The 20 biggest rivalries between countries in international football – ranked

Football rivalries between nations have shaped the sport’s history, producing unforgettable moments, controversies and legendary encounters. These matchups often go beyond the pitch, often rooted in political tensions, historical conflicts or sheer sporting competitiveness. Here, we rank the top 20 international football rivalries based on history, statistics and global impact.

In the so-called Derby of the Nordics, Sweden and Denmark have faced off in over 100 matches since their first encounter in 1913. The rivalry extends beyond football, fuelled by cultural and historical competition. Sweden narrowly lead the overall head-to-head, but Denmark have had key victories, including their dramatic Euro 2004 draw, which eliminated Sweden. Both teams have qualified for multiple major tournaments, ensuring the rivalry remains relevant on the international stage.

A rivalry built on contrasting philosophies—Germany’s efficiency against Spain’s tiki-taka mastery. Spain’s golden era saw them defeat Germany in the Euro 2008 final and the 2010 World Cup semi-final, marking a shift in global football dominance. Germany, however, responded with their own period of success, culminating in their 2014 World Cup triumph. With both nations boasting world-class talent, their encounters remain among the most anticipated in international football.

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One of South America’s most historic rivalries, Brazil and Uruguay have faced off over 75 times since their first meeting in 1916. The rivalry reached its peak in the 1950 World Cup final, when Uruguay stunned Brazil 2-1 at the Maracanã in front of nearly 200,000 fans, an event known as the 'Maracanazo'. Brazil have dominated in recent decades, but Uruguay remain a formidable opponent. Their encounters continue to carry historical weight, making this a must-watch South American clash.

The Iberian Derby is one of European football's most closely contested rivalries. Hostilities between the two countries date back centuries, to 1581, when Philip II of Spain became ruler of Portugal. Since then, Spain and Portugal have usually been on opposing sides whenever there has been a war in the area, and they’ve also clashed in South America over territorial disputes. On the football pitch, Spain have historically had the upper hand, crucially triumphing over Portugal on the way to winning both the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2012. With both teams among the world’s elite, this rivalry remains one of the most entertaining in international football.

One of Asia’s most heated rivalries, Japan and South Korea have clashed over 80 times since their first meeting in 1954. South Korea historically hold the edge, but Japan have grown stronger, winning the 2011 Asian Cup semi-final in a dramatic penalty shootout. The rivalry is fuelled by long-standing political tensions, but on the pitch, it remains a battle for supremacy in Asian football. Both nations have consistently qualified for World Cups, making this one of the continent’s most anticipated fixtures.

This South American rivalry intensified in the 2010s as Chile emerged as a formidable opponent for Argentina. Back-to-back Copa América final wins in 2015 and 2016, both decided on penalties, gave Chile a psychological edge and prolonged Lionel Messi's international trophy drought at the time. The encounters are often heated, featuring aggressive tackles and confrontations between star players. Argentina finally turned the tide by defeating Chile in the 2019 Copa América and qualifying ahead of them for the 2022 World Cup, which they won.

The rivalry between El Salvador and Honduras transcends football, rooted in political tensions and territorial disputes. The 1969 World Cup qualifier between the two nations is infamous for escalating into a brief, but intense, conflict that became known as the 'Football War'. During the match in Honduras, violent clashes between fans and players resulted in the game being suspended, and tensions only deepened in the following weeks. The war was sparked by the culmination of long-standing issues, but football continued to be a battleground for both nations in the years that followed. These high-stakes encounters have always been emotionally charged, making each fixture between the two a volatile and fiercely contested affair.

The most intense rivalry in North America, the USA and Mexico have played over 70 times, with Mexico historically holding the advantage. However, since the 2000s, the United States have closed the gap, winning crucial matches, including the 2021 Gold Cup final. The rivalry is amplified by CONCACAF dominance, with both teams often meeting in high-stakes encounters. Matches between the two regularly feature passionate crowds, reflecting their deep-rooted footballing and socio-economic tensions.

A fixture defined by its high-stakes encounters, Italy and France have met in multiple major tournament finals. France triumphed at Euro 2000 with a golden goal from David Trezeguet, while Italy famously won the 2006 World Cup final on penalties, a match remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi. The two nations continue to produce high-quality encounters, but France’s recent dominance, including their 2022 World Cup run, has shifted the balance in their favour.

The Low Countries Derby is as much about national pride as footballing excellence. Despite sharing a border, the two nations have contrasting styles and a distinct love-hate relationship. Their clashes have ranged from friendlies to crucial World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, often delivering high-scoring encounters. Belgium’s rise in recent years has added fresh intensity to the fixture, making it one of Europe's most entertaining rivalries.

