The global sport known as football is played and adored in nearly every country on earth, but in the United States, a different term is used—soccer. For many sports enthusiasts around the world, especially those from football-dominant nations, the American use of the word “soccer” is often puzzling. But the history behind this term is both fascinating and rooted in historical developments that predate modern associations with the sport. This article delves deep into the origins of why Americans call it soccer, how the term evolved, and what it signifies today.
The Historical Roots of Soccer
To fully understand why Americans call it soccer, we must start with the origins of the word itself. Interestingly, the term soccer was not originally American; it actually comes from England, the birthplace of modern football.
In the late 19th century, two types of football were gaining popularity: Rugby Football and Association Football. To distinguish between the two, people began to use shortened forms of their names. Rugby Football became “rugger,” and Association Football became “assoc.” Over time, the term “assoc” was morphed into “soccer,” a form of slang that was popular at English universities.
Thus, “soccer” was coined in England as a way to differentiate between the various types of football that existed. The term stuck around in England for a while before eventually fading out in favor of “football.” However, it crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where it gained a permanent foothold.
Why Americans Call It Soccer: The American Sporting Landscape
In the United States, the word “football” already referred to a completely different sport—American football, a sport that itself evolved from rugby. Given the popularity of American football, a distinction was needed to differentiate between the two games. As a result, the term “soccer” became the common name for what the rest of the world knows as football.
The influence of American football cannot be overstated. By the early 20th century, American football was already growing into a dominant sport, with professional leagues forming and capturing the attention of the nation. As a consequence, the term football became closely associated with this uniquely American version of the game, leaving “soccer” as the accepted term for Association Football.
The Role of British Influence in Shaping the Term
Interestingly, the adoption of the term soccer in the United States was also influenced by British settlers. As soccer began to grow in popularity in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants from England and other parts of Europe played the game using the term they were familiar with: soccer. These early influences helped solidify the term in American vernacular, even as it began to fade from common usage in Britain.
It is often forgotten that the term “soccer” was widely used in Britain until the mid-20th century. The shift from “soccer” to “football” in the UK was a gradual process, with “football” finally becoming the dominant term as the sport’s popularity exploded worldwide.
Soccer vs. Football: The Global Divide
The terminology divide between “soccer” and “football” is a unique cultural phenomenon, reflecting how languages and sporting preferences vary by country. In most parts of the world, “football” refers to what Americans call soccer. However, there are notable exceptions.
In countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa, the term “soccer” is also commonly used due to the existence of other popular forms of football (such as Canadian football or rugby). In fact, these countries, much like the United States, needed a way to differentiate between multiple versions of football, and “soccer” was the most convenient term available.
The global divide over the term, however, has become somewhat of a cultural touchpoint. Football fans from other countries often express confusion or frustration over the American use of the word “soccer,” while Americans view it as simply the name of the sport they know and love.
The Evolution of Soccer in the United States
While “soccer” may have been a lesser-known sport in the U.S. for much of the 20th century, its rise in popularity is undeniable in recent decades. Major League Soccer (MLS), founded in 1993, has helped increase the visibility of the sport in America. High-profile players from around the world, along with the growing interest in international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, have propelled soccer into mainstream American sports culture.
The influence of youth soccer leagues has also played a critical role in this transformation. Soccer has become one of the most popular sports for children in the United States, with millions of young athletes participating in organized leagues each year. These youth programs have helped soccer develop a strong grassroots foundation in the U.S., fostering a generation of passionate fans.
As soccer’s popularity grows, the question of terminology occasionally arises again. Some Americans, particularly those who have spent time abroad, begin to refer to soccer as “football.” However, for the vast majority of Americans, “soccer” remains the default term.
Why Not Call It Football?
Given that the rest of the world calls the sport football, why don’t Americans simply follow suit? There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, the term “football” in the United States is deeply ingrained in the culture. American football is one of the most popular sports in the country, with the National Football League (NFL) standing as the premier sports league in terms of viewership, revenue, and cultural impact. To change the name of soccer to football in the U.S. would cause confusion, as American football would need to be renamed as well.
Additionally, American sports fans are accustomed to a wide array of sports, each with its own distinct name: baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. Soccer has carved out its place as part of that landscape, and changing its name would disrupt a well-established norm.
Another reason is practicality. In a country where American football reigns supreme, using “football” to refer to soccer could lead to misunderstandings in conversations. When Americans hear “football,” they think of quarterbacks, touchdowns, and the Super Bowl—not the sport played with a round ball and a net.
How Does Soccer in America Compare Globally?
In terms of global popularity, soccer (or football) is undeniably the most watched and played sport in the world. While the U.S. may be more focused on American football, basketball, and baseball, soccer has been steadily climbing the ranks.
International events like the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the English Premier League attract millions of American viewers, demonstrating the sport’s increasing presence in the U.S. Moreover, the performance of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams on the global stage, particularly the women’s team, has brought even more attention to soccer. The U.S. Women’s National Team has been one of the most successful in the world, further fueling interest in the sport.
The Impact of Media and Technology on Soccer’s Growth in the U.S.
Another factor contributing to the rise of soccer in America is the impact of media and technology. With the advent of streaming services and the internet, American sports fans now have greater access to international soccer matches. In previous decades, following the English Premier League, La Liga, or the Bundesliga was difficult for American viewers due to limited broadcasting. Today, soccer enthusiasts can easily watch their favorite teams and players in real-time, thanks to a range of sports networks and online platforms.
Furthermore, social media has allowed fans to engage with soccer on a global scale. Whether through following international clubs, discussing tactics with other fans, or engaging in online debates about the sport, American soccer fans are more connected to the global football community than ever before.
Will Americans Ever Switch to Calling It Football?
As soccer continues to grow in popularity in the United States, some have speculated whether Americans will eventually adopt the term “football” for the sport. While it is possible that future generations could shift terminology, there are significant obstacles to this happening on a large scale. As previously mentioned, American football has a firm grip on the term “football,” and soccer has built a strong brand under its current name.
For now, it seems likely that Americans will continue to call the sport soccer, while the rest of the world sticks with football. The terminology divide is a reflection of cultural differences, and it serves as a reminder that language, like sport, is deeply influenced by history, tradition, and societal norms.
Conclusion.
So, why do Americans call it soccer? The answer lies in a fascinating blend of history, culture, and practicality. The term originated in England, traveled to America, and remained there even as the rest of the world transitioned to calling it football. The presence of American football and the need for clear distinctions between different types of football have ensured that soccer remains the term of choice in the United States.
As soccer continues to grow in popularity across the U.S., it may spark new conversations about terminology, but for now, soccer is deeply embedded in American sports culture. Regardless of what it’s called, the passion and enthusiasm for the sport are universal, uniting fans around the world in their love for the beautiful game.
