Is soccer better than football? Finally settling the debate

Is soccer better than football? The two sports are among the most popular globally, attracting millions of diehards. Which of the two is better, and what are the reasons for justification? Fans are eager to settle the raging football vs. soccer debate. Read on to discover their merits and why several sports enthusiasts think one is better.

Some experts believe that football is better than soccer for various reasons. American football originated in Europe before spreading into America and becoming a fully-fledged sport. On the other hand, soccer has numerous fans and players on all continents, with various leagues and clubs that regularly bring together teams to contest. Is soccer better than football?

10 reasons why soccer is better than football

Why is soccer more popular than football? According to Sports Illustrated, 1.5 billion fans watched the FIFA World Cup 2022 final match live on television. The tournament attracted six billion engagements on social media. In the same year, less than 200 million worldwide watched the Super Bowl LVI live.

Is soccer a better sport than football? Soccer's popularity and ability to gather massive audiences is one reason experts believe it is better than football. Here are more reasons supporting this belief:

1. The simplicity of the sport

Soccer accommodates players of any age and gender. The game's rules are also straightforward compared to football, which has specialized roles and positions. Two of the most common soccer rules include offside and refraining from using your hands. This simplicity makes it easier for fans to follow the game.

2. Soccer allows more room to express creativity

Why is soccer better than football? Soccer allows players to invent new ways to dribble, pass, and move around the field. The non-stop 45-minute play further enhances this freedom. In football, the game is governed by set rules and movements for specific positions. For this reason, fans enjoy soccer more because of the thrill they get as they follow the passes and kicks in an attempt to score.

3. You can play soccer anywhere

Soccer players only require a ball, a flat surface, and a goal to get playing. It is common to see them making a customized goal using the available material. In football, players need equipment, protective gear, and ample space to play a game.

4. Soccer does not have a player-size advantage

In football, some positions, like the quarterbacks and linemen, require tall and large players to be effective. Unfortunately, these conditions may prevent some skilled individuals from playing because of factors beyond their control. Football players must only be physically fit to run for 90 minutes, dribbling and passing the ball.

5. Soccer is globally recognized

The World Cup, happening every four years, brings together teams worldwide to compete for one cup. Besides these teams, the event gathers fans cheering their countries as they compete for the coveted trophy. These teams comprise players from different leagues, making them more inclusive.

The annual Super Bowl brings together franchises from the NFL, the major football league in America, limiting the number of countries represented. Compared to a Super Bowl victory, a World Cup win gives players a competitive advantage and global recognition in their professional careers.

6. Soccer is cheaper than football

Compared to football, soccer requires minimal investment in the spaces to play in and the equipment needed. The sport is accessible to players from numerous economic backgrounds because they hardly require any equipment. Football gear needs frequent replacement and maintenance, making it an expensive venture. Football requires a precisely laid-out field, making finding and recreating facilities costly.

7. Soccer has fewer injuries

Football is a technical sport where players wear protective gear, making the players more prone to injuries because of the heightened contact. The nature of soccer and how it is played makes it less likely for players to collide, mainly because there is less impact and collision on a soccer pitch, making it a less risky sport.

8. Soccer has fewer interruptions

Ideally, a football match ought to run for 60 minutes. However, most games extend beyond the stipulated time because of interruptions in between caused by injuries, timeouts, penalties, and commercials. A soccer game typically runs for 90 minutes with minimal disruption, save for injuries or any other reason.

9. Soccer has numerous competitions

Almost every country likely has a national soccer league where teams from different regions compete regularly. This inclusivity allows the nurturing of more talent from players at an early age. As a result, several associations have come up, including UEFA, La Liga, and the League of Nations. The NFL Super Bowl only brings together football teams across America.

10. More exciting soccer stadiums

In many countries, the thrill of a soccer match is evident as fans gather to support their teams. The soccer spirit goes beyond the performance to passion and enthusiasm. It is common to see pomp and colour on soccer pitches, representing the excitement that soccer matches bring. The Super Bowl final game attracts several fans but in a lesser magnitude than soccer matches.

Soccer streaming services: A list of the best streaming services for soccer fans across the world

Football

Reasons why football is better than soccer?

American football is more popular in the United States because of its roots. One of the major reasons why football fans claim that it is better than soccer is because of the advertising opportunities available. The Super Bowl attracts several corporate commercials, charging them millions of dollars.

Other compelling reasons football fans believe it is better than soccer are that Americans like using their hands to play and that the sport has precise stop times. They also think that the sport is more action-packed.

Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.

Sports Brief published an article analyzing the history of American football and the origin of its name. Several fans have wondered why it goes by that name, yet players use their hands to pass the ball. Here is a brief history of the sport.

The term was coined in the 1800s and adopted from football and rugby, both kicking games. It was initially known as Association Football but was shortened to 'Assoc,' 'Soc,' and ultimately 'Socca.' Today, different countries have adopted American football, while others have retained soccer, creating particular rules for the sport. Click on the above article to find out the detailed history of American Football.