
<p>After Millwall and Luton played to a draw earlier in the day, the door opened for Burnley to punch its ticket back to the Premier League. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/08/03/vincent-kompany-brings-a-fresh-change-to-the-tactics-at-burnley/">Vincent Kompany’s side</a>, leading the league over Sheffield United, had an eight-point gap over the Blades entering a game against Middlesbrough. All Burnley had to do was win, and it clinched automatic promotion this season.</p>



<p>That is exactly what Burnley did. A 2-1 win at Riverside Stadium on Friday night confirms Burnley, who <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/22/burnley-relegated-from-premier-league-on-last-day-of-season/">suffered relegation a season ago</a>, is immediately back to the Premier League. The side did it with seven games still to play in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">Championship</a>.</p>



<p>The task of winning at Middlesbrough was no easy task, though. Michael Carrick’s side woke up on Friday in third, and were on a tear at home. Boro was unbeaten in its last 10 home games. Conceding just five times in that span, it was the visitors who scored first. </p>



<h5>Visitors dominate in first 45</h5>



<p>Josh Brownhill let fly from 20 yards. But, like a tip in hockey, Ashley Barnes stuck a foot out and deflected it by a helpless Zack Steffen. Middlesbrough players did raise their hands to question any potential offside decision. No call came. However, replays after the fact showed Barnes was just about offside. Yet, there is no VAR used in the Championship. </p>



<p>By halftime, Burnley dominated possession, preventing Middlesbrough from any shots on goal. This is not necessarily a surprise, though. Vincent Kompany’s side has the best defensive record in the Championship. Plus, the side’s possession in this campaign is top of the league at almost 64% possession per game. In the first half against Middlesbrough, the Clarets held the ball for 70% of the 45 minutes.</p>



<h2>Burnley secure promotion back to Premier League</h2>



<p>Immediately after halftime, though, Middlesbrough found an equalizer. Following a Josh Cullen foul on Boro’s Cameron Archer, Chuba Akpom did what Chuba Akpom does. The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/championship/top-scorers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Championship’s leading scorer</a> this season tucked home past Arijanet Muric. </p>



<p>After 65 minutes, the game may have been level, but it was Burnley to regain the lead. Nathan Tella picked up the ball on the right side. The Englishman dribbled inside and cast a ball on the floor into the middle. Waiting in the middle was right back Connor Roberts. Roberts, who picked up a red card in the reverse fixture and is a former Middlesbrough player for one league game, slid the ball beyond Steffen. The goal put Burnley back in a position to reach the Premier League.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Burnley have been promoted to the Premier League!! 👏 📈 <a href="https://t.co/Y03jYtcA8O">pic.twitter.com/Y03jYtcA8O</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1644444165516804096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Boro’s best chance did not come until five minutes into stoppage time. Akpom looked to add to his goal tally, and crucially find an equalizer, with a header inside the six-yard box. However, the ball glanced off his forehead and wide of Muric’s post.</p>



<p>Burnley is the first side from across the English pyramid this season to secure automatic promotion. Of course, the league title is not secure for the Clarets. Sheffield United could still usurp that if the wheels come off of Kompany’s side. However, Burnley accomplished the goal of promotion that each Championship club set out.</p>



<p>The Premier League-bound club does still have a say in the rest of the league. The next game on the schedule is a contest at home to Sheffield United, which has an eight point gap on third-place Luton Town. The Blades also have a game in hand, and could soon clinch automatic promotion themselves.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="#WREXHAM popularity pushes PRO/REL debate 🇺🇸" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUm6HJ82g2A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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Burnley are back in the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, clinching the fastest promotion in the Championship era.

