Top 10 Longest Unbeaten Runs by National Teams

In the world of international football, consistency is a true mark of greatness. Some national teams have gone years without tasting defeat, setting records that may never be broken. These longest unbeaten runs represent dominance, discipline, and tactical brilliance. From golden generations to tactical revolutions, these teams shaped football history. Here are the top 10 longest unbeaten runs by national teams, ranked.

10. Hungary

Hungary’s “Golden Team” went unbeaten in 31 matches between 1950 and 1954. Led by legends like Ferenc Puskás, they won the 1952 Olympics and reached the 1954 World Cup final. Their unbeaten streak was ended by West Germany in that final in a shocking 4-2 loss. It remains one of the most dominant eras in European football. Hungary’s run is still remembered as one of the longest unbeaten runs of its time.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Hungary	31	1950 – 1954	West Germany

9. Algeria

Algeria remained unbeaten for 25 games between 2019 and 2022. Their run included Africa Cup of Nations victories and World Cup qualifiers. Led by Riyad Mahrez, the team combined flair with organization. The streak ended with a surprise 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. Algeria’s feat is still one of the longest unbeaten runs in African football history.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Algeria	25	2019 – 2022	Equatorial Guinea

8. Italy

Italy’s first historic streak came in the 1930s, going unbeaten for 30 matches. Under coach Vittorio Pozzo, they won the 1938 World Cup and the 1936 Olympic gold. This era laid the foundation for Italy’s footballing legacy. Their run was eventually ended by Switzerland in 1939. It was one of the earliest examples of the longest unbeaten runs in world football.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Italy	30	1935 – 1939	Switzerland

7. France

After missing the 1994 World Cup, France rebounded with a 30-game unbeaten streak. The team included rising stars like Zidane, Desailly, and Blanc. Their tactical evolution under Aimé Jacquet proved vital for their 1998 World Cup win. The run ended in Euro 1996 against the Czech Republic. It remains one of the most underrated unbeaten runs in international football.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
France	30	1994 – 1996	Czech Republic

Also Read: Highest Scoring World Cup Final: Top 10 Goal-Filled Matches in History

6. Argentina

Argentina enjoyed a 31-game unbeaten spell in the early 90s. It began after the 1990 World Cup and included back-to-back Copa América titles. Under Alfio Basile, the team boasted players like Batistuta and Simeone. Their run was broken in World Cup qualification by Colombia. Argentina’s form set the tone for future longest unbeaten runs they would later break.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Argentina	31	1991 – 1993	Colombia

5. Brazil

Brazil, the spiritual home of football, had a 35-game unbeaten run during their 90s golden age. This run included their 1994 World Cup triumph led by Romário and Bebeto. Their rhythm and flair were unmatched during that time. The streak ended in the 1996 Gold Cup final with a loss to Mexico. Brazil’s run stands as one of the longest unbeaten runs ever by a South American team.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Brazil	35	1993 – 1996	Mexico

4. Spain – 35 Matches (2007–2009)

Spain’s golden era featured one of football’s most dominant sides. Between 2007 and 2009, they went 35 games unbeaten, winning Euro 2008. Their midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabregas controlled every match. The streak was finally broken by the USA in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Spain’s dominance defined the standard for longest unbeaten runs in Europe.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Spain	35	2007 – 2009	United States

3. Algeria

Algeria returned with another 35-match unbeaten streak across 2018 to 2022. They went undefeated through AFCON 2019 and World Cup qualifiers. The side showed defensive solidity combined with swift attacking transitions. Equatorial Guinea ended the run once again in early 2022. Algeria is one of the few nations with two of the longest unbeaten runs in history.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Algeria	35	2018 – 2022	Equatorial Guinea

2. Argentina

Argentina’s unbeaten run of 36 matches is the second-longest ever recorded. The stretch included winning the 2021 Copa América, ending a 28-year trophy drought. Lionel Messi led the team with passion and precision. Saudi Arabia surprisingly ended the streak in their 2022 World Cup opener. Despite the loss, it cemented Argentina’s place in longest unbeaten runs history.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Argentina	36	2019 – 2022	Saudi Arabia

1. Italy

Italy holds the record for the longest unbeaten run by any national team. Between 2018 and 2021, they went 37 games unbeaten under Roberto Mancini. The run included their victorious Euro 2020 campaign. Spain finally ended the streak in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. This stands atop the list of the longest unbeaten runs in football history.

National Team	Matches Unbeaten	Years Active	Streak Ended By
Italy	37	2018 – 2021	Spain

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q1: Which country holds the longest unbeaten run in football?
Italy holds the record with 37 matches unbeaten from 2018 to 2021.

Q2: How is an unbeaten run counted?
It includes all international matches where the team did not lose, including wins and draws.

Q3: Did Argentina’s run end in the 2022 World Cup?
Yes, Saudi Arabia ended Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run in the 2022 World Cup opener.

Q4: Has any African team had a long unbeaten run?
Yes, Algeria had two separate long unbeaten runs of 25 and 35 matches.

Q5: Are unbeaten runs still possible in modern football?
Yes, although increasingly difficult, strong tactical teams can still create long unbeaten streaks.