Football & soccer is a common debate about the sport played with a round ball. However, in the United States, “football” is a game played with helmets and an oval ball, whereas the sport played with a round ball is known as “soccer.” The difference in naming is often confusing, because culture and language differ from place to place.
Where Did These Names Come From?
So, “soccer” started in Britain back in the 1880s. Some clever folks at the University of Oxford called rugby “rugger” and association football “soccer.”
Eventually, “ssoccer” got trimmed down to “soccer” (Britannica). It was a fun nickname, but it never really caught on in the UK.
In the U.S., “soccer” stuck around to keep things clear from American football. The United States Football Association even changed its name to the United States Soccer Football Association in 1945, then just dropped “Football” altogether. And boom, “soccer” it was.
Who Calls It What?
Football and Soccer are the same games but it is known by different names. Here’s a quick overview:
| Region | Term Used | Why |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Soccer | To avoid mixing it up with American football. Why do Americans call it soccer? |
| Canada | Soccer | Same reason as the U.S., to keep it separate from Canadian football. Do they call it soccer in Canada? |
| United Kingdom | Football | “Soccer” started here, but “football” is the go-to term. |
| Australia | Soccer | To not confuse it with Australian Rules football. |
| Rest of the World | Football | The usual term for Association Football. Which countries call it soccer vs football? |
In North America, “soccer” is the rule to avoid American and Canadian football. FIFA also calls it “football”.
Do you want to know why people call it what it is? Check out our articles on should I say soccer or football? and what do Europeans call soccer?. Knowing these terms can help you understand the cultural quirks and preferences around this sport that everyone loves.
Why Football is a Global Phenomenon
Worldwide Craze
In all over the world football is the most popular sport. It is not just a game. It’s also a global obsession. In spite of kicking a football in a muddy field or watching the World Cup in a stadium, it brings people together like nothing else. The FIFA World Cup attracts billions of people and proving that football it’s a universal game.
| Aspect | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Players Worldwide | 250 million |
| Countries Participating | 200+ |
| Major Event Viewership (e.g., FIFA World Cup) | Billions |
Meanwhile, American football is the national sport. It’s practically a national holiday, taking over TV ratings with nine of the top ten most-watched shows in U.S. history (Wikipedia).
| Aspect | Statistic |
|---|---|
| High School Players (U.S.) | 1.1 million |
| College Players (U.S.) | 70,000 |
| Super Bowl Viewership | Top 9 of 10 most-watched U.S. broadcasts |
Cultural Impact
Football’s influence goes beyond the pitch. In Europe, South America, and Africa, it’s woven into the fabric of society. Think Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Germany—these countries live and breathe football. National teams are a source of immense pride and identity.
| Region | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|
| Europe | National pride, cultural cornerstone |
| South America | Identity, national pride |
| Africa | Community sport, cultural cornerstone |
In Australia, Australian rules football takes center stage and drawing the biggest crowds. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, soccer union is the preferred sport. It’s also gaining traction in the U.S., especially at college.
| Region | Popular Sport |
|---|---|
| Australia | Australian rules football |
| New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji | Rugby union |
| U.S. (fastest-growing) | Rugby union (college level) |
In North America, “soccer” is the term used to avoid confusion with American football. This little linguistic twist highlights the regional differences in how the sport is perceived and enjoyed.
Football’s universal appeal makes it an interesting way through which to view different cultures. If you’re intrigued by the soccer vs. football debate, check out our article.
