How to Compare Soccer & Football

In most countries, the word "football" means a game played with the feet, known to North Americans as soccer. Americans tend to think of "American football" when they hear this word, and while the games have similarities, there are also many differences.

  1. Players, Positions and Field

    • The soccer and American football field are similar in size. The American Football field is 100 yards, along with two seven-yard end zones at the end of each half. The end zones are the scoring areas on the field, where players aim to carry the ball for points. The soccer field is normally around 120 yards in length.

      Each game is played with 11 players per side on the field, although the positions vary significantly between the two games.

    Passing and Kicking

    • In soccer, only the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with his or her hands. Players move the ball by kicking it, and goals are scored when a team kicks the ball into the net.

      In American football, players can run with the ball or attempt one forward pass per play, and there is also a kicking element in which a player boots the ball through two upright posts (known as a field goal).

    Equipment and Flow

    • American football players wear much more equipment than soccer players.

      American football players wear helmets, shoulder pads and other equipment because the tackling is more aggressive than in soccer. Soccer flows continuously. American football features short bursts of action; teams attempt offensive plays for about 10 seconds, and then reset.