Burnley secure Premier League promotion with win over Boro

destacadas


<p>The English Football League (EFL) has requested that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> close the financial gap between the top two soccer tiers.</p>



<p>This could be done by sharing more broadcasting revenue between the top fight and <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule">Championship</a>. However, Premier League officials are reportedly not thrilled about the exact figures of the idea.</p>



<h5>EFL has been in direct talks with Premier League for months</h5>



<p>Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing for months now. While <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/premier-league-championship-efl-clubs-parachute-payments-alison-brittain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> surfaced last summer that a deal was close to be being struck, an agreement has still not yet to be finalized. <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/efl-urges-premier-league-to-halve-financial-gap-with-championship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a></em> is now claiming that the EFL wants the Premier League to share 25% of their TV revenue with the 72 lower level clubs.</p>



<p>The report goes on to say that Premier League officials were adamantly against the idea. Sources close to the action claim that a letter was sent to these clubs to say that they are “not hopeful” a deal of this nature can be agreed.</p>



<h5>Massive difference in money between top two leagues</h5>



<p>Current financial terms between the two sides are quite interesting. Last season, Norwich received about $124 million for finishing bottom of the Premier League. In comparison, Fulham earned around $12 million for wining the Championship. The Cottagers are now in the top half of the top flight table.</p>



<p>EFL chairman Rick Parry recently stated that he wishes halve the massive gap between the two sides. “It remains the EFL’s aim to halve the financial gap between the Premier League and the EFL. Doing so would make clubs financially sustainable in a thriving and competitive pyramid,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/efl-urges-premier-league-to-halve-financial-gap-with-championship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Parry.</p>



<p>“English football now has the opportunity to make the changes required to fix the imbalance. The money is in the game, but a redistribution solution is not. As we have maintained throughout, a combination of redistribution and regulation is required to make clubs solvent and in order protect them in the long term.”</p>



<p>The Premier League is, however, willing to reduce the massive financial gap. Besides broadcasting revenue, the EFL could introduce merit payments to their teams. With financial help from the Premier League, new prize money could be split between Championship clubs.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej</p>


The English Football League has asked for 25% of the Premier League's broadcasting revenue moving forwards.

Football League wants 25% of Premier League TV revenue - World Soccer Talk

Football League wants 25% of Premier League TV revenue

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<p>Soccer across the UK resumes early next week across all competitions. Earlier this week, soccer leagues in the country <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/09/the-queens-passing-suspends-all-epl-fixtures-through-monday/">suspended matches</a> due to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/08/what-queen-elizabeths-death-means-for-english-soccer/">the passing of Queen Elizabeth II</a> on Thursday.</p>
<p>Games remain postponed on Monday, including Monday’s Leeds game against Nottingham Forest. However, scheduled matches return to action the following day. This does not include <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League games</a>. Instead, there are 30 matches scheduled on Tuesday across the Championship, League One and League Two.</p>
<p>“The expectation domestically is that the EFL will return on Tuesday and Wednesday,” <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12694290/english-football-league-set-to-recommence-on-tuesday-following-death-of-queen-elizabeth-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> Sky Sports Senior Reporter Geraint Hughes.&nbsp; “It’s a big week next week as there’s a full program on Tuesday and Wednesday.&nbsp; There are caveats to this as we’re still awaiting the date of The Queen’s funeral.”</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“It will be a state funeral so it’ll be an enormous national and international event which will take a lot of resourcing and a lot of those resources may be needed for sporting events.”</em></p></blockquote>
<h3>Soccer in the UK resumes on Tuesday</h3>
<p>As far as Premier League clubs’ concerns, most teams remain sidelined until Friday, Sep. 16. Currently, there are no plans set out for makeup dates for the fixtures. However, it is a challenge to be had for the Premier League, which already has a loaded schedule of games with a two-month break for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">the World Cup</a>.</p>
<p>Adding to that challenge is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">the Champions League</a>, as well as the Europa League and Europa Conference League. EPL clubs involved in those tournaments have standard games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.</p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">United can confirm that Thursday&apos;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> visit to Sheriff Tiraspol will go ahead as scheduled on Thursday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a></p>
<p>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1568313665056563200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
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<p>“UEFA-wise, a lot of matches next week involve British clubs with Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Europa League and Europa Conference League on Thursday,” continued Hughes. “As it stands, the understanding from UEFA is that those games will go ahead.”</p>
<p>Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Celtic and Rangers are all playing Champions League matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.&nbsp; Meanwhile Arsenal, Manchester United, West Ham and Hearts resume their European tournaments on Thursday.</p>
<p>UEFA essentially needs these European matches to transpire next week. The World Cup in Qatar affected fixture lists all over the world, especially in Europe. Normally held during the summer months, this version of the World Cup takes place in November and December.</p>
<p>There are two Premier League games currently scheduled for Friday.&nbsp; Aston Villa host Southampton, while Fulham travel to play Nottingham Forest.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images</em></p>


After a weekend's hiatus to mourn the passing of The Queen, soccer in the UK resumes on Tuesday, with the EPL coming back on Friday.

