Top 10 Greatest Rivalries in International Football History

Football isn’t just a game—it’s a battlefield of pride, history, and national identity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the fiercest international rivalries, where every match is charged with emotion and historical tension. These clashes go beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch, often shaped by decades of political conflict, cultural pride, or competitive dominance. From South America’s passion-fueled classics to politically sensitive European derbies, here are the 10 fiercest rivalries in international football that have electrified fans across generations.

10. El Salvador vs Honduras

• Matches Played: 71
• Record: Honduras 37 wins, El Salvador 15 wins, 19 draws

This international football rivalry famously escalated into the 1969 “Football War,” highlighting its extreme political and social tension. Matches between the two Central American nations are packed with nationalist passion. The hostility often spills beyond the pitch. A fixture where football and history collide.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
El Salvador	71	37	15	19
Honduras	71	15	37	19

9. Spain vs Portugal

• Matches Played: 41
• Record: Spain 17 wins, Portugal 6 wins, 18 draws

The Iberian derby dates back to 1921 and features two of Europe’s most successful footballing nations. Matches are marked by flair, tactical brilliance, and moments of genius. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in 2018 to tense Euro clashes, the rivalry has seen everything. Legacy, pride, and neighborly rivalry fuel this fixture.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Spain	45	19	6	16
Portugal	45	6	19	16

8. Japan vs South Korea

• Matches Played: 89
• Record: South Korea 53 wins, Japan 15 wins, 21 draws

This East Asian rivalry is shaped by decades of political and cultural tension. Football matches often serve as extensions of diplomatic unease. Players and fans approach every game with fierce national pride. It remains one of Asia’s most heated footballing feuds.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Japan	89	53	15	21
South Korea	89	15	53	21

7. Serbia vs Croatia

• Matches Played: 2
• Record: Croatia 1 win, Serbia 0 wins, 1 draw

While rare, the meetings are among the most politically charged in International football. The rivalry stems from the breakup of Yugoslavia and deep-rooted ethnic conflict. Matches are often marred by off-field hostility and heavy security. One of the most intense rivalries despite few games played.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Serbia	2	1	0	1
Croatia	2	0	1	1

Also Read: Top 10 Longest Unbeaten Runs by National Teams

6. England vs Germany

• Matches Played: 35
• Record: Germany 15 wins, England 14 wins, 6 draws

This international football rivalry is steeped in wartime context and footballing drama. Iconic moments include the 1966 World Cup Final and Euro 1996 penalties. It’s as much about psychological battles as it is about football. Every fixture is treated like a final.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
England	35	15	14	6
Germany	35	14	15	6

5. USA vs Mexico

• Matches Played: 80
• Record: Mexico 39 wins, USA 25 wins, 16 draws

North America’s most fiery football rivalry is steeped in cultural and political undertones. Recent decades have seen the USA narrow the gap, especially on home soil. Gold Cup finals and World Cup qualifiers turn into intense spectacles. The rivalry is loud, passionate, and unpredictable.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
USA	80	39	25	16
Mexico	80	25	39	16

4. England vs Scotland

• Matches Played: 115
• Record: England 49 wins, Scotland 41 wins, 26 draws

The oldest rivalry in international football, dating back to 1872. Every match is a matter of historical pride and national identity. Scotland’s 1967 win at Wembley remains iconic. Age hasn’t dulled its edge—every clash still carries tension.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
England	115	49	41	26
Scotland	115	41	49	26

3. Egypt vs Algeria

• Matches Played: 25
• Record: Algeria 10 wins, Egypt 7 wins, 8 draws

Few African rivalries carry the emotional charge of this North African clash. Matches have seen riots, injuries, and heavy police presence. The 2009 World Cup qualifier was among the most violent ever. Football is deeply intertwined with national pride here.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Egypt	25	10	7	8
Algeria	25	7	10	8

2. Germany vs Netherlands

• Matches Played: 48
• Record: Germany 18 wins, Netherlands 12 wins, 18 draws

World Cup history and post-WWII bitterness fuel this long-standing grudge. The 1974 final loss remains traumatic for Dutch fans. Incidents like the Rijkaard–Völler clash intensified it further. Tactical battles and off-field tension define this heavyweight rivalry.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Germany	48	18	12	18
Netherlands	48	12	18	18

1. Brazil vs Argentina

• Matches Played: 115
• Record: Brazil 46 wins, Argentina 43 wins, 26 draws

The fiercest international football rivalry in the world, filled with superstars, controversy, and unforgettable moments. From Pele and Maradona to Neymar and Messi, icons define the legacy. The passion of South American football is embodied in every game. It’s more than a match—it’s a battle of footballing philosophies.

	Matches Played	Wins	Loss	Draw
Brazil	115	46	43	26
Argentina	115	43	46	26

FAQs:

Q1: What is considered the biggest international football rivalry?
A1: The Argentina vs Brazil rivalry is widely regarded as the biggest, thanks to both teams’ historical dominance and global fanbases.

Q2: Which international football rivalry has the most matches played?
A2: The Argentina vs Uruguay rivalry has over 190 matches, making it the most frequently contested international football rivalry.

Q3: Do players take these rivalries seriously?
A4: Yes, players and coaches often treat rivalry games with heightened intensity due to national pride and high public interest.

Q5: Which international football rivalry has the most competitive balance?
A5: England vs Germany is one of the most balanced, with both sides having historic wins and close head-to-head records.