Football (Soccer in the US) is the most widely-loved sport in the world. There will always be people who love to see soccer players running around the field with a ball.
One of the most commonly held beliefs about football refers to its popularity in every country. However, this is incorrect.
Even though it is popular in most countries, there are some places where other sports are more in demand than football. Below is a list of 15 countries where this sport is not the most popular.
1. Japan: Baseball
Japan’s most popular sport is baseball.
This may surprise some because Japan’s national football team has been to round 16 of the FIFA World Cup numerous times since 2002. It is a testament to Japan’s large fan base.
Japan is a big fan of football. However, it isn’t as popular as baseball, which was introduced to Japan in 1872. To support it, a vibrant high school league was formed.
Japan became the first Asian nation to defeat a South American team in 2018. They did beat Colombia with soccer scores of 2-1 in the group stage.
2. Canada: Ice hockey
Canada is likely the least surprising of all the countries on this list. Canada’s climate is cold, and there is plenty of ice, making it easy for ice skating to climb to the top of Canada’s sports hierarchy.
While ice hockey originated in the United Kingdom’s non-ice version, Canadians have adapted it to their icy environment. They created the sport back in the 1800s. Since then, Canadians love to skate and play with pucks over goals and balls.
3. Finland: Ice hockey
Finland is another country where people have a passion for ice hockey. The 1920s saw the establishment of the first ice-hockey league. Today, Finland is the country with the highest number of ice hockey fans and TV viewers.
The sport is so beloved that, despite Finland’s small population, the Finnish national Ice Hockey team is one of few teams capable of challenging the American, Canadian, and Russian international teams.
4. New Zealand: Rugby
Historians can trace the origins of football in New Zealand to the early 1900s. That’s when the first professional football league was founded. While there is no doubt that soccer has a large fanbase in New Zealand, rugby is so well integrated into New Zealand’s national culture; it’s unlikely that any other sport can challenge rugby’s dominance.
5. United States: American Football
It’s no secret that Americans enjoy many sports over soccer. For example, American football and basketball have a greater Fan base share than soccer.
American football is by far the most popular among all sports. The National Football League is the most popular professional sports league on the planet. Furthermore, the Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event worldwide.
Despite its relative popularity, football (soccer) has a solid foothold within the United States. Major League Soccer’s (MLS) average game attendance is third among all US sports. In high school leagues, soccer is a hugely popular sport. Students can also join competitive and recreational soccer clubs at most US colleges.
6. Australia: Australian Rules Football
Aussies are well-known for a variety of sports. Soccer, Australian rules football, rugby, and cricket are all very popular in Australia. However, Australian rules football is more popular than any other option in terms of overall popularity.
Although football is still very popular in Australia, it’s not as well-known elsewhere. There are several professional and semi-professional leagues available, including the A-League as well as the National Premier League, and the National Youth League. The national team has also achieved moderate success at the FIFA World Cup. It has been in the knockout rounds many times in recent years.
7. Mongolia: Wrestling
Mongolia is quite unique on this listing – it is the only country in which wrestling is more popular. Its popularity stems directly from Mongolia’s history and culture. Mongol culture has been around for centuries. This is evident in the unbroken Mongol wrestling tradition that dates back to 7000 BC.
The Three Manly Games, or Three Manly Games of Naadam, are the main event in Mongol wrestling. This three-day festival celebrates three of the most important aspects of Mongol culture. It takes place during the middle part of the summer. Every year, hundreds of wrestlers come from all over the country to compete in this tournament. It is one of the most prestigious honours in Mongol culture.
