Which Came First: Soccer or Football?

By Sarah Miller · September 22, 2029

Soccer came first, originating in ancient times and formalized in England in 1863; American football evolved later, in the late 19th century, from rugby and soccer.

Understanding the Origins of Soccer and Football

The question of which came first—soccer or football—is settled by historical record: soccer predates American football by centuries. While both sports involve a ball and feet (and in football’s case, hands), their timelines diverge significantly. Soccer, known globally as football, has roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, with the modern version codified in England in 1863. In contrast, American football developed in the late 1800s, primarily in U.S. colleges, drawing influence from rugby and soccer.

Historical Timeline of Soccer

Soccer’s origins stretch far into history, with early forms played in China, Greece, and Rome. However, the sport we recognize today began in 19th-century England.

206–187 BCE: Cuju, an early form of soccer, was played in China during the Han Dynasty.
12th–19th century: Folk football games were common in England, often chaotic and unregulated.
1863: The Football Association (FA) was founded in England, establishing the first official rules of modern soccer.
1904: FIFA was formed to govern international competition.

Development of American Football

American football is a much newer sport, emerging from adaptations of rugby and soccer in North America.

1869: The first intercollegiate football game was played between Rutgers and Princeton, resembling soccer.
1874: Harvard played McGill University using a mix of rugby and soccer rules.

1880:

1920: The American Professional Football Association (later NFL) was founded.

Key Differences Between Soccer and Football

Gameplay and Rules

While both are team sports involving scoring goals/points, their rules differ fundamentally.

Feature	Soccer	American Football
Origin Year (Modern Form)	1863	1880
Primary Governing Body	FIFA	NFL / NCAA
Ball Shape	Spherical	Prolate spheroid
Game Duration	90 minutes (2 halves)	60 minutes (4 quarters)
Players per Team	11	11
Main Method of Scoring	Goal (1 point)	Touchdown (6 points), Field Goal (3 points)

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights that while both sports use 11 players, their structure, equipment, and scoring systems are vastly different. Soccer emphasizes continuous play and foot skill, whereas football relies on segmented drives and strategic passing.

Global Popularity and Cultural Impact

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, with over 4 billion fans. American football dominates in the U.S., especially during events like the Super Bowl.

Soccer is played in over 200 countries under FIFA.
The FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and draws global audiences exceeding 5 billion.
The NFL season peaks with the Super Bowl, attracting around 100 million U.S. viewers annually.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soccer and Football

Which sport is older, soccer or American football?

Soccer is significantly older. Its modern form was established in 1863 with the formation of the Football Association in England. American football evolved in the late 19th century, particularly after Walter Camp introduced rule changes in 1880.

Why is soccer called football outside the U.S.?

The name "football" comes from the fact that the game is played primarily with the feet. Most countries use "football" because it aligns with the sport’s core mechanic. The term "soccer" originated in England as slang for "association football" to distinguish it from "rugby football."

Did American football come from soccer?

Indirectly, yes. Early American football games were based on soccer-like rules. Over time, U.S. colleges adopted elements from rugby, leading to a hybrid sport. Walter Camp’s rule changes in the 1880s solidified its unique identity, but soccer’s influence remains in the field layout and kicking plays.

When was the first official soccer game played?

The first official soccer match under FA rules took place on December 19, 1863, between Barnes and Richmond. It ended in a 0–0 draw. However, informal matches occurred earlier, and the first international match was between Scotland and England in 1872.

How did the NFL start?

The National Football League (originally the American Professional Football Association) was founded on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio. It began with ten teams and gradually expanded, becoming the premier professional football league in the U.S. The Super Bowl era started in 1967 after the AFL-NFL merger.