Football vs Soccer: A Global Naming Debate

The age-old debate over whether to call the world's most popular sport football or soccer continues, with U.S. President Donald Trump humorously suggesting a change. The term 'soccer' originated in Britain and was commonly used there but now mostly persists in America, Australia, and Canada, who have other football variants.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Newyork | Updated: 18-07-2025 09:44 IST | Created: 18-07-2025 09:44 IST
Football vs Soccer: A Global Naming Debate
This image is AI-generated and does not depict any real-life event or location. It is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only.

The global debate over whether to call the world's most beloved sport "football" or "soccer" remains unresolved. U.S. President Donald Trump jokingly suggested an executive order to standardize the term "football" in America during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey.

"I think I could do that," Trump smiled, acknowledging the complexity given the existence of American football. As soccer's popularity grows in the U.S., the sport's influence on the global stage is increasingly notable, exemplified by high-profile events and soccer stars like Lionel Messi gracing American teams.

The term "soccer" traces back to Britain, derived from "association football." It was widely used in the UK until recent decades. Nations like Australia, Ireland, and Canada also navigate the dual terminology, reflecting their diverse football culture. Football versus soccer remains a lively discussion in countries with multiple versions of football.

(With inputs from agencies.)

Give Feedback