What Countries Play Football/Soccer in 2024?

Football (known as soccer in the United States) is a popular sport worldwide and countries like Brazil, England, Mexico, Germany, Italy, among others, take a keen interest. The countries have clinched the FIFA World Cup many times and have the best soccer players worldwide. Here’s a detailed list of countries that play football and why they qualify as such:

Brazil

Ranking second among countries with the highest number of NFL supporters (19.7 million people), Brazil is one country whose love for football is unmatched. The country’s men’s national team is one of the best globally, and most of the best football players hail from here. Brazil has also won the FIFA World Cup many times.

The country’s success in football can be attributed to how it embraces soccer and the constant promotion of the sport. More recently, Brazil’s professional league developed clubs in Brazilian states to nurture talent from the grassroots.

Germany

Having won the FIFA World Cup four times (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) and three European Championships, Germany adds to the many countries where football is played. Its national football team, the Die Mannschaft, represents Germany in the men’s international football. Germany also has many professional and amateur leagues.

England

England is credited with developing most football rules. They were first developed in 1863 in England before becoming the primary set of rules to be followed worldwide. England has more than 40,000 registered clubs and is home to the first oldest professional football club.

Mexico

Mexico is another country with a rich football history dating back to 1896. Mexico has the most successful players, with legends like Napoli’s Hirving Lozano, Atletico Madrid Hector, and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez hailing from here. The country’s professional football team called Liga Football Americano was established in 2016 with nine competing teams.

France

Football is one of the most popular sports in France, having well over 1.8 million players in 18,000 registered clubs. The country has also won several world championships, including the 1998 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 1984 and the 2000 European Championships.

France also has a history of producing record holders. Just Fontaine, who has scored the most goals in the World Cup, and Zinedine Zidan, who has won the FIFA World Player of the year three times, hail from here.

Italy

Italy adds to the many other countries whose love for soccer is unmatched, with more than 4.6 million people playing every year. Its success can be traced back to 1898 when the national soccer association, Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) was formed.

So far, Italy has won the World Cup Title four times (2006, 1982, 1938, and 1934), attributed to its high quality of teams (Series A). Series A is a top professional soccer league that consists of Italy’s 20 best teams.

Austria

The country has made a name for itself in football in Europe. It has played against Germany and ranks as the top team on Swarco Raiders in Europe. Austrian teams have dominated international competitions, albeit not clinching stately awards like the FIFA World Championship.