Countries That Play American Football in 2025

By Sarah Miller · October 31, 2037

American football is played in over 60 countries worldwide, with the United States dominating at the professional and collegiate levels. Top international competitors include Canada, Germany, Japan, Austria, and France, where leagues and national teams are well-established. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) governs the sport globally, overseeing competitions like the IFAF World Championship.

Where Is American Football Played?

American football has evolved from a U.S.-centric sport into a global phenomenon. While the NFL in the United States remains the pinnacle of the sport, dozens of countries now have organized leagues, national teams, and growing fan bases. The game is especially popular in North America, parts of Europe, and East Asia.

Key Regions with Active American Football Participation

North America: The U.S. and Canada are traditional powerhouses, with strong collegiate and semi-professional systems.
Europe: Countries like Germany, Austria, Finland, and France have competitive domestic leagues and high-level national teams.
Asia: Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines have developed robust programs, often linked to U.S. military presence or university exchanges.
Latin America: Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina are expanding their leagues and youth development initiatives.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand have niche but active communities.

Top Countries Playing American Football

The following countries consistently rank among the most active and successful in international American football. These nations participate in IFAF-sanctioned events and maintain structured leagues.

Country	IFAF Membership	National Team Ranking (2024)	Domestic Players (Est.)	Notable League
United States	Yes	1	1,500,000+	NFL / NCAA
Canada	Yes	3	35,000	CIS / CJFL
Germany	Yes	7	45,000	GFL
Japan	Yes	5	25,000	X-League
France	Yes	6	18,000	FFFA Leagues
Austria	Yes	9	5,000	Austrian Football League
Mexico	Yes	12	15,000	LFA

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while the U.S. leads in player numbers and global ranking, countries like Germany and Japan have substantial domestic participation and competitive national teams. European nations dominate the middle tier of global rankings, reflecting strong grassroots development and league infrastructure.

Growth of American Football Outside the U.S.

The NFL has invested heavily in global expansion, particularly through the International Series games in London and the new games in Germany and Mexico. These efforts have accelerated local interest and participation.

Factors Driving Global Growth

NFL international games and marketing campaigns
U.S. military bases introducing the sport abroad
University exchange programs and American schools overseas
Availability of training resources and equipment
Rising media coverage and streaming access

International Competitions and Governing Bodies

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the global governing body, organizing the IFAF World Championship, World Junior Championship, and Flag Football World Championships. The IFAF aims to promote the sport and eventually include flag football in the Olympics.

Major International Tournaments

IFAF World Championship (senior men's tackle)
IFAF Women's World Championship
IFAF U20 World Championship
NFL International Series (club level)
European League of Football (professional developmental league)

Frequently Asked Questions About Countries That Play American Football

Which country invented American football?

American football originated in the United States in the late 19th century, evolving from rugby and soccer. The first official game was played between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869.

Does Canada play American football?

Yes, Canada plays American football under slightly modified rules known as Canadian football. The Canadian Football League (CFL) is the country's premier professional league.

Is American football growing in Europe?

Yes, American football is growing rapidly in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and France. The European League of Football (ELF), launched in 2021, has expanded to over 16 teams across 7 countries.

What country has the second-best American football team after the U.S.?

As of 2024, Canada ranks second in IFAF world rankings for men's tackle football, followed closely by Japan and France.

Can you play American football professionally outside the U.S.?

Yes, professional and semi-professional opportunities exist in Germany (GFL), Austria (AFL), France (Ligue Élite), Japan (X-League), and Mexico (LFA), though salaries are typically lower than in the NFL.