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Why Americans call it soccer while the rest of the world calls it football
By Simon Kaufman at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
The World Cup Final is Sunday, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal set to face off for the trophy. Millions of Americans have been watching the sport all month but most of them have been calling it something different than the rest of the world.So why do Americans say "soccer" while nearly everyo...
Key takeaway It all starts in 1848, when students at Cambridge University wrote the first set of rules for the game we know today.
Why this matters in The Detroit
As Detroiters gather to watch the World Cup Final, they'll be joining millions of Americans in cheering on their favorite teams, with many referring to the sport as "soccer". This terminology, unique to the United States, has its roots in 19th-century England, where the sport of association football was born. The evolution of the term "soccer" is a fascinating example of how language and culture can diverge, even as the sport itself brings people together across the globe. In Detroit , where community events and cultural festivals are a staple of the city's vibrant atmosphere, the World Cup is likely to be a topic of conversation in neighborhoods and workplaces, with fans from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared passion for the sport. As the city's residents watch the final match, they'll be part of a broader cultural phenomenon that transcends borders and terminology.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The World Cup Final is Sunday, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal set to face off for the trophy. Millions of Americans have been watching the sport all month but most of them have been calling it something different than the rest of the world.So why do Americans say "soccer" while nearly everyo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Simon Kaufman at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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