Most countries throughout the world have similar organizations to the European leagues. Each country has its own leagues whose winners compete in their continent’s tournaments. The Copa Libertadores is the South American equivalent to the European Champions League. Asian and African teams play in similar competitions. These leagues may not be as high profile as those in Europe as the money from television rights seems to be centered in Europe. However, the rest of the world may have some of the best talent and fan support. Because most of the money is in the bigger European leagues, many of the stars from the rest of the world ply their trade in Europe.

The strongest professional leagues in Europe have traditionally been the English, Italian, Spanish, and German leagues. They have always had the most money and the most interest from other countries. They have been able to compete in the transfer market for the best players from around the world. With this has come lots of success. There is usually massive interest across the world when the top teams from these leagues are drawn against each other in European competition.

The next tier is arguably made up of the French, Dutch, and Portuguese leagues, though many would argue that the Russian, Greek, and Turkish leagues are strong too. These leagues typically have less money and therefore do not have as many players who are recognized worldwide. Nonetheless, they consistently challenge in Europe against the so-called bigger teams from the stronger leagues, and frequently win European trophies.

The Argentine and Brazilian leagues are considered the strongest outside of Europe. They have the most support as well as the most following from outside their own countries. They produce lots of players who are often sold to rich European clubs, but they still manage to remain very competitive in their domestic leagues as well as in South American competition. The Mexican Primera Liga is another one of the more prestigious leagues in the Americas, with clubs who have had long and proud histories and large fan support. Major League Soccer in the US, leagues in Asia, Africa, and Australia may not have previously received much interest from the rest of the world, but these days are getting attention for unearthing world class stars while their own teams grow and exert more influence internationally.

There are many countries who are considered powerful in international soccer, but none more so than Brazil. The Brazilians are usually considered the favorites going into every tournament they enter. They always seem to have the best players in the world, a style that is pleasing on the eye, and a mentality that no one is better than them. But they do not always win even when they are expected to. Their closest and most hated rivals Argentina are another quality team that always have the potential to win the World Cup or Copa America.

In Europe the most successful countries have been Italy and Germany, though they do not enter every tournament as favorites. Although they are only behind Brazil in terms of success, they are from a continent where there are many heavyweights including the likes of France, Spain, England, and Holland. These teams are also considered potential winners every tournament. With the likes of Portugal, the Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey, and Russia and a host of other countries, competition between European countries can be fierce.

Whereas in the past only Europe and South America were given much credence, the emergence of soccer powers in Africa, Asia and the rest of the world has really turned soccer into a truly world sport. African heavyweights such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt are being challenged by relative newcomers Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, and others. In Asia, South Korea and Japan are usually up there with Iran and Saudi Arabia, but now China has started to become very competitive. The United States is now considered Mexico’s equal in North America, whereas in years past Mexico did not have a real challenger to their regional throne. With the rise of Caribbean soccer and Australia’s success, the level of competitiveness has never been higher.