Soccer in the UK to resume on Tuesday, EPL returns Friday - World Soccer Talk

Soccer in the UK to resume on Tuesday, EPL returns Friday

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<p>Despite the fact that Europe’s major soccer leagues return in a week, there are recommended games galore to watch this weekend.</p>
<p>In fact, this weekend puts a wrap on the summer schedule, and acts as a prelude to the main European season. For example, there are notable summer friendlies this weekend. Simultaneously, one of the major soccer tournaments from this summer comes to a conclusion.</p>
<p>That is not the only trophy awarded in this weekend’s slate of games. While many English fans focus on the resumption of the Championship, there is a precursor to what the Premier League may hold. Two teams that bathe in recent success go head-to-head yet again. This time, it is at Wembley, in a less-competitive fixture than other ties.</p>
<p>Knowing that, here are my top five recommended games to watch this weekend.</p>
<h3>Recommended games to watch this weekend</h3>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three out of four of last season&apos;s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists are in action this weekend, including England&apos;s freshest rivalry.</p>
<p>Plus, the UEFA Women&apos;s Euro Final is on Sunday. Is football coming home, or does Germany reestablish dominance?<a href="https://twitter.com/kylefansler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KyleFansler</a> UF has more. <a href="https://t.co/vS6oECFFIG">pic.twitter.com/vS6oECFFIG</a></p>
<p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1553003002914545665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h5>5. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> – Saturday, 10 p.m. ET</h5>
<p>Let’s start with the outgoing soccer. This summer’s schedule of friendlies provided some interesting storylines. Everton losing 4-0 to MLS side Minnesota United. Also, Real Madrid and Barcelona showed&nbsp;<em>El Clásico&nbsp;</em>to Las Vegas, with Barcelona edging out Los Blancos, 1-0. Then, Erling Haaland made his debut with Manchester City against Bayern Munich at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI.</p>
<p>Now, two of Europe’s most successful clubs put a bow on the major summer friendlies in the United States. Juventus and Real Madrid are at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of recent success. However, this is a chance for both teams to play one final tune-up against strong opposition before the European calendar kicks into high gear.</p>
<h5>4. Orlando City vs. DC United – Sunday, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>On paper, this game is not full of the ‘wow factor.’ After all, DC United has the lowest point total in all of Major League Soccer. However, we could see the managerial debut of Wayne Rooney at Audi Field. The former Manchester United skipper awaits his work visa, even though he attended each game since his announcement.</p>
<p>Orlando City is a respectable fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference. The push for playoffs is one thing. However, Orlando City recently punched its ticket to the US Open Cup Final in September. Therefore, use this game as a way to familiarize yourself with the squad taking on Sacramento Republic FC.</p>
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<td width="40%">
<h4>ESPN weekend of soccer</h4>
<p>Includes: MLS, Championship, Community Shield and more</p></td>
<td><a class="button" href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Browse Offers</strong></span></a></td>
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<h5></h5>
<h5>3. Huddersfield Town vs. Burnley – Friday, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Now, let’s get into the games with true, pivotal meaning. That starts with the return of league play in Europe. The Championship is one of the most contentious leagues due to the parity involved in the competition. However, if there are two teams that have strong odds to be in the mix for promotion, these are two clubs that fit that description.</p>
<p>Last season, Huddersfield Town narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier League. Nottingham Forest defeated Huddersfield in the Championship Playoff, 1-0. On the other hand, Burnley just missed out on survival in last season’s Premier League. One point in the Clarets’ last four games doomed the side to relegation.</p>
<p>That is in the past. This is a new season with new aspirations for both clubs wanting to get back to England’s top flight.</p>
<h5>2. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> (FA Community Shield) – Saturday, noon ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Understandably, the Community Shield is not of the grandeur of something like the Champions League. However, this game holds significance for a couple of reasons. First off, it is still a trophy. Dreams of a sextuple to match Barcelona are not in the picture like they were for Chelsea a season ago. Yet, both Liverpool and Manchester City are the favorites in each English competition this season. An early trophy lays the path for success over the next eight or nine months.</p>
<p>Plus, this game serves as a statement of intent. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/28/2022-community-shield-adds-chapter-to-liverpool-manchester-city-rivalry/">Manchester City and Liverpool have a budding rivalry</a> that features trophies, clashes and drama. With new signings like Darwin Núñez and Erling Haaland joining the fray, fans can get a true glimpse of what this season holds using the Community Shield.</p>
<h5>Our recommended game to watch this weekend: England vs. Germany (2022 Women’s Euro Final) – Sunday, noon ET (ESPN)</h5>
<p>Not just a final, but a major final in the women’s game. There is no area of growth in soccer faster than women’s soccer in Europe. That allowed the 2022 Women’s European Championship to be laden with drama and fantastic play. In the end, it is a familiar rivalry for glory. England battles Germany in a sold-out Wembley Stadium.</p>
<p>On the men’s side, this is a well-documented derby. On the women’s side, England takes a hefty back seat to the successes of Germany. In fact, Germany’s eight Euro titles doubles every other nation’s tally combined. England, for its part, is playing in its third Women’s Euro Final. Last time the Lionesses reached this stage, they lost to Germany, 6-2. For reference, Germany is undefeated in Women’s Euro Finals. England, of course, is winless in two previous attempts.</p>
<p>These two nations are the class of play in this competition. Germany conceded for the first time in the entire tournament during its semifinal fixture against France. England’s 20 goals vastly exceeds any other team’s output. Plus, it has the honor of playing in front of a home crowd 90,000 strong. It has all the makings of a momentous fixture.</p>


