What Do They Call Football in England? Answered

By Sarah Miller · December 16, 2045

In England, the sport known as "football" in most of the world is called football, while American football is referred to as American football.

Understanding the Terminology: What Do They Call Football in England?

In England, the game played with a round ball primarily using the feet is universally known as football. This aligns with global usage outside the United States. The term "soccer"—commonly used in the U.S.—originated in late 19th-century England as slang derived from "Association Football" to distinguish it from other football codes like rugby. While "soccer" was once used casually in Britain, it has largely fallen out of favor and is now mostly associated with American English.

Why the Confusion Over the Name?

The confusion stems from differing naming conventions between regions:

United Kingdom & most countries: "Football" refers to the sport governed by FIFA.
United States & Canada: "Football" typically means American football, so "soccer" is used for the global sport.
Historical roots: "Soccer" comes from "assoccer", an abbreviation of "Association Football", coined at British universities.

The Origins of 'Soccer' and Why It's Still Used in Some Countries

Despite being perceived as an Americanism, "soccer" is actually a British invention. In the 1880s, students at Oxford University developed rhyming slang to shorten sports names, leading to "rugger" for rugby and "soccer" for association football. The term was widely used in England until the mid-20th century.

As American football grew in popularity in the U.S., Americans adopted "soccer" to avoid confusion. Meanwhile, in England, "football" became the dominant term, and "soccer" began to sound foreign or overly formal. Today, British media and fans overwhelmingly prefer "football".

Global Usage of 'Football' vs 'Soccer'

Countries where "football" is standard: UK, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Australia (increasingly), Japan
Countries where "soccer" is common: USA, Canada, South Africa (in some contexts)
Countries with dual usage: Australia, Ireland

Football Culture and Popularity in England

Football is deeply embedded in English culture. It is the most popular sport, with professional leagues like the Premier League attracting billions of viewers worldwide. Matches are broadcast globally, and clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have massive international followings.

The sport is played at all levels—from grassroots youth leagues to elite stadiums holding over 60,000 fans. The Football Association (FA), founded in 1863, is the oldest national football association in the world.

Year	UK Adults Watching Football (millions)	Top Tier Club Attendance (avg per match)	FIFA World Cup Eng Viewership (peak, millions)
2020	25.3	38,000	26.4
2021	26.1	37,800	N/A
2022	27.4	39,500	24.1
2023	28.7	41,200	N/A
2024	29.5	42,100	28.9

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a steady increase in both television viewership and stadium attendance for football in England, reflecting its growing cultural significance. The spike in 2024 correlates with England's deep run in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, which boosted national engagement. Despite global variations in terminology, on-field participation and fan interest remain consistently high.

Frequently Asked Questions About What They Call Football in England

Do people in England call it soccer or football?

People in England primarily call it football. While the word "soccer" originated in England, it is rarely used today and may sound unnatural or Americanized to native speakers.

Why do Americans say soccer instead of football?

Americans say "soccer" to differentiate the sport from American football, which is more popular domestically. The term preserves the historical distinction between "association football" and "gridiron football".

Is soccer called something else in the UK?

No, it is not. The official and everyday term in the UK is football. Other terms like "the beautiful game" are poetic nicknames, but they don't replace "football" in common usage.

When did England stop using the word soccer?

England didn't officially stop using "soccer", but its usage declined significantly after the 1980s. By the 2000s, it was largely replaced by "football" in media and public discourse, partly due to its association with American English.

What do English people think when Americans say soccer?

Most English people understand that Americans use "soccer" to avoid confusion with American football. While some may find it amusing or slightly odd, it is generally accepted as a regional linguistic difference rather than incorrect usage.