Football is known as soccer in the US and Canada, but why is that the case? The reason for this difference in terminology lies in the history of the sport and the need to distinguish it from other forms of football, such as American football. In the US and Canada, the term "soccer" is used to refer to the sport that is commonly known as football in the rest of the world.
History of the Term "Soccer"
The term "soccer" originated in England in the late 19th century, when it was used as a nickname for Association Football. At the time, there were several forms of football, including rugby football and association football, and the term "soccer" was used to distinguish the latter from the former. However, in the UK, the term "football" eventually became the preferred term, and "soccer" was largely abandoned.
Why the US and Canada Use the Term "Soccer"
In the US and Canada, the term "soccer" was adopted to distinguish the sport from American football, which was growing in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "soccer" was seen as a way to avoid confusion between the two sports, and it eventually became the standard term used in the US and Canada.
Global Usage of the Term "Football"
In the rest of the world, including the UK, Europe, and South America, the sport is commonly known as football. This is because the term "football" is seen as a more descriptive and accurate term for the sport, which involves kicking a ball with the foot.
The 2026 World Cup and the Use of the Term "Soccer"
The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature teams from around the world, including those that refer to the sport as football and those that refer to it as soccer. The use of the term "soccer" in the US and Canada is likely to continue, even as the sport grows in popularity globally. For more information on the 2026 World Cup, including the teams that will be participating, visit our website. You can also check out our football explained section for more articles on the sport.