Children kicking a ball in the grass ()
All over the world, people love playing this ball game. There are two teams of 11 people. Each team tries to get the ball across the field and into the other team’s goal. They cannot use their arms or hands. Most of the time they kick the ball with their feet. Only the goalkeeper can touch the ball with their hands.
What is this sport called?
In the USA, it’s called soccer.
In England, people call it football.
In Germany, it’s called fussball.
In The Netherlands, they say voetbal.
In Italy, people call it calcio.
In Spain, they say fútbol.
Soccer is played all over the world ()
Why is it so popular?
It can be played almost anywhere.
Players don’t need a lot of expensive equipment, just a ball and a makeshift goal.
The rules are easy to learn, so anyone can play.
It is a great way to get exercise while having fun.
Watching a match is also very exciting.
Kids playing soccer with a jacket for the goal ()
Football clubs
Did you know that most soccer is played in a football club, or F.C.? These are big groups that have many different teams. A club will have teams for kids like you, teams for teenagers and even teams for adults. Some clubs have adult teams that are so good, they play in a professional league. Talented adult players may even get paid to play on a team.
Famous football teams
Real Madrid plays fútbol in Spain. They have won the most titles of any team in the world. Their fiercest rival is F.C. Barcelona.
Liverpool F.C. is the top team in England with 69 titles. One of their rivals is Manchester United, who has 67 titles. Another rival is Arsenal, who has 48 titles.
Bayern Munich is the most popular fussball team in Germany and has the most wins there.
Juventus, in Italy, is the most successful Italian calcio club and has a lot of fans.
La Albiceleste from Argentina are the current world champions. They won the most recent FIFA World Cup in 2022.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Night view of Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 29, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid C.F. was born in the year 1902 and Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is its headquarters (Alfonso de Tomas)
The FIFA World Cup
FIFA stands for “Fédération Internationale de Football Association.” It is the French name of the group that leads football clubs around the world. FIFA sets the rules of the game. FIFA also has a lot of tournaments like the Youth Cup for players under 19 years old and the Women’s World Cup. But the biggest tournament in the world is the FIFA World Cup. It is only held every four years. The next one is in 2026.
Tournaments
Each continent in the world has its own football leader. In Europe, it’s called the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The UEFA also has lots of tournaments for all levels of soccer. The biggest one is called the Champions League, and the season runs from September 2024 to May 2025. Games are held all over Europe. The final game will be played in Munich, Germany.
Have you ever been to a match?
Many cities in Europe have professional football teams that you can go watch in a stadium.
