Footballing nations are constantly rising and falling in the global rankings based on squad strength, market value, and recent performances. In this article, we count down the 25 best national teams in the world as of June 2025, beginning with the underdogs and ending with the reigning elite.
25 Ukraine
katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com
Ukraine continues to develop technically sound players, with a balanced mix of domestic and international stars. Their squad, valued at €252.80m, is competitive in UEFA and capable of springing surprises at major tournaments.
24 Ecuador
lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Ecuador’s squad is among the youngest in CONMEBOL, with an average age of 25.9 and several breakout talents. Their €329.80m market value reflects a promising future, even if consistent results are still developing.
With an average squad age of 28.0, South Korea is one of the more experienced teams in the AFC. Though valued at just €96.60m, their discipline and team structure make them competitive in every match.
22 Austria
MaciejGillert / Shutterstock.com
Austria’s 27-man squad boasts a good blend of physicality and tactical understanding. Despite a moderate market value of €218.80m, they remain a difficult opponent in UEFA competitions.
21 Denmark
A.Taoualit / Shutterstock.com
Denmark may fly under the radar, but their €393.55m squad continues to deliver consistent performances. With a 26.3 average age, the Danes remain tactically sharp and difficult to break down.
20 Switzerland
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
Switzerland’s squad is both experienced, averaging 27.6 years, and balanced across all lines. Their €274.60m valuation underlines their depth and reliability in major competitions.
19 Senegal
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Senegal blends European-based talent with domestic grit, reflected in their €298.80m squad value. Their 26.7 average age suggests a well-rounded unit capable of challenging at the top in Africa.
18 Iran
Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com
Iran’s 28-man roster averages 28 years in age, making them one of the most seasoned squads globally. Though valued at just €33.90m, their regional dominance and resilience remain impressive.
17 Mexico
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
Mexico consistently ranks among the top in North America, supported by a €196.50m squad. With an average age of 27.1, they combine experience and tactical flexibility.
16 United States
MDI / Shutterstock.com
The United States boasts the youngest squad in the top 25 with a 25.3 average age. Their €194.30m valuation is growing quickly as more players thrive in top European leagues.
15 Japan
feelphoto / Shutterstock.com
Japan’s squad is defined by precision, pace, and tactical discipline. At €272.93m and 27.1 average age, they are a standout force in Asia with ever-improving European exports.
14 Colombia
AGIF / Shutterstock.com
Colombia’s 28.1 average age ranks among the oldest, bringing valuable experience to their €315.50m squad. Their flair and physicality keep them in the CONMEBOL conversation.
13 Uruguay
A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com
Uruguay continues to compete at a high level with a €449.80m squad and a 27.1 average age. Their blend of traditional toughness and new stars keeps them in the mix internationally.
12 Morocco
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com
Morocco impressed the world with their recent World Cup performances. Their €365.65m squad, averaging 26.4 years, reflects their continental ambition and global recognition.
11 Croatia
Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com
Croatia’s 27.5 average age shows the influence of seasoned veterans. Valued at €316.30m, they remain tactically masterful and capable of deep tournament runs.
10 Germany
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Germany’s 28.3 average age is the highest in the top 25, but their €657.00m squad shows plenty of quality. Despite recent inconsistency, they remain a force to be respected.
9 Italy
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Italy’s €727.50m squad combines legacy with a new wave of creativity. With a 26.2 average age, they’re entering a transitional phase that still commands top-tier respect.
8 Belgium
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Belgium’s squad, valued at €533.40m, still carries remnants of its most successful generation. At 26.4 average age, the team aims to reassert itself as a serious contender.
7 Portugal
kivnl / Shutterstock.com
Portugal’s €1.01bn squad is one of the most valuable in the world. With a 26.7 average age, they blend experience and flair in every position.
6 Netherlands
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com
The Netherlands maintain their footballing heritage with a €721.50m squad and a 27.2 average age. They consistently develop world-class players who elevate their tactical identity.
5 Brazil
Photo: Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com
Brazil’s €902.80m squad reflects their continuous export of elite talent. With a 27.0 average age, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in any competition.
4 England
England tops the valuation charts with a €1.40bn squad. Averaging 26.6 years in age, they are deep, balanced, and aiming for international glory with a strong core of players.
3 France
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com
France’s €1.23bn squad features a dazzling array of talent. With a 26.1 average age, they boast depth and versatility across all positions, keeping them in constant title contention.
2 Spain
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com
Spain’s €1.29bn squad is the youngest in Europe’s elite, averaging 25.7 years. Their modern style and pipeline of young stars ensure long-term success.
1 Argentina
Fabideciria / Shutterstock.com
Argentina stands atop world football with 1886 points and a €741.50m squad. Their 27.3 average age strikes the perfect balance between youth and experience, powered by recent championship success.