Soccer (Association Football) in itself does not have a classical history. Notwithstanding any similarities to other ball games played around the world, FIFA has describe that no historical connection exists with any game played in antiquity outside Europe. The history of soccer in England dates back to at least the eighth century. The modern rules of soccer are based on the mid-19th century efforts to standardize the widely varying forms of soccer played in the public schools of England.
Soccer, known as football to a great majority of the world, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players each, who primarly use their feet to propel a ball around a rectangular field called a pitch. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by moving the ball beyond the goal line into a rectangular frame goal defended by the opposing team. Traditionally, the game is played over two 45-minute halves for a total match time of 90 minutes. With an estimated 250 million players active in over 200 countries and territories, it is the world's most popular sport.
The game is played in accordance with the Laws of the Game, a set of rules that has been in effect since 1863. The "football" is 27-28 inches in circumference. Only the goalkeepers can use their arms and hands and only then within the penalty area.
Internationally, soccer is governed by FIFA. The most senior and prestigious international competitions are the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup. The men's World Cup is the most viewed sporting event in the world, surpassing even the Olympic Games.
The term soccer comes from Oxford "-er" slang. Initially spelt assoccer (a shortening of association), it was later reduced to the modern spelling. The word soccer arrived in its current form in 1895.
The FIFA World Cup is played every four years and the United States mens national soccer team has never won a World Cup. The FIFA Women's World Cup is also played every four years and the U.S. womens national soccer team has won the World Cup four times.
All time greatest male football players include Messi, Ronaldo and Pele. All time greatest female football players include Marta, Mia Hamm (USA) and Michelle Akers (USA).
The next World Cup will be held June 11-July 19, 2026 and will be hosted by Canada, Mexido and the United States. The next FIFA Women's World Cup will be held in 2027 and hosted by Brazil.