History of Soccer
From Its Roots to Global Fame
Soccer’s origins can be traced back over 2,000 years to ancient civilizations like China, Greece, and Rome, where various cultures played games with a ball. However, the modern version of soccer began to take shape in England during the 19th century. The creation of the Football Association (FA) in 1863 was a pivotal moment, as it established formal rules for the game and set soccer apart from rugby.
In 1872, the first international match was played between England and Scotland, marking the beginning of global competition. By 1930, the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay, solidifying soccer’s place as the world’s most popular sport. The tournament’s success fueled the growth of the sport worldwide, and the World Cup has since become the premier event in international soccer, held every four years and watched by millions globally.