Yes. In most countries around the world, soccer is called football. In fact, “football” is the official name of the sport according to the sport’s global governing body, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).
However, in countries like the United States and Canada, the sport is commonly known as soccer to distinguish it from American football and Canadian football.
While the names differ, both refer to the exact same sport played by 11 players on each side, where the objective is to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team’s net.
Why Is It Called Football?
The term football dates back centuries and generally referred to games played primarily using the feet rather than on horseback. Modern association football was officially codified in England in 1863, when the Football Association (FA) established the first standardized rules.
The name “football” stuck because players primarily use their feet to control and move the ball.
Where Did the Word “Soccer” Come From?
Many people assume Americans invented the word “soccer,” but that’s actually a myth.
The word soccer originated in England during the late 1800s. Students at the University of Oxford shortened “Association Football” to “Assoc.”, which eventually became “soccer.”
At the time, England also had another popular sport known as Rugby Football, so nicknames helped distinguish between the two.
Ironically, although the British created the word, they gradually stopped using it in favor of simply calling the sport football.
Why Do Americans Say Soccer?
The United States already had an established sport called American football, which became one of the country’s most popular sports during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
To avoid confusion:
- Football referred to American football.
- Soccer referred to association football.
Today, the distinction remains in the United States, even as soccer continues to grow rapidly in popularity through leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) and international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.
Which Countries Call It Football?
Most countries use the term football, including:
- England
- Spain
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Japan
- Australia (increasingly uses football alongside soccer)
In fact, the overwhelming majority of the world’s population refers to the sport as football.
Which Countries Commonly Use “Soccer”?
The term soccer is still widely used in:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia (alongside football)
- New Zealand
- Ireland (to distinguish it from Gaelic football)
Is One Name More Correct?
Both names are technically correct.
- Football is the official international name and is used by FIFA and most national football associations.
- Soccer is a recognized English-language term that developed in England and remains the standard name in countries where another version of football is more popular.
The choice largely depends on regional language and sporting culture.
Why Does FIFA Use Football?
FIFA’s full name is Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which translates to International Federation of Association Football.
Because the organization governs the sport worldwide, it officially refers to the game as football, reflecting the terminology used by most of its 200-plus member associations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soccer and football the same sport?
Yes. Soccer and football are two names for the same game, officially known as association football.
Why do Americans call football soccer?
Americans use “soccer” to distinguish it from American football, which is the country’s most popular football code.
Did Americans invent the word soccer?
No. The word “soccer” originated in England in the late 19th century as a nickname for association football.
Does England call it soccer?
Today, England almost always calls the sport football, although the word “soccer” was originally coined there.
What does FIFA stand for?
FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for association football.
Final Thoughts
Whether you call it soccer or football, you’re talking about the same sport—the world’s most popular game, played by hundreds of millions of people across every continent. While “football” is the official international name and is used in most countries, “soccer” remains a perfectly valid term, especially in nations where other forms of football dominate the sports landscape.
Ultimately, the name depends on where you are—but the passion for the game is universal.