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published: 2025/12/08 20:10:35

The Football/Soccer Debate in the US Heats Up Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The United States’ unique terminology for the world’s most popular sport – calling it “soccer” instead of “football” – continues to be a point of discussion, particularly as the nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. This linguistic difference highlights a cultural quirk and has recently been brought to the forefront by prominent figures in the sporting world.

The Terminology Divide

Globally, the sport is overwhelmingly known as “football.” Though, in the United States, “football” already refers to American football, a distinctly different game. To avoid confusion, the term “soccer” emerged and became the standard way to refer to the game played by most of the world. This past development stems from the early 20th century when British public schools differentiated between Rugby football and Association football,with the latter becoming known as “soccer” as a shortened,slang term.

This distinction was recently highlighted by Son Heung-min, the star forward for LAFC in Major league Soccer (MLS). Shortly after joining the league in August, Son expressed his uncertainty about which term to use, stating, “It is indeed difficult to decide whether to describe soccer as ‘soccer’ or ‘football.'” ESPN

A Long-Standing Debate

The debate isn’t new. In 2017, then-president Donald Trump even weighed in, suggesting the sport should be called “soccer.” NBC news Despite this, it’s unlikely the National Football League (NFL) will relinquish the name it has held as 1922. The NFL’s long-established branding and cultural significance make a name change improbable.

The 2026 World Cup and Renewed Scrutiny

As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, the debate is expected to intensify. The global spotlight on the sport will likely lead to increased discussion about the terminology used in the US. The influx of international fans and media will further emphasize the global preference for the term “football.”

Potential for Increased Use of “Football”

While a complete shift in terminology is unlikely, the World Cup could lead to a greater acceptance and use of “football” within the US, particularly among younger generations and those more engaged with the international soccer community. Media coverage leading up to and during the tournament may also contribute to this trend.

Key Takeaways

• The US uses “soccer” to differentiate it from American football, while the rest of the world predominantly uses “football.”
• the debate is not new and has even involved political figures like Donald Trump.
• the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to reignite the discussion and perhaps increase the use of “football” in the US.
• A complete shift in terminology is unlikely due to the NFL’s established branding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the US call it “soccer”?

The term “soccer” originated in England in the late 19th century as a slang abbreviation for “Association Football.” It was adopted in the US to distinguish the sport from American football.

Will the US ever switch to calling it “football”?

It’s unlikely ther will be a complete switch. However, the