In the world of football betting, having a deep understanding of each national team not only helps players increase their winning rate but also brings a great advantage when participating in long-term bets or bets according to the progress of the match. Not every strong team is worth trusting at all times, and not every team with a great reputation brings optimal betting value. This article Bestsoccertips.com will take you to the 8 best national football teams of all time, not only from the perspective of performance, but also from the perspective of bettors: playing style, stability, how they often affect the odds and which betting strategy is best for each team.
8 the best national football team of all time
From glorious achievements on the pitch to influence far beyond national boundaries, here are the top 8 best national football teams of all time, timeless icons who have helped shape the history and identity of the king of sports.
8. Uruguay
Uruguay is one of South America’s most decorated teams, with two World Cup titles and a record 15 Copa América trophies. Known for a pragmatic, physical style of play centered around defense and counterattacks, Uruguay is ideal for bettors favoring Under goals, light handicaps, or penalty shootout bets in tightly contested matches. Especially during the group stage or against evenly matched opponents, markets such as 0–0 First Half or Under 2.5 Goals are smart options.
In addition, with prolific forwards like Suárez, Cavani, or Darwin Núñez, Uruguay can surprise with sudden goals and efficient finishing during fast breaks. Against stronger teams, they are capable of delivering shocking late goals. Bettors should take advantage of markets such as Uruguay to Score in the Second Half or live betting based on counterattack dynamics. Due to their aggressive playing style, Uruguay also tends to collect many cards, making the Over Cards market an interesting and often overlooked option.
7. Netherlands
Although the Netherlands has never won a World Cup, it remains one of the most influential teams in football history with its famed “Total Football” philosophy. In sports betting, the Netherlands is an appealing option due to their direct, fast-paced, and high-pressing style of play. This opens up valuable opportunities in markets such as Over goals, Winning by a Large Margin, or Scoring Early. Dutch attackers are often creative and impactful, making markets like First Goalscorer or Assist Provider worth exploring when available.
However, the Netherlands is also known for inconsistency, especially in decisive matches. Therefore, bettors should carefully evaluate the team’s stability in both lineup and strategy. Against stronger opponents, avoid deep handicap bets on the Netherlands and instead consider markets such as the Netherlands to Score in the First Half or live bets based on wing attacks. Additionally, in major tournaments, their open play style makes the Both Teams to Score (BTTS) market particularly appealing.
6. Spain
Spain dominated world football between 2008 and 2012 with their historic EURO–World Cup–EURO treble. Known for their tiki-taka style of possession football, Spain is a tough team to beat. In betting, this offers numerous opportunities for those who enjoy live betting based on match flow. Spain usually controls possession, making markets such as Over corners, Spain – corner handicap, or Spain to Score Late highly attractive. They also tend to control the First Half and accelerate in the Second Half, which aligns well with bets on more goals after halftime.
Nevertheless, Spain has lacked a world-class striker in recent tournaments, which can make finishing difficult. Bettors should be cautious when betting on Spain with deep handicaps or high Over goals, especially against teams with deep defensive lines. Additionally, due to their patient build-up play, Spain often creates pressure without scoring early, making markets like Under First Half Goals or 0–0 in the first 30 minutes more suitable than early goal bets.
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5. Argentina
Argentina is always a wildcard in football betting. They may struggle for much of the match but can suddenly change the outcome with a moment of genius from stars like Messi or Di María. With three World Cup titles, most recently in 2022, Argentina plays with emotion and flair, which suits bettors looking to wager on late goals, unexpected goalscorers, or dramatic wins. In knockout matches, they often do not score heavily but manage the game efficiently.
However, in group stage matches, Argentina is frequently given deep handicaps by bookmakers. Bettors should be cautious when backing them at steep Asian Handicaps, especially in opening games that can be unpredictable—as demonstrated by their shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup. Therefore, in-play bets, such as a Draw in the First Half or Argentina to Score in the Second Half, are often wiser choices once their attack gains momentum.
