The San Marino Men’s National Team is widely regarded as one of the smallest and least successful teams in international football. In fact, they are the dead ass last ranked team in the world, sitting at #210.
However, San Marino just pulled out a 3-1 win vs Liechtenstein to earn promotion in UEFA Nations League and progress further into World Cup 2026 Qualifying.
San Marino has beaten Liechtenstein 2x in a row. Before that, their record in UEFA Qualifying is zero wins, two draws and 76 losses.
So, Who the He*l is San Marino?
Background
San Marino, a microstate surrounded by Italy, is the fifth-smallest country in the world and the smallest member of UEFA. With a population of roughly 34,000, the talent pool available to the national team is inherently limited. Most players are amateurs or semi-professionals, with their domestic league, the Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio, providing the bulk of their squad.
The San Marino Football Federation was founded in 1931, but the national team played its first official match only in 1990, a 4-0 loss to Switzerland in a European Championship qualifier.
Achievements
San Marino’s footballing record is modest:
- First and only win: A 1-0 victory against Liechtenstein in a friendly on April 28, 2004, thanks to Andy Selva’s goal.
- Biggest draw: A 0-0 stalemate with Turkey in a 1993 World Cup qualifier.
- Goals scored in competitive matches: Rare, but celebrated when they occur. Notable moments include scoring against England in 1993, just 8.3 seconds into the match—a record that stood for years as the fastest goal in World Cup qualifying.
Challenges
San Marino is often on the receiving end of heavy defeats. Their status as one of the lowest-ranked teams in FIFA’s rankings is reflective of the tough competition they face in Europe. Regular losses and high goal margins highlight the disparity between them and other nations, but their players take pride in representing their country on the international stage.
Fan and Community Spirit
Despite the struggles, the team is beloved by fans, both domestically and internationally. Their underdog status and relentless spirit have garnered a cult following. Every goal scored or point earned is a cause for celebration, reinforcing the idea that football is about more than just winning—it’s about passion, community, and the love of the game.
Looking Ahead
San Marino continues to focus on fostering local talent and participating in international competitions like the UEFA Nations League and European Championship qualifiers. While victories remain elusive, the team’s commitment to competing against the giants of European football exemplifies the beauty of the sport and the enduring dream of triumph against the odds.
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