When most people hear the term “football,” they instantly think of the sport dominated by the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, football isn’t just limited to the sport played with a round ball. In fact, Americans refer to another sport as “football,” and it’s played quite differently than what the rest of the world is used to. But what do other countries call this sport, and how does it differ from American football? Let’s take a look.
What is American Football?
Before we dive into what other countries call American football, let’s dissect the sport first. American football is a physical sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to move the ball down the field to the opponent’s end zone to score points. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time wins the game.
American football is known for its physicality. Players wear protective gear, and tackles are an integral part of the game. The sport is native to North America, with the National Football League (NFL) being the premier professional league in the world.
What Do Other Countries Call American Football?
Now that we understand what American football is, let’s look at what other countries call it.
– Canada: Canadians call American football “football” or “gridiron.” In fact, Canadian football is quite similar to American football, with only slight differences in scoring and field dimensions.
– Mexico: In Mexico, American football is also called “fútbol americano.” The sport has gained popularity in recent years, with the Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA) being the premier professional league.
– United Kingdom: Americans may be surprised to learn that the sport they call “football” is simply known as “American football” or “gridiron” in the United Kingdom. Association football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in the UK.
– Australia and New Zealand: In Australia and New Zealand, American football is called “gridiron” as well. Rugby and Australian rules football are the most popular sports in these countries.
– Germany: Germans refer to American football as “American Football” or “Football” but pronounce the word “football” with a “v” sound instead of an “f.” Germany has a professional league, the German Football League (GFL).
– Italy: Italians call the sport “football americano,” and it has been gaining popularity in recent years. The Federazione Italiana di American Football (FIDAF) is the governing body of the sport in Italy.
– Japan: American football, or “amerikan fu-boru,” is a niche sport in Japan. The X-League is the premier professional league, and the national team has won the IFAF World Championship twice.
Conclusion
Despite being native to North America, American football has gained popularity in several countries worldwide. While some countries call it “gridiron,” others refer to it with a literal translation, like “fútbol americano” in Mexico or “football americano” in Italy. But no matter what it’s called, American football’s physicality, rules, and traditions make it a unique and exciting sport to watch.
FAQ
What is American football called in Mexico?
American football in Mexico is known by the same name as in the United States. However, it is not as widely played nor as popular in Mexico as it is in the US. The top level of professional American football in Mexico is the Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA).
The LFA was founded in 2016 and currently has eight teams from different parts of the country. The league has an alliance with the Canadian Football League (CFL) to exchange players, training programs, and coaching techniques. The goal of this partnership is to promote the sport, help develop local talent, and create a professional path for Mexican players.
Despite the LFA’s efforts to develop American football in Mexico, soccer is still the most popular sport in the country. This is evident by the fact that Mexico has a professional soccer league, Liga MX, which is widely followed and has a large fan base.
Although American football is played in Mexico and has a professional league in the LFA, it is still not as popular or widely played as soccer. However, with the efforts of organizations like the LFA and partnerships with international leagues such as the CFL, American football may continue to grow in Mexico in the coming years.
Is NFL and AFL the same?
The NFL (National Football League) and the AFL (American Football League) are not the same, but they were once two separate professional football leagues that merged to form what is now known as the NFL. The AFL was established in 1960 as a rival league to the NFL, with teams such as the New York Titans, the Dallas Texans, and the Denver Broncos joining the league. The NFL had been the dominant professional football league in the United States since its creation in 1920, with teams such as the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears, and the New York Giants dominating the sport.
The AFL and NFL operated as independent leagues for several years, competing against each other for players, fans, and media coverage. The AFL operated in smaller markets and played its games on Friday nights, while the NFL played in major cities and on Sundays. However, the AFL was able to establish itself as a legitimate competitor to the NFL by signing several high-profile players, such as Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, and Lance Alworth.
In 1966, the two leagues agreed to merge and form what is now known as the NFL. The merger was completed in 1970, with the AFL becoming the American Football Conference (AFC), and the NFL becoming the National Football Conference (NFC). The two conferences continue to operate within the NFL today, with the AFC and NFC champions facing off in the Super Bowl each year.
While the NFL and AFL were once separate professional football leagues, they merged in 1970 to form what is now known as the NFL. The AFL became the AFC, while the NFL became the NFC, and both conferences continue to operate within the NFL today.
What is the difference between AFL and American football?
While both AFL and American football share similarities in terms of gameplay and objective, there are several notable differences between the two that make them distinct sports. One of the most significant differences between the two is the size of the playing field. The field in American football is much larger than that of AFL. American football fields measure 100 yards from end to end, while AFL fields are only 130 meters long.
Another difference between the two sports is the shape and size of the ball. American footballs have a characteristic pointed shape, while AFL balls are round and oval-shaped. Additionally, the size of the ball in AFL is slightly smaller than in American football.
The scoring systems for AFL and American football are also different. In American football, touchdowns are worth six points, and teams can also score extra points by making a successful kick or two-point conversion. In contrast, in AFL, goals and behinds are worth six and one point(s), respectively.
One of the most significant differences between the two sports is the playing style. While American football is characterized by stop and go plays, with frequent breaks in-between, AFL is characterized by its fast-paced, free-flowing nature, with minimal downtimes.
Another notable difference between the two sports is that AFL teams play more games in a season than NFL teams. Typically, NFL teams play 16 games in a regular season, while AFL teams play 22 games. Moreover, the NFL season culminates in a single-elimination tournament with 12 teams competing, known as the “playoffs,” while the AFL season ends with only eight teams competing in the finals.
While AFL and American football may share similarities in gameplay and objective, several notable differences set the two sports apart. These differences range from the size of the playing field to the shape and size of the ball, the scoring systems, and the overall playing style, among others.
