Football
In short
A family of team sports where players aim to move a ball into a goal or over a line using their bodies. The specific rules depend on whether the sport is association football, rugby, or American football.
In plain words
Different countries use this word for different games. Most people mean association football, but it can also mean sports like rugby or American football. The main goal is always to score points by getting the ball into a target.
A simple example
In association football, players use their feet to kick a ball into a net. In American football, players carry and throw an oval ball to reach an end zone.
Why it matters
It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Millions of people play and watch these games professionally and as hobbies.
Easy to mix up
People often confuse 'football' with 'soccer' depending on whether they are in the UK or the USA.