International soccer is full of intense rivalries, but let’s be honest, some of them have deeper roots than just a tough match on the field. These feuds go beyond the pitch, seeping into national histories, and sometimes even back to when swords were more common than soccer cleats. I was listening to a Mexican analyst during the Mexico vs USA match, and he claimed the rivalry started in 1934 in Italy when the U.S. beat Mexico 4–2. But come on, do you really think it started with a match over 80 years ago? Nope! This rivalry has been brewing since the mid-1800s during the Mexican–American War when the U.S. annexed Texas, sparking a conflict that ended with Mexico losing a big chunk of land. It got me thinking—what other soccer rivalries have a little extra non-soccer spice in their history?

El Clásico del Pacífico – Perú vs Chile

The rivalry between Peru and Chile, began during the War of the Pacific (1879–1883), where Chile fought against Peru and Bolivia for control of nitrate-rich territories.

Japan vs Korea

The clash between Japan and Korea traces its roots back to Japan’s invasions in the late 16th century and the harsh colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.

Serbia vs Croatia

The intense rivalry between Serbia and Croatia emerged from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, marked by brutal wars and struggles for independence among its republics.

Germany vs Netherlands

The rivalry between Germany and the Netherlands began to intensify during World War II, particularly due to the German occupation of the Netherlands

Honduras vs El Salvador

The "Soccer War" between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969 proved that sometimes a World Cup qualifier can kick off more than just a match—like an actual war. Thankfully, it only lasted 100 hours, making it the shortest conflict ever sparked by a missed penalty and a whole lot of national pride.

England vs Scotland

The historic rivalry between England and Scotland dates back to the first international match in 1872, but its roots lie even deeper in centuries of political and territorial disputes. The Wars of Independence and the 1707 Act of Union are key moments that shaped their contentious relationship.

India vs Pakistan

The India and Pakistan rivalry began with the partition of British India in 1947, leading to violent upheaval and the creation of two separate nations.

Morocco vs Algeria

Morocco vs Algeria has roots in the political disputes surrounding the Western Sahara conflict, particularly after Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. This rivalry was further intensified by the brief border conflict known as the Sand War in 1963.

France vs Italy

The rivalry between France and Italy is steeped in a complex history marked by political maneuvers and territorial disputes, including the Italian Wars in the 1400s and the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century.

If only Napolean (1 inch shorter than Messi) could have settled his disputes on a soccer pitch instead of a battlefield.

Argentina vs Brazil

The top rivalry in the world. These two countries went to war twice: the Cisplatine War (1825-1828) and the Paraguayan War (1864-1870). And then things really heated up after the Copa América in 1916, where they first clashed in a competitive match.

But hey, at least these days most countries have the good sense to keep their rivalries where they belong: on the soccer pitch, not the battlefield. After all, nothing screams "let's settle this like civilized nations" quite like a friendly match, a few dramatic dives, and a stadium full of fans waving colorful jerseys. Because really, what’s better than resolving centuries of tension with a 90-minute game and a couple of questionable referee calls?