4. France
In the past decade, France has emerged as a dominant force with back-to-back World Cup final appearances in 2018 and 2022, winning once and boasting one of the most star-studded squads globally. France is a favorite among sports bettors due to their fast-paced, unpredictable attacking options such as Mbappé, Griezmann, and Dembélé. Matches involving France are typically lively affairs, making bets like Over goals, First Team to Score, or Mbappé to Score particularly appealing with good odds and high likelihood.
However, bettors should note that France sometimes relies heavily on individual brilliance rather than tactical systems. Against disciplined teams or solid defensive setups, they may encounter difficulties breaking through. Therefore, in high-stakes matches such as semifinals or finals, caution is advised when considering bets on France with heavy handicaps. Instead, consider markets such as Under in the First Half or betting on more goals in the Second Half, as France often shines in the latter stages of matches.
3. Italy
Italy is often highly rated by experienced bettors, especially in knockout matches or tactically complex fixtures. Known for their legendary Catenaccio defensive system and adaptable gameplay, Italy has won the World Cup four times and most recently claimed the EURO 2020 title. When Italy enters a major tournament, they typically play cautiously in the group stage, often resulting in Under goals outcomes. However, as the tournament progresses, they tend to demonstrate resilience and composure, making them an excellent option for bets such as Extra Time, Penalty Shootout, or Italy to win by a narrow scoreline.
That said, bettors should recognize that Italy is not always explosive in attack. Therefore, it is wise to avoid markets such as Over corners or high total goal lines unless facing significantly weaker opponents. On the contrary, Asian Handicaps like Draw No Bet or +0.25 against stronger teams can offer good value. For bettors who favor a tactical approach and prefer in-play betting based on match developments, Italy presents numerous strategic opportunities.
2. Germany
Germany is always a top choice for bettors who prefer a long-term perspective and value consistency. With four World Cup titles and three European Championship victories, Germany represents discipline, tactical awareness, and fighting spirit. In major tournaments, Germany often starts without making a huge impression but gradually gains momentum as the competition progresses. This makes them a popular pick for outright winner bets at attractive odds before the tournament starts, or for advancing from the group stage with a high probability of success.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that Germany’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent. Bettors should closely monitor the team lineup, head coach strategies, and tactical formations, especially before matches against opponents who specialize in defensive counter-attacking. In such matches, Germany may struggle to convert possession into goals. Therefore, Under goals markets or betting on the Last Team to Score can be more prudent options than betting on deep Asian Handicaps.
1. Brazil
Brazil is not only the most successful national team in World Cup history with five titles, but it is also a name that inspires strong confidence among sports bettors whenever a major tournament begins. With a rich tradition of attacking football, a technically gifted squad, and a legacy passed down from legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho to modern stars like Neymar and Vinícius Jr., Brazil consistently ranks among the top favorites in outright winner odds. Particularly in markets such as Over/Under goals or First Team to Score, Brazil is often an ideal choice due to their open style of play and explosive potential from every position on the field.
However, due to their high expectations and glorious history, Brazil is often priced tightly by bookmakers, making Asian Handicap odds not always favorable. Bettors are advised to assess the team’s current form realistically rather than relying solely on reputation. In knockout stages, Brazil can sometimes adopt a more pragmatic approach, which significantly lowers total goal counts. Therefore, when placing bets on Brazil, it is crucial to differentiate between the group stage (where Over goals and large-margin wins may be more likely) and the knockout rounds (where lower Asian Handicaps or Under bets may present better value).
Final Thoughts
Football betting is not just about luck but also a combination of knowledge, analysis and the ability to assess the situation. The 8 best national football team of all time in this article are all immortal symbols of world football, but from a betting perspective, each team brings different opportunities and risks depending on the stage, opponent, and playing strategy. Understanding the characteristics of each team will help you make smarter decisions from choosing the right type of bet to the ideal time to put money in. Remember, winning big does not depend on the stronger team, but on the player who knows how to seize the right moment.
See more: Which teams have never been relegated from the Premier League?
