded in international football, told through the perspective of eras, achievements, and lasting influence.

1. Italy (2018–2021) – 37 Matches

Italy’s 37-match unbeaten run stands at the very top of world football. Between 2018 and 2021, the Azzurri reshaped their footballing identity under Roberto Mancini. What began as a rebuilding process after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup soon became one of the most successful periods in their long history.

The run started after a 1–0 defeat to Portugal in September 2018. From that moment, Italy went more than three years without losing a single game. They recorded 30 victories and seven draws during the streak, balancing defensive stability with creative attacking play.

Mancini’s Italy found harmony in a system built around discipline and possession. The highlight came at Euro 2020, delayed by the pandemic, where they defeated England on penalties at Wembley to claim the European Championship. That triumph was the crown jewel of their unbeaten spell.

By September 2021, Italy had equalled the previous record of 35 games unbeaten, and shortly after, they broke it with a 0–0 draw against Switzerland. The streak finally ended in October 2021, when Spain beat them 2–1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.

It was a remarkable three-year journey that restored pride to a nation that had once dominated the footballing world.

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2. Argentina (2019–2022) – 36 Matches

Argentina came close to surpassing Italy’s record, finishing just one match short with a run of 36 games without defeat between 2019 and 2022. Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina rediscovered its winning spirit and unity, blending young energy with the leadership of Lionel Messi.

The streak began after a defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2019 Copa América. From there, Argentina grew stronger, recording 24 wins and 11 draws. Scaloni’s tactical clarity allowed Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María to flourish in attack, while the team tightened its defence.

The crowning moment came at the 2021 Copa América, where Argentina beat Brazil 1–0 in the final at the Maracanã. It was their first major international trophy in 28 years, a victory that reshaped the nation’s football narrative.

They went on to win the Finalissima against European champions Italy, confirming their status as one of the most complete teams in the world. However, their unbeaten run ended unexpectedly in Qatar, when Saudi Arabia stunned them 2–1 in the 2022 World Cup group stage.

Despite that setback, Argentina went on to win the World Cup, cementing their dominance and proving that consistency can lead to ultimate triumph.

3. Brazil (1993–1996) – 35 Matches

Brazil’s 35-match unbeaten run in the mid-1990s was built on flair, discipline, and generational talent. Managed by Carlos Alberto Parreira, the Seleção remained undefeated for three years between 1993 and 1996.

The streak included their glorious 1994 World Cup triumph in the United States, where players like Romário, Bebeto, and Dunga led the side to victory. A young Ronaldo Nazário was just emerging, while the defensive organisation of the team gave balance to their famous attacking identity.

In total, Brazil won 28 matches and drew seven during this stretch. Their run finally ended with a 2–0 defeat to Mexico in the 1996 Gold Cup.

The mid-90s Brazil team proved that the nation could adapt to modern football while keeping its traditional spark alive, blending artistry with efficiency on the world stage.

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4. Spain (2007–2009) – 35 Matches

Spain’s unbeaten run between 2007 and 2009 marked the rise of one of football’s greatest dynasties. Managed by Luis Aragonés, La Roja built a possession-based style that would come to define modern international football.

Their 35-match run included Euro 2008, which Spain won after defeating Germany 1–0 in the final. The team, built around Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and David Villa, played with rhythm and patience, relying on control and movement rather than direct play.

Spain won 32 of those 35 matches, drawing only three. Their streak ended in the 2009 Confederations Cup semi-final, when the United States beat them 2–0.

That loss did not stop their rise. Spain went on to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012, confirming their place as one of football’s most consistent and technically brilliant sides.

5. Algeria (2018–2022) – 35 Matches

Algeria’s 35-match unbeaten run from 2018 to 2022 remains the longest in African football history. Under Djamel Belmadi, the Desert Foxes became a model of tactical cohesion and confidence.

The streak began in 2018 and stretched over four years, during which Algeria won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, their first since 1990. The side combined European-based talent with home-grown players, forming a unit that played with energy and technical precision.

During this run, Algeria recorded 26 wins and nine draws, dominating African football with an assertive and fearless style. Their streak ended at the 2021 AFCON, where they suffered a disappointing group-stage exit.

Still, the consistency they displayed over those years earned them a place among football’s most reliable national teams, and their run remains a symbol of progress for African football.

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6. Argentina (1991–1993) – 31 Matches

Before Messi’s generation, Argentina had already built a tradition of consistency. Between 1991 and 1993, under Alfio Basile, the Albiceleste went 31 games unbeaten.

The run began after a defeat to West Germany in the 1990 World Cup final. Argentina rebuilt quickly, winning back-to-back Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993. The squad featured Gabriel Batistuta at his peak, scoring crucial goals that carried Argentina through South American competitions.

In total, they won 21 matches and drew 10. The streak ended in 1993, when they lost to Colombia during the 1994 World Cup qualifiers.

This period showed Argentina’s resilience after heartbreak and marked the foundation for their enduring footballing identity.

7. Italy (1935–1939) – 30 Matches

Long before their modern success, Italy had already set standards in the 1930s. Between 1935 and 1939, they went 30 matches unbeaten under coach Vittorio Pozzo, winning two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal.

The Italian side was built around Giuseppe Meazza, one of the greatest players of the early 20th century. They won 24 games and drew six during the run, dominating European football with a combination of tactical discipline and attacking flair.

This era established Italy as a world power and inspired future generations. Their dominance in the 1930s remains one of the most successful chapters in international football history.

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8. France (1994–1996) – 30 Matches

France’s 30-match unbeaten run between 1994 and 1996 represented a turning point for Les Bleus. After failing to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, France began to rebuild, relying on a new generation of players such as Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps.

The run began with a 1–0 win over Italy in February 1994 and lasted until November 1996, when Denmark defeated them in a friendly. In between, France recorded 22 wins and eight draws.

This period laid the foundation for their 1998 World Cup success on home soil. It was a time when France learned to combine tactical patience with creative expression, turning disappointment into direction.

9. West Germany (1978–1981) – 23 Matches

West Germany’s 23-match unbeaten run between 1978 and 1981 showcased its ability to rebuild after setbacks. Following their failure to defend their 1974 World Cup title, the national side reorganised under Jupp Derwall and found new stability.

Featuring legendary names such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Paul Breitner, West Germany won Euro 1980 during this period. The team’s balance between experience and youth allowed them to remain competitive across all fronts.

They won 15 matches and drew eight, displaying their trademark resilience and tactical organisation. The run ended in 1981, but it marked a return to consistency for one of Europe’s footballing giants.

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10. France (2010–2012) – 23 Matches

Between 2010 and 2012, France again found form after a difficult phase. The team had struggled at the 2010 World Cup, exiting in the group stage amid internal turmoil. Under Laurent Blanc, they began to rebuild, going 23 games unbeaten.

France’s run was based on structure and renewed confidence. They recorded several important results in Euro 2012 qualifying and entered the tournament in strong form. However, their run ended when they lost to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Though they failed to win silverware during this time, the unbeaten streak symbolised France’s gradual recovery and set the stage for the successful era that followed later in the decade.

Comparison table (top 10 runs)

Below is a summarized table of the runs: