The never-ending and long-standing controversy between “football” and “soccer” has created passionate debate among sports enthusiasts worldwide. Even though the terms relate to the same sport, they can be different based on regional preferences and historical influences.
Football vs Soccer
In recent years, the debate between “football” and “soccer” has sparked many intense discussions among sports fans. Let’s break down and see where these terms come what are thier roots from and why different parts of the world use them.
Where “Soccer” Came From
“Soccer” actually comes from “association football,” a term that used to separate it from other types of football played in the U.S. (Business Insider). Back in the late 1880s, some innovative students at the University of Oxford started calling it “assoccer,” which eventually got abbreviated to “soccer” or “socker”.
Even though “soccer” was originally invented in Britain, it never caught on there. The British stuck with “football.” But in other places except Britain, especially where other types of football were popular, “soccer” became the go-to term.
How Different Places Use the Terms
People use “football” and “soccer” differently based on where you are. Here’s a quick look at some regions:
| Region | Preferred Term | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Soccer | “Soccer” became popular in the late 1800s to avoid confusion with American football. The United States Football Association even changed its name to the United States Soccer Football Association in 1945, later dropping “Football”. |
| United Kingdom | Football | Brits have always preferred “football.” “Soccer” is just a nickname and not widely used. The sport is a big part of British culture (TIME). |
| Canada, Australia, and South Africa | Soccer | These countries have their own types of football, like gridiron football, Australian rules football, and rugby. They use “soccer” to avoid confusion. |
Other countries have their own reasons for choosing one term over the other, often based on local football variants and cultural influences.
For more on this topic, check out our articles on should I say soccer or football?, what do Europeans call soccer?, and which countries call it soccer vs football?.
It is important to understand the history and regional differences behind “football” and “soccer” to help explain why the sport has different names around the world.
Regional Differences
United States
In the United States of America, “soccer” is the term for football. This was done to prevent mixing it up with American football, which is also called “football” there.
The term “soccer” became popular in the late 1800s, and by 1945, the United States Football Association even renamed its name to the United States Soccer Football Association, eventually dropping “football” completely (Britannica).
Are you curious why Americans stick with “soccer”? Check out our article on why do Americans call it soccer
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Football | American football |
| Soccer | Association football |
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, “football” means association football. The term “soccer” was actually started in Britain in the 1880s, thanks to some innovative students at Oxford who wanted to distinguish “rugger” (rugby football) away from “assoccer” (association football).
Sadly the “soccer” never really took off and stayed more of a nickname. Want to know what Europeans call soccer? Visit what do Europeans call soccer?.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Football | Association football |
| Soccer | Rarely used, refers to association football |
Canada, Australia, and South Africa
In places like Australia, Canada and South Africa around the world, “soccer” is used to avoid messing it up with their own football versions.
Canada: In Canada, “football” refer to Canadian football or American football. “Soccer” is used for association football. Even in Canadian French, “soccer” is common, with terms like “le football canadien” or “le football américain” used to differentiate (Wikipedia).
Australia: In Australia, “football” refer to Australian rules football, rugby league, or rugby union. For clarity, “soccer” means association football. Wondering whether to say soccer or football? Visit should I say soccer or football?.
South Africa: “football” might mean rugby or association football. “Soccer” specifies association football and avoids confusion.
| Country | Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Football | Canadian or American football |
| Canada | Soccer | Association football |
| Australia | Football | Australian rules football, rugby league, or rugby union |
| Australia | Soccer | Association football |
| South Africa | Football | Rugby football or association football |
| South Africa | Soccer | Association football |
It is important to understand that these regional differences help explain why the terms differ and how the sport is seen in various cultures.
For more on this, check out our articles on is football the same as soccer? and which countries call it soccer vs football?.