One of the oldest international football rivalries, Argentina and Uruguay's first encounter was in 1901. The two nations' fortunes and trophy hauls are very closely matched: Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930 and shocked Brazil in 1950, while Argentina claimed titles in 1978, 1986 and 2022. The rivalry is rooted in fierce competition and passion; encounters are often physical and highly charged, and matches between them, especially in Copa América and World Cup qualifiers, remain some of the most anticipated and emotional fixtures in international football.

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Few international rivalries have produced as many legendary encounters as Italy vs. Germany. From Italy’s dramatic extra-time win in the 2006 World Cup semi-final to their triumph in the 2012 Euros at the same stage, their meetings are rarely short of drama. Italy’s tactical discipline has often frustrated Germany’s attacking prowess, leading to tight, cagey encounters. Even their Euro 2016 quarter-final, won by Germany on penalties, was an intense battle of wills. This clash remains a benchmark of European footballing excellence.

A fixture that has decided World Cups, Germany and Argentina have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in football. Their three World Cup final meetings—1986, 1990 and 2014—have all been high-stakes encounters, producing moments of genius and heartbreak. Maradona led Argentina to victory in 1986, while Germany responded four years later. The 2014 final, settled by Mario Götze’s extra-time winner, added another chapter to this epic footballing saga.

The oldest international fixture in football, England and Scotland first played in 1872 in what is recognised as the world’s first official international match. England have traditionally been the stronger side, but Scotland have pulled off historic victories, including their famous Wembley win in 1977. The fixture remains a symbol of British footballing pride, with Scotland’s recent 0-0 draw at Euro 2020 reigniting the rivalry. Despite England’s overall superiority, Scotland’s famously and extremely passionate fanbase ensures every meeting is fiercely contested.

The fierce rivalry between Egypt and Algeria reached a boiling point in 2009 during World Cup qualification. After Algeria won 3-1 in June, Egypt had to secure a three-goal victory in Cairo to clinch the spot, or two to force a play-off. The build-up was fraught with tension when, two days before the game, Algeria’s team bus was stoned by Egyptian hooligans, injuring three players. In the final, Egypt won 2-0, forcing a shootout in Sudan, where Algeria triumphed 1-0. This bitter rivalry was born from years of hostility, including the infamous 1989 'hate match', and remains one of the most intense in African football.

The rivalry between Serbia and Croatia is rooted in the tumultuous breakup of Yugoslavia, and it remains one of the most politically and emotionally charged encounters in international football. Their first meeting since World War II, played in 2010, was marked by extreme hostility, with Serbian players greeted with chants of 'Kill the Serbs' in Zagreb. Croatia won 2-0, with goals from Mario Mandžukić and Ivica Olić, but the intensity was far from over. Their 2013 encounter in Belgrade ended in a 1-1 draw, notorious for Josip Šimunić’s violent red card after elbowing Miralem Sulejmani. These matches are emblematic of a rivalry where politics and football intersect, making each encounter fraught with tension.

A fixture packed with World Cup drama and post-war vitriol, England and Germany have produced some of the sport’s most iconic moments. England’s 1966 World Cup win remains their greatest triumph, but Germany have dominated knockout encounters, particularly in penalty shootouts. The 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996 saw England suffer heartbreaking shootout defeats, reinforcing Germany’s reputation for penalty excellence. England finally broke the curse at Euro 2020 with a 2-0 victory, their first knockout win over Germany in a major tournament since 1966.

A rivalry that peaked in the 1974 World Cup final, when West Germany defeated the Netherlands 2-1 to claim the title, the Dutch gained revenge in the Euro 1988 semi-finals, winning 2-1 en route to lifting their only major trophy. Germany may have the bigger trophy haul, but the Netherlands have often played the more attractive football, making their clashes a fascinating tactical battle. The 1990 World Cup match, infamous for a spitting incident involving Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Völler, added further spice to the fixture.

A rivalry defined by World Cup controversies, England and Argentina have faced off in some of football’s most dramatic moments. The 1966 Battle of Wembley saw England controversially defeat Argentina en route to their only World Cup triumph, while, in 1986, against the backdrop of the Falklands War, Diego Maradona’s infamous 'Hand of God' goal (pictured)—and stunning solo effort in the same match—cemented the fixture’s legendary status. The rivalry intensified at the 1998 World Cup when David Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone, an incident that contributed to England’s elimination on penalties. However, England got their revenge in 2002 with a 1-0 World Cup group-stage win, with Beckham scoring the deciding goal from the spot.

The Brazil-Argentina rivalry is one of the most intense in world football. With both nations consistently battling it out for the big prizes across generations, this fixture is characterised by intense passion and pride. The 2021 Copa América final was particularly historic, with Argentina winning 1-0, ending their 28-year trophy drought and giving Lionel Messi his first major international title. This rivalry has seen footballing legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona define the fixture, and each meeting is a spectacle of hotly contested top-class football.

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