Unlike football clubs, ranking national teams is difficult because, apart from the FIFA World Cup, the continental tournaments are different in terms of time, competitiveness, and quality.
Also, a major international tournament can significantly boost or decrease the rating of a country. So, the most reliable source for rating football national teams is the FIFA Rankings.
In the FIFA Rankings, countries are ranked with points based on their results — with the most successful teams ranked highest.
It was introduced in December 1992.
In this article, Surprise Sports brings you the world’s top 10 best national football teams in 2022.
1. Brazil
Brazil is the most successful country in international football history — having won the most FIFA World Cup titles (5).
The Selecao have also produced some of the greatest footballers in history.
Brazil has consistently maintained brilliant performances, and Neymar and co are among the favorites to win the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
2. Belgium
The current Belgian national team is the country’s golden generation, and their squad is stacked in all areas of the pitch.
Belgium has improved a lot under the tutelage of Roberto Martinez. But they have always come short in major tournaments.
Their best tournament performances saw them finish third at the 2018 World Cup and runners-up at the 1980 European Championship.
The Red Devils will hope to claim silverware for the first time at the upcoming World Cup.
They are among the dark horses to win football’s premier tournament later this year.
3. Argentina
The current Argentina team is blessed with Lionel Messi, but it has become apparent that Messi alone cannot win them a title over the years.
The Albiceleste have suffered heartbreak in the last decade but finally won the Copa America and the Finalissima this year. The South American nation is one of the countries with the most trophies in football.
They would hope to build on that momentum in Qatar as it will be the last chance for the senior players in the squad.
4. France
The defending world champions are a match for anyone. They could amazingly choose three or four different starting elevens from their abundant crop of stars that could still go far in an international tournament.
Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane, et al. means France is a force to be reckoned with, and they will be hoping to defend their World Cup crown in November.
France is one of the countries that have always been good at soccer for many years.
5. England
The current England national team squad boasts a pool of talented players, both experienced players, and youngsters.
The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup in Russia and the final of the European championships last year.
Gareth Southgate’s side will look forward to taking a step further by winning the global Mundial in Qatar. They are among the countries that have won the World Cup, which they clinched in 1966.
6. Spain
Although La Roja isn’t what they were a decade ago, there’s still a lot of talent at Luis Enrique’s disposal, and it’s hard to bet against them in any game they play.
The current squad can stand up against any team in the world.
7. Italy
Roberto Mancini has been building an exciting squad since his appointment, and there are plenty of young, talented players (mixed with veterans) in the current squad.
Their fall-off after winning the 2006 World Cup was dramatic, but Italy is back after winning the Euros last year.
Unfortunately, the Azzuri will not be at the World Cup after shockingly getting eliminated by Northern Macedonia in the qualifiers.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the more modest European nations, but they have a rich football history, and the current squad can compete at the highest level.
Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Matthijs de Ligt make them a force to be reckoned with.
The Dutch have a notorious history of causing major upsets at tournaments and, at the same time, fumbling under pressure.
9. Portugal
Any team with Cristiano Ronaldo can never be underestimated.
Beyond the Manchester United striker, though, Portugal now has a lot of talent in the likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Neves, Ruben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
They are a country to watch out for in Qatar.
10. Denmark
Denmark has a standard league system that serves as a platform for upcoming youngsters.
And in recent years, the national team has benefited as brilliant players have emerged from the country. The likes Christian Eriksen, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Hojberg, Yussuf Poulsen and Mikel Damsgaard.
The Danes have done pretty well in their last two major tournaments; the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020. With their recent impressive performances, Denmark will be one of the best national football teams in the world in 2022.
They are ranked this high due to their brilliant consistency in recent years.
- Related: What is a Promotion in Soccer?