As the European season continues to near, here is World Soccer Talk's list of recommended games to watch this weekend for July 29-31.

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend - World Soccer Talk

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend

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<p>Part of the buildup in this year’s season of English soccer is how each fan predicts the 2022/23 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-championship-us-tv-internet/">EFL Championship</a>.</p>
<p>No, it is not the Premier League. However, the case can be made that it is wildly more unpredictable and exciting, particularly from a neutral perspective. Each season, any one club could clinch promotion to the Premier League. At the same time, the threat of the drop is always looming in the back of clubs’ minds.</p>
<p>Therefore, predictions for the upcoming Championship campaign are extremely unlikely to be perfect. That being said, the buildup for the season does lay out potential outcomes. New signings, new managers or new styles of play develop and can cater to any team’s success on the field.</p>
<p>That being said, certain clubs do have <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/championship/" target="_new" rel="noopener">a nod towards success</a>. Norwich City, Watford and Burnley are the three clubs coming down from the Premier League. The first two of those are ‘yo-yo’ clubs, meaning they are frequent travelers between the two divisions.</p>
<p>At the other end of the table, Wigan, Rotherham and Sunderland enter the Championship. There is still a strong jump in the quality from League One to the Championship, as is the case from the Championship to the Premier League. It will be challenging for these clubs to make a mark, but crazier results transpired before.</p>
<p>Use the comment section at the bottom of this post to share your predictions for the 2022/23 Championship campaign. Also, critique the predictions listed below.</p>
<p>Who could make a run at the Premier League, and who looks set for the drop?</p>
<h3>Predict the 2022/23 Championship Table</h3>
<p>The 2022/23 Championship season kicks off on Friday July 29. Huddersfield Town and Burnley get things under way. Before then, here are our picks for how the season pans out.</p>
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<h4>Watch Football League</h4>
<p>Includes: EFL Championship, Bundesliga, La Liga &amp; More</p></td>
<td><a class="button" href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Browse Offers</strong></span></a></td>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h5>Christopher Harris</h5>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Huddersfield Town<br>
<strong>2.</strong> West Bromwich Albion<br>
—————<br>
<strong>3.</strong> Watford<br>
<strong>4.</strong> Middlesbrough<br>
<strong>5.</strong> Norwich City<br>
<strong>6.</strong> Sheffield United<br>
<strong>7.</strong> Burnley<br>
<strong>8.</strong> QPR<br>
<strong>9.</strong> Hull City<br>
<strong>10.</strong> Luton Town<br>
<strong>11.</strong> Stoke City<br>
<strong>12.</strong> Swansea City<br>
<strong>13.</strong> Cardiff City<br>
<strong>14.</strong> Millwall<br>
<strong>15.</strong> Bristol City<br>
<strong>16.</strong> Preston North End<br>
<strong>17.</strong> Coventry City<br>
<strong>18.</strong> Sunderland<br>
<strong>19.</strong> Blackburn Rovers<br>
<strong>20. </strong>Wigan Athletic<strong><br>
21. </strong>Blackpool<br>
—————<br>
<strong>22. </strong>Birmingham City<br>
<strong>23.</strong> Reading<br>
<strong>24.</strong> Rotherham</p>
