Albert is an Indian guy who loves to watch football. His favourite football player is Sunil Chhetri, a legendary striker and the captain of the Indian national team.
However, when Albert interacts with Darian, his friend from the United States, he often gets confused because he refers to "football" as a completely different sport.
While Albert is talking about the game played with a round black and white ball, primarily using feet—commonly known as soccer in the U.S., his American friends are referring to American football, a sport involving an oval-shaped ball, physical tackles, and strategic plays.
Let’s solve this confusion once and for all. This article will help you understand the difference between football and soccer. Keep reading to learn the real difference between football and soccer.
Difference between Soccer and Football
The difference between soccer and football depends on the context and region:
Soccer vs. Football
Football is a generic term used to describe all the different sports which use the feet and hands to score goals. Think of it like foot + ball = Football. Any game which is played with a ball using your feet is football.
So, there are many different sports where players use their feet to control, pass, or kick the ball to score points or goals—and all these can fall under the broad term "football".
Games such as rugby, soccer, American football, Australian Rules football, Canadian football, Gaelic football, etc., come under it.
| Feature | Soccer (Association Football) | Football (Global Term) |
| Sport | The same sport as football globally | Same sport as soccer |
| Terminology Origin | Originated in England as a shortened form of "association football" | Originated in England as the primary term for the sport |
| Global Usage | Primarily used in the U.S. and a few other countries | Used globally except in a few countries like the U.S. |
| Rules | Follows FIFA and IFAB rules | Follows FIFA and IFAB rules |
| Popularity | Most popular sport globally | Most popular sport globally |
| Equipment | Minimal protective gear (shin guards) | Minimal protective gear (shin guards) |
| Gameplay | Played primarily with feet | Played primarily with feet |
| Scoring | Goals (1 point each) | Goals (1 point each) |
Now, coming down to soccer, which is also known as Association Football, you can say that this game is more native to the USA, Canada, and Australia and is played with a round ball, mostly using feet.
Now, many of you must be confused with the fact that if soccer is simply football, then why is there another US sport, i.e., American football? What’s the difference between both of them?
To make it simpler for you, here’s a table that will help you understand the difference between soccer and American football.
| Feature | Soccer (Association Football) | American Football |
| Ball Shape | Spherical | Oval-shaped |
| Gameplay | Primarily with feet, occasional use of head and chest. Goalkeepers can use their hands. | Involves carrying, throwing, and kicking the ball. |
| Scoring | Goals (1 point each) | Touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), safeties (2 points) |
| Field Dimensions | Wider (70–82 yards) and longer (110–120 yards) | Narrower (53.3 yards) and longer (120 yards) |
| Tactics | Emphasises fluid team play and strategy | Relies heavily on pre-planned plays and formations |
| Equipment | Minimal protective gear (shin guards) | Extensive protective gear (helmets, pads) |
| Global Popularity | Most popular sport globally | Primarily popular in the United States |
| Terminology | Known as "football" globally, except in a few countries | Known as "football" in the United States, "American football" elsewhere |
| Duration | Two 45-minute halves | Four quarters of 15 minutes each |
| Number of Players | 11 players per team on the field | 11 players per team on the field |
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