Countries where football is not the most popular sport: Even a World Cup host makes the list

Football’s global dominance is undeniable, drawing billions of fans worldwide. Yet, despite its status as the game’s leading force, it does not hold the top spot everywhere. In certain countries, tradition, culture, and even climate have paved the way for other sports to take precedence. In this piece, Soccer24.net explores countries where football is not the most popular sport.

Countries where football is not the most popular sport

1. India

In India, not football but cricket stands far beyond the boundaries of sport and has become deeply woven into the nation’s cultural fabric, often shaping the public mood. The rise of the Indian Premier League has only reinforced that dominance, with the competition ranking among the most valuable in world sport on a per-match basis, second only to the National Football League.

That supremacy is rooted in history. The influence of British colonial rule laid the foundation, while the triumph at the 1983 Cricket World Cup ignited a nationwide passion that has endured ever since. Cricket infrastructure is widespread, visible in everything from professional venues to informal street games.

By contrast, football continues to develop at a slower pace. The Indian Super League has introduced greater professionalism and attracted high-profile backing, yet the national team remains outside the top tier of the FIFA rankings. Interest persists in regions such as West Bengal, Kerala and the Northeast, although it has yet to translate into consistent success on the global stage.

2. Australia

In Australia, “soccer” (in their language) enjoys strong grassroots participation, particularly among younger players, yet it continues to compete for attention in a crowded sporting landscape. The Australian Football League dominates much of the southern states, while National Rugby League holds a firm grip in the north, both commanding significant media coverage and large stadium audiences. Meanwhile, cricket remains the defining sport of the summer, deeply embedded in the national calendar.

Even so, the game has made steady progress. The national team has become a regular presence at the FIFA World Cup, reflecting a solid level of development. Domestically, the A-League continues to grow, although it faces intense competition for broadcasting rights and public interest.

Australia has also produced notable figures on the global stage, with players such as Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell leaving a lasting mark on the international game.

3. Japan

In Japan, football has made clear strides in recent years, with the national team emerging as an increasingly competitive force on the FIFA World Cup stage. Progress at both youth and senior levels points to a well-structured system, and there is a growing sense that Japan can trouble more established footballing nations. Even so, the sport has yet to claim top billing at home.

Baseball continues to hold that position. The Nippon Professional Baseball attracts consistently large crowds, while the annual Koshien Tournament remains a nationwide spectacle, followed with remarkable intensity. Since its introduction in the 19th century, baseball has been closely associated with discipline and character development, values that resonate strongly in Japanese society.

That standing has been further strengthened in recent years by the global impact of Shohei Ohtani, whose success in Major League Baseball has reinforced baseball’s prestige within the country’s sporting culture.

4. Canada

As a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada finds itself in the global football spotlight, although the country’s climate has traditionally posed challenges to the sport’s widespread development. For decades, ice hockey has remained the defining feature of Canadian sporting culture, deeply rooted in community life and national identity. The National Hockey League represents the ultimate dream for many young athletes, reflecting a legacy of dominance on the ice that stretches back over a century.

However, football is now gaining significant momentum. The men’s team’s return to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, coupled with the women’s Olympic triumph, has fuelled a notable surge in interest across the country. This upward trajectory is further highlighted by a new generation of talent, including Alphonso Davies

5. The US

Two of the three hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup feature on this list, underlining how the game is still developing in parts of North America. In the United States, the term “football” carries a different meaning, often referring to American football rather than the global game. That distinction continues to fuel debate, particularly given the overwhelming dominance of the National Football League, which remains the most-watched competition in the country. From high school traditions to the vast collegiate system, the sport is deeply embedded in American culture, with the Super Bowl standing as its showpiece event.

Nevertheless, interest in football has risen sharply. The arrival of Lionel Messi has transformed the profile of Major League Soccer, driving unprecedented growth and visibility. With the World Cup on the horizon, the sport is gaining further traction, supported by established internationals such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

Countries where football is not the most popular sport

1. India

2. Australia

3. Japan

4. Canada

5. The US

Soccer24 has presented some countries where football is not the most popular sport.

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