Football, Soccer, and Rugby: Fundamentals, Similarities, and Differences
- Guilherme Pereira Tavares
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Executive Summary
Football, Soccer and Rugby were born from the same roots, but evolved in different directions.
The differences reflect cultural and political aspects of each country, especially in the US and Europe.
Understanding these sports helps to understand national identity, media and sports economics.
The confusion between "futebol" and "soccer" goes beyond language: it is a cultural phenomenon.
Rugby has established itself as a point of resistance to the North American model of sport.
Introduction: Why does this topic matter?
The term football has sparked debate and confusion for centuries. While in the United States it refers to American football, in much of the world, "football" is synonymous with what North Americans call soccer. Rugby, despite sharing the same origins, has taken a unique path, carrying values of community and cultural resistance.
This is not just a sports debate, but a reflection of the complexities of the American continent and how sport shapes identities, politics and even billion-dollar businesses.
Common Origin: One Game, Three Paths
All three sports have their origins in ball games played in British schools and universities in the 19th century.
Football (American): codified at universities such as Harvard and Yale, it incorporated strategic and military elements.
Soccer: maintained the rules of the Football Association (FA), becoming global due to its simple and universal appeal.
Rugby: named after the Rugby school, where the rules allowed carrying the ball with the hands.
📌 Timely snippet:
> Football Soccer Rugby were born from the same English game, but divided into three sporting traditions that express distinct values: strategy, universality and resistance.
Football: spectacle, strategy and economy
American football is one of the most profitable sports in the world today.
Popularity almost exclusive to the USA.
Complex rules, with an emphasis on strategy, physical strength and media spectacle.
The NFL generates billions in television contracts and advertising.
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Soccer: global football
Called “soccer” only in the US, football is the most popular sport on the planet.
Simple rules: one ball, two goals, 90 minutes.
Present on every continent and host to World Cups that bring together billions of people.
It marks the cultural identity of Latin America and Europe.
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Rugby: Community and Resistance
Rugby occupies a unique space.
Predominates in Commonwealth countries (England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia).
Values tradition, collectivity and community spirit.
In many countries it is a symbol of cultural resistance against the “Americanization” of sport.
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Similarities between the three
Despite the differences, there are common points:
1. British origin.
2. Use of oval or spherical ball.
3. Rules structured by associations in the 19th century.
4. Function of national and cultural identity.
Main differences between Football Soccer Rugby
Aspect Football Americano Soccer (Football) Rugby
Formal origin Harvard/Yale (USA) England (FA) Rugby School
Small Oval Ball Large Oval Spherical Ball
Average duration 3h+ 90 min 80 min
Popularity USA Global Commonwealth
Identity Strategy & Media Universality Tradition
Highlights
The use of the word football reflects cultural hegemony.
“Soccer” only exists in the US to differentiate itself from American football.
Rugby resists as a counter-model of media spectacle.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Confusing football with soccer → understand the cultural context.
Ignoring rugby as a relevant sport → it is key to understanding post-colonial identities.
FAQ
1. Why do the US call football soccer?
To differentiate it from American football, which has become known as “football” in the country.
2. Are rugby and American football the same sport?
No. Despite the visual similarities, the rules and culture are distinct.
3. Who invented soccer?
The modern rules were codified by the Football Association in London, 1863.
4. Is rugby popular in the USA?
It's still niche, but it's growing in universities and amateur leagues.
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