What countries say 'soccer' instead of 'football'? Find out here

Football, sometimes referred to as soccer, is the world's most popular sport, followed by millions globally. People call the beautiful game differently, leading to an endless debate about how and why the same game has two names. The diversity in the names began in Britain before spreading to other countries. So, what countries say 'soccer' instead of 'football'? Which is the correct name to use?

The names have created a geographical divide over which one is right. Some fans even taunt their counterparts from regions using a different identity from theirs. So, how many countries say soccer instead of football? This article lists the countries that call soccer soccer and those that call it football. You will also discover the reason behind the linguistic divide.

How many countries say 'soccer'?

The sport has gained popularity in almost every corner of the globe. It is one of the oldest games on earth. Most countries call the sport football because you kick the ball using your foot. Such nations are in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. So, in what countries do they say soccer?

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NBA

The United States is among the few countries that say soccer because of American football, a similar sport that stems from soccer and rugby. American football is the most popular sport in the US, followed by basketball and baseball.

Soccer or football, which came first?

The sport has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It developed in England, where it was referred to as soccer after the formation of the Football Association (FA) in 1863. The FA adopted the name to distinguish it from other versions like rugby football that existed during that time.

According to sources, the term underwent different transformations from its original name. It comes from a slang abbreviation of the word 'association', which transformed into 'assoc.' The term later changed to 'assoccer' and then 'soccer'. The English used the name for several years, but most publications stopped using it in the 1980s.

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Football

Soccer or football, which one is right?

Both names are correct since they refer to the same sport founded in the 19th century. Although the word soccer started in England, unlike numerous perceptions that it originated in America, many English people rejected it and chose football. However, depending on your audience, you must be careful which word to use.

How is the sport played?

The game involves two teams of 11 players each, one goalkeeper and ten outfield players. They aim to score more goals than the opponent in a 90-minute playing time frame. The matches have two halves of 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break. Referees could also add additional minutes after the 45 minutes elapse, depending on the time wasted.

Players can use any part of their bodies except their hands and arms to move the ball. Coaches can also make a maximum of five substitutions during the match.

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Rugby

Which countries say soccer?

The United States is mainly associated with the name when referring to the sport. The country has invested heavily in the sport from grassroots to the national league, Major League Soccer. MLS has attracted many talents like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovich, and Thierry Henry.

The name soccer is also prominent in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Other countries that use the word interchangeably alongside football are Ireland, South Africa, and a few Asia nations.

How many countries say 'football' instead of 'soccer'?

Over 90% of the world's countries prefer the word football, which has stuck in most people's minds. They include European countries, South America, Africa, and some Asian nations.

The sport is more prominent in England, where it originated. The English Premier League is arguably the most-watched and toughest league on earth. It has attracted many outstanding players alongside Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A, and the French League 1.

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Does Ireland say 'soccer' or 'football'?

Older generations in Ireland often use soccer when discussing the sport. However, some Irish use the synonyms interchangeably, depending on their regions. The sport has declined in the country due to few quality players. Rugby Union, Gaelic football, and hurling are Ireland's top three popular sports.

Does Australia call it soccer or football?

Both words are prominent in Australian territory. 'Football' or 'footy' generally refers to Australian rules football, while 'soccer' refers to association football. The Australian national team's nickname is 'The Socceroos', invented from the word soccer.

Does Japan call it soccer?

The Asian country uses 'football' when referring to its national governing body, Japan Football Association. They also refer to the sport as sakkā. The sport has developed in the country more than in other Asian nations. Their men's and women's national teams have excelled in international competitions.

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Football

What is the sport called in the Olympics?

The International Olympic Committee identifies the sport as football. Since its inception in 776 BC in Greece, the Olympic Games has hosted several disciplines, bringing together athletes from different nations who compete for medals.

Football made its Olympic debut in the 1900 Paris Games. The sport has since appeared at every game except in the 1932 Los Angeles edition. It is one of the most-watched disciplines in the Summer Games.

What is soccer called in other countries?

Many nations outside the English-speaking territories also have different variations of the sport's name in their native languages. Portuguese-speaking countries call it futebol, while Italians call it calcio. Here is a breakdown of some of the unique names given to the sport.

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Football

What countries say soccer? Most nations identify the sport as football, while only a few call it soccer. Despite the name variations, it remains the most-followed game on earth. The sport is in several countries, from the grassroots to the national level.

READ ALSO: What is archery and how do you play the sport? Origin, history, rules, and equipment used

Sports Brief also published an article about archery, featuring its history, rules, and how to play. The sport has captivated people's interest for centuries, becoming one of the most famous games in the Olympics since its introduction in 1972.

Archery involves shooting arrows with a bow. Most people in the ancient days used it for hunting and fighting. The sport combines precision, focus, and skill. Follow the above link to learn more about it.