However, a few nations have maintained an unblemished record for many years. They have won international competitions to continue their unbeaten streak. Here are some longest unbeaten international runs in football.

9) France (2010-2012) – 23 matches

8) West Germany (1978-1981) – 23 matches

West Germany won Euro 1980 in that time, seeing off Belgium in the final with a 2-1 win to add a trophy to the run.

7) France (1994-1996) – 30 matches

A 30-game unbeaten streak proved to be just the beginning of an iconic, history-making decade for Les Bleus. Aime Jaquet sliced up a squad of disappointing veterans that failed to reach the 1994 World Cup by adding in youngsters such as Zinedine Zidane, as France geared up to win the 1998 World Cup at home.

6) Italy (1935-1939) – 30 matches

One of international football’s most successful sides, Italy won back-to-back World Cups in 1934 and 1938 after declining to participate in the inaugural tournament. The second win of which came within a four-year unbeaten period.

5) Argentina (1991-1993) – 31 matches

Part of the reason Argentina’s most recent run of form is so important is because they have just eclipsed their last unbeaten run. Coming in the early 90s, the run followed a controversial 1990 World Cup final defeat against West Germany. Gabriel Batistuta starred as they won back-to-back Copa America titles.

2) Spain (2007-2009) – 35 matches

The beginning of the country’s golden era, a young Spain side bursting at the seams with generational talent put the world on watch as they dominated to clinch Euro 2008, and put together an incredible 35-game unbeaten run, which saw some incredible football being played to swallow up teams. They followed it up by winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

2) Brazil (1993-1996) – 35 matches

The first international side to make it to 35 games unbeaten, Brazil in the 1990s were a force. With more golden eras than most, Brazil made history again from 1993 to 1996, as the likes of Dunga, Romario and Bebeto brought Brazil out from the cold and lead them to domination, winning the 1994 World Cup.

2) Algeria (2018-2021) – 35 matches

A period of hope after years of disappointment, Algeria rebuilt and looked a force once again despite a difficult start under coach Djamel Belmadi. Belmadi turned the tide, though, and got the nation playing incredible football on the way to winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations; their first since 1990. Their unbeaten run was ended after a difficult 2022 tournament.

2) Argentina (2019-Present) – 35 matches

With all the momentum in the World and Messi in inspired form for his nation in what could be the last international tournaments of his career, Argentina have won two trophies already and must carry their momentum to the 2022 World Cup

1) Italy (2018-2021) – 37 matches

After near enough a decade of disappointment, Roberto Mancini quietly rebuilt Italy by striking the ideal balance between their veterans and their young stars, which saw them romp to an unbeaten run in preparation to Euro 2020, which continued as they won the trophy.
Amazingly, it’s fallen apart since, with Italy failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and being beaten by a nation who could surpass their record in Scaloni’s Argentina