Why is Football Called Football While Actual Foot Ball is Called Soccer?
Football, as it is known in the United States, is called soccer in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe. This discrepancy in naming stems from the historical evolution of the sport.
In the mid-19th century, a variety of ball sports were played in England, including rugby football, association football, and Gaelic football. To distinguish between these games, the term "football" was used to refer to all of them. However, as association football gained popularity, it became necessary to differentiate it from the other football games.
In 1863, the Football Association (FA) was formed to govern association football. To avoid confusion with the other football codes, the FA adopted the term "soccer" as a slang abbreviation of "Association Football." In the United States, however, the term "football" stuck for association football, while the other football codes, particularly rugby football, became known as "American football," "rugby," or "gridiron football."
Thus, the difference in naming between football and soccer arose from the need to distinguish between different football games during the sport's early development.
Related Questions and Answers
- Why is soccer called football in some countries?
- Because it was originally played with the foot.
- Why is American football called football?
- Because it evolved from rugby football, which was called football in England.
- What is the difference between soccer and American football?
- Soccer is played with a round ball and primarily involves kicking, while American football is played with an oval ball and involves running, passing, and tackling.
- Which sport is more popular worldwide?
- Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide.
- What is the FIFA World Cup?
- The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament held every four years.
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