Football, or soccer, as it is also known, is considered by many to be the most popular sport in the world. In countries across the globe it has ascended the mere status of a team sport and become an important part of the national culture and identity. Many football players have become role models and are treated as heroes by the fans.
The sport enjoys a global following, with tens of thousands of fans cramming into stadiums on match day to watch their teams play. Domestic leagues see fans travelling the length and breadth of their home countries by bus and coach to cheer on their team, while international competitions often see fans flying around the world to lend their support. The modern game has become an entertainment spectacle and many fans now combine matches with a stay in a hotel, turning the event into a short holiday or weekend break.
The major international competition in football is the FIFA World Cup. More than 190 national teams from across the globe compete for a place in the finals. The FIFA World Cup takes place over a four-year period and involves 32 national teams in the final tournament. Since 1900 there also have been football tournaments held at every Summer Olympic Games. Originally the event was for amateurs only, but since 1984 professional players have been permitted to take part in the event.
The next FIFA World Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be held in South Africa. Fans from around the globe will be taking flights, booking hotels and snapping up tickets to see their nation compete in this prestigious tournament.
Famous football grounds from around the world include; Wembley Stadium, the Camp Nou, Stadio Olimpico, Allianz Arena, Estadio da Luz and the Estadio do Maracana.
After booking accommodation, relax with our foosball game :)
