Why is football called soccer in USA?

With less than a year remaining for the kick-off of the planet's ultimate tournament in the United States, President Donald Trump has made a big announcement. In a recent development, Trump, who was in attendance at the recently concluded Club World Cup Finals in New Jersey, said that he would be ready to sign an executive order mandating that soccer be called football in the USA. This move is expected to embrace the global game with its most popular name across the planet.

Speculations are whether the USMNT (United States Men's National Soccer Team) will also go through a renaming process after the orders are passed. Trump also said that he plans to elevate the standard of football in the USA and follow the international convention ahead of the big event poised to take place next year.

Notably, apart from the USA, many other countries like Canada and Australia also refer to it as soccer for other reasons. Let us take a ride down the history lanes to find out how the nomenclature of football and soccer came into existence.

Where did the Term Soccer Originate From?

Opposite to contrary beliefs, soccer was first originated in Great Britain, and it is not an American word. The word soccer emerged in the late 19th century from the word “Association Football”. British students at Oxford University shortened it to “assoc” to “asoccer” until it became “soccer”. This term was widely used in Britain until its popularity dipped massively due to its pronounced American usage. Later, England and much of Europe started referring to the game as football.

However, in the United States, Gridiron football was already popular and calling soccer football would have created unnecessary confusion. Hence, the Americans decided to continue using the word “soccer”.

Similarly, other countries like Canada, Ireland, and Australia have their own versions of football. These countries used the word soccer more often to avoid confusion among different games.

Is Donald Trump Using Football as Soft Power Diplomacy ?

The United States President, along with the first lady, were in attendance at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey to attend the FIFA Club World Cup finals between Chelsea and PSG. The FIFA President was also seen unveiling the Club World Cup Trophy at the White House. Trump has strongly endorsed mandating the use of the word football in the USA.

These actions exhibit how a global sport like football can be used to bridge gaps between countries, remove barriers and unite the world together. For the first time, the FIFA World Club will feature a total of 48 teams all across the planet. The international media and the entire world will shift their focus to the USA for one of the biggest sporting events in the world, as fans worldwide are expected to come in large numbers to cheer for their country.