Countries with the Longest Trophy Droughts in International Football
England’s 58-year trophy drought came into sharp focus after their loss to Spain in the EURO 2024 final, ensuring that their wait for a major title will extend to a grim 60 years . Yet, they aren’t alone in their struggle; three other teams are currently facing even longer barren runs, with South Korea leading the way. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, and the Czech Republic also find themselves among the national teams that have waited over 48 years for a significant trophy.
In the intricate world of international football, success is traditionally measured by the silverware a nation holds. For some teams, however, the hunt for a major trophy has stretched into decades, creating overshadowing narratives over their storied pasts. England’s decades-long wait has garnered much media attention, with the phrase “football’s coming home” often used humorously as they grapple with their identity as a footballing powerhouse. They join nine other nations that have all experienced a drought of 48 years or more in international accolades.
Following England’s agonizing defeat in the EURO 2024 final, a Reddit post highlighted the ten teams currently enduring the longest silverware droughts in international football.
10. Iran – Asian Cup, 48 Years Ago
Despite having the sublime talent of Ali Daei, often known as the ‘Iranian Maradona,’ who scored an incredible 108 goals in 148 caps between 1993 and 2006, Iran has struggled to form a trophy-winning squad for 48 years. Back in 2005, they proudly held a FIFA World Ranking of 15th, but their last major victory was in the 1976 Asian Cup, where they triumphed 1–0 over Kuwait.
9. Czech Republic – European Championship, 48 Years Ago
The footballing history of the Czech Republic is rich and intricate. Since its debut as a separate country in the European Championships in 1996, the Czech Republic has consistently competed but has not matched its 1976 triumph as Czechoslovakia national league table. Their maiden appearance ended in a runners-up finish, and they have reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals, but they remain without a major title.
8. Morocco – Africa Cup of Nations, 48 Years Ago
Morocco made headlines by finishing fourth in the 2022 World Cup, marking them as a surprising contender. However, without a major title since winning the Africa Cup of Nations 48 years ago, their trophy cabinet is notably bare. Morocco has participated in six World Cups and made history in 1986 for being the first African team to finish atop their group and reach the knockout stages.
7. Peru – Copa America, 49 Years Ago
Peru’s footballing legacy is overshadowed by powerhouse nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Yet, they became the inaugural champions of the Copa America in 1975. After a lengthy period of decline, they reached the 2019 final but were defeated by Brazil. Several of their top players are still active, which may signal a potential resurgence in Peruvian football.
6. DR Congo – Africa Cup of Nations, 50 Years Ago
Historically, the DR Congo was an African football powerhouse, winning the African Cup of Nations in 1974. However, challenges such as political instability and economic difficulties have hindered their progress. Despite the emergence of talented players, the national team has struggled to reclaim its former glory, although they recently saw some success by reaching the semi-finals of the 2015 AFCON.
5. Sudan – Africa Cup of Nations, 54 Years Ago
Known as the “Falcons of Jediane,” Sudan once boasted a strong footballing pedigree, winning the African Cup of Nations in 1970. However, similar issues with political instability and economic hardship have plagued the team. They now find themselves ranked 120th in FIFA’s latest standings, with little indication of a return to prominence.
4. England – World Cup, 58 Years Ago
The Three Lions are set to reach a 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy after their loss to Spain at EURO 2024. England has not experienced a major tournament win since 1966. Gareth Southgate, who took them to two finals, has stepped down, and Thomas Tuchel has been brought in to help end the long-standing drought.
3. Israel – Asian Cup, 60 Years Ago
Israel’s drought is often overshadowed by the attention on England, but they haven’t won a major title since capturing the Asian Cup in 1964. With the ongoing political complexities in the region, it appears their wait for a significant trophy may extend even further. threepeat
2. new zealand women vs australia women Ethiopia – Africa Cup of Nations, 62 Years Ago
Ethiopia, known as the Walia Ibex, celebrated its peak by winning the African Cup of Nations in 1962. However, they have not qualified for a World Cup since and last advanced beyond the group stage of the AFCON in 1968. Though they enjoyed a brief resurgence in 2013, the promise of those days remains unfulfilled.
1. South Korea – Asian Cup, 64 Years Ago
Home to the prolific Heung-min Son, South Korea has yet to convert its talent into major titles, last winning the Asian Cup in 1960 judd trump. The team has finished as runners-up four times and experienced third-place finishes on several occasions. It’s astonishing to think that South Korea’s drought may be even more pronounced than England’s.
All statistics are accurate as of October 16, 2024. Which national team do you think will end their trophy drought first?
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