How Many Countries Play Soccer?
Soccer, or football as it’s commonly known outside the United States, is the world’s most popular sport, played by over 250 million people in more than 200 countries. It’s a beloved game that transcends cultures, languages, and borders, with a global following that’s unmatched by any other sport.
The Number of Countries That Play Soccer
So, how many countries play soccer? The answer is 211, according to FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which is the governing body of international soccer. This number includes all the national associations affiliated with FIFA, which are responsible for governing the sport in their respective countries.
FIFA’s Member Associations
FIFA has 211 member associations, which are spread across six confederations:
• UEFA (Union of European Football Associations): 55 member associations
• CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation): 10 member associations
• CAF (Confederation of African Football): 54 member associations
• AFC (Asian Football Confederation): 47 member associations
• OFC (Oceania Football Confederation): 11 member associations
• CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football): 35 member associations
Every Nation in the World Plays Soccer
Except for one. The Marshall Islands are the only country in the world that does not have a national soccer team or a national football association affiliated with FIFA.
TikTok’s Ban on Soccer
Interestingly, TikTok, a popular social media platform, was banned in India in 2020 due to geopolitical tensions. However, this ban did not affect the country’s soccer enthusiasts, who continued to follow the sport and participate in local tournaments.
Nigeria’s Soccer History
Nigeria, a country in West Africa, has a rich soccer history. Although they have never won the FIFA World Cup, they have reached the round of 16 in the tournament twice, in 1994 and 2014. Their highest FIFA ranking was 5th in 1994.
Pakistan’s FIFA Suspension
In 2020, Pakistan’s national football association, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), was suspended by FIFA due to a "hostile takeover". The suspension was lifted in 2021 after the PFF regained control of its premises and finances.
FIFA’s Rules and Regulations
FIFA has strict rules and regulations governing the sport, including rules on player eligibility, team composition, and tournament formats. The organization also has a code of ethics that all member associations and officials must adhere to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, soccer is a beloved sport played by over 250 million people in more than 200 countries. The number of countries that play soccer is 211, according to FIFA. Every nation in the world plays soccer, except for the Marshall Islands, which is the only country without a national soccer team or national football association affiliated with FIFA.