When people think of football, they imagine balance, competition, and the idea that “anything can happen in 90 minutes.” Yet history tells us that sometimes the beautiful game turns into a nightmare for one side. From small island nations crushed by footballing giants to bizarre protest matches ending in record-breaking scorelines, the sport has witnessed some of the most humiliating defeats imaginable.
These matches were not just about goals; they were about mismatched skill levels, tactical collapses, and, in some cases, deliberate acts of protest. They prove football is more than just a ball between two posts—it can reflect preparation, resilience, pride, and sometimes tragedy.
Below, we revisit some of the biggest losses in football history, matches that fans, players, and record books will never forget.
China 19–0 Guam (2000)
In January 2000, during an Asian Cup qualifier in Ho Chi Minh City, China dismantled Guam with ease. The Chinese side, preparing for its golden era, used this match as a showcase of dominance. For Guam, whose team included schoolteachers and amateurs, the scoreline highlighted the painful gap between professional and grassroots football.
Iran 19–0 Guam (2000)
The same year, Guam faced another nightmare, this time against Iran. Played at Takhti Stadium, Tehran, the match ended with another 19–0 hammering. Guam’s football federation president would later describe their early years as “being like a punching bag,” and this result proved the statement right.
Kuwait 20–0 Bhutan (2000)
Kuwait made headlines in 2000 when they destroyed Bhutan in an Asian Cup qualifier. Jasem Al-Huwaidi starred with five goals, while Bhutan managed only a single shot. For Kuwait, it was a statement of regional strength; for Bhutan, a harsh lesson in the early stages of its footballing journey.
North Korea 21–0 Guam (2005)
Yes, Guam again. In 2005, during the East Asian Championship qualifiers, North Korea smashed them 21–0 in Zhongshan, China. Chasing goal difference, the Koreans were relentless, while Guam endured their third historic thrashing in just five years.
Tonga 0–22 Australia (2001)
Australia, then part of the Oceania Football Confederation, crushed Tonga in a World Cup qualifier. John Aloisi scored six goals as the Socceroos showed their superiority. For Tonga, this match became a painful reminder of the gulf between Oceania’s strongest and weakest teams.
Preston North End 26–0 Hyde (1887)
Going back to the 19th century, Preston demolished Hyde in an FA Cup match. This match symbolized the professionalization of English football, with Jimmy Ross netting seven goals. It remains one of the most lopsided results in English football history.
Tahiti 30–0 Cook Islands (1971)
During the South Pacific Games, Tahiti obliterated Cook Islands. The scoreline of 30–0 remains one of the most brutal in Oceania’s footballing past. The Cook Islands also lost 16–1 to Papua New Guinea in the same tournament, cementing their tournament as a national nightmare.
Australia 31–0 American Samoa (2001)
Perhaps the most famous mismatch of the modern era. American Samoa arrived in Australia missing most of their squad—only two senior players were eligible. Schoolboys and amateurs filled the team sheet, and Australia ran riot. Archie Thompson scored 13 goals, setting a world record. The 31–0 result still stands as one of FIFA’s most embarrassing scorelines.
Dundee Harp 35–0 Aberdeen Rovers (1885)
In Scotland, Dundee Harp humiliated Aberdeen Rovers with a 35–0 victory. Ironically, the referee initially recorded the score as 37–0, but Harp officials corrected him to the official 35. It’s remembered not only for the goals but also as a rare example of honesty in football.
Arbroath 36–0 Bon Accord (1885)
On the very same day Dundee Harp made history, Arbroath went one step further. They thrashed Bon Accord 36–0 in the Scottish Cup. Even more astonishingly, seven goals were ruled out for offside—otherwise, the score might have topped 40!
AS Adema 149–0 Stade Olympique l’Emyrne (2002)
Finally, the most unbelievable result in football history. In Madagascar, SO l’Emyrne deliberately scored 149 own goals in protest against refereeing decisions in the previous match. The final score of 149–0 is officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest margin of victory in the sport. This match remains one of football’s strangest stories—less about sporting failure and more about a unique form of rebellion