<p>Playoff final winner: Watford</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h5>Kartik Krishnaiyer</h5>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Middlesbrough<br>
<strong>2.</strong> Sheffield United<br>
—————<br>
<strong>3.</strong> Burnley<br>
<strong>4.</strong> Norwich<br>
<strong>5.</strong> Stoke City<br>
<strong>6.</strong> Watford<br>
<strong>7.</strong> West Bromwich Albion<br>
<strong>8.</strong> Luton Town<br>
<strong>9.</strong> Millwall<br>
<strong>10.</strong> Coventry City<br>
<strong>11.</strong> Preston North End<br>
<strong>12.</strong> Blackburn Rovers<br>
<strong>13.</strong> Huddersfield Town<br>
<strong>14.</strong> Cardiff City<br>
<strong>15.</strong> QPR<br>
<strong>16.</strong> Swansea City<br>
<strong>17.</strong> Sunderland<br>
<strong>18.</strong> Blackpool<br>
<strong>19.</strong> Reading<br>
<strong>20. </strong>Bristol City<strong><br>
21.</strong> Wigan Athletic<br>
—————<br>
<strong>22. </strong>Birmingham City<br>
<strong>23. </strong>Hull City<br>
<strong>24. </strong>Rotherham</p>
<p>Playoff final winner: Burnley</p>
<p>You can predict the Championship 2022/23 final table, too. Add your predicted table in the comments section below.</p>


Ahead of kickoff on Friday, July 29, World Soccer Talk predicts how the 2022/23 campaign in the English Championship will shape up.

2022/23 Championship table prediction: Make your picks - World Soccer Talk

2022/23 Championship table prediction: Make your picks

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<p>It’s hard to truly estimate the population of those who play the sport. But, in 2007, FIFA did its best. The world body approximated roughly <a href="https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/55621f9fdc8ea7b4/original/mzid0qmguixkcmruvema-pdf.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">265 million people</a> actively play the sport. No doubt, soccer earns its reputation as the world’s game.</p>
<p>That number undoubtedly bounces up or down with time and trends. For example, in the United States, soccer is rising in popularity and participation. <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/883453/soccer-fans-age/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Young adults</a> own an interest in soccer at higher rates than any other age group available. Additionally, soccer represents one of the <a href="https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/ages-13-17" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fastest growing sports</a> in the country. Compared to other major American sports, soccer is the third-most-popular sport to play for children aged 13 to 17.</p>
<p>Nothing needs to be said about the popularity of the world’s game elsewhere. The 2018 World Cup Final peaked at <a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/16875/super-bowl-viewership-vs-world-cup-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1.1 billion viewers</a>, averaging over 500 million throughout the contest.</p>
<p>There is a certain beauty to the game that makes it such a pleasure to watch and play. An argument can be made that soccer is, at its core, the best sport to grace the planet. The world’s game is not just something fun, it defines what makes the sport special.</p>
<p>Outside of the moniker, soccer’s characteristics and global reach define what makes it the greatest sport on Earth.</p>
<h3>World’s game transcends cultures</h3>
<p>Nationalism in sport happens in two instances. One is the Olympics, the ultimate competition of athleticism between countries. The other is through soccer. No other sport has competition between every continent like soccer.</p>
<p>The club level has certain aspects of nationalism, but international tournaments see