local
Why Americans call it soccer while the rest of the world calls it football
By Simon Kaufman at KXXV (ABC 25) 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 Waco
As Waco residents gather to watch the World Cup Final, they'll be calling the sport "soccer," a term that sets them apart from the rest of the world. This linguistic divide has its roots in 19th-century England, where the sport originated. The evolution of the term "soccer" is a fascinating example of how language can be shaped by cultural and historical context. In Waco, where sports are a big part of community life, the World Cup has brought people together, with local bars and restaurants hosting viewing parties and fans cheering on their favorite teams. As the city's diverse population comes together to watch the final match, they'll be using a term that's uniquely American, a reminder of the complex and often surprising history of the sport. The World Cup's global reach and local appeal make it a significant event in Waco, one that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Simon Kaufman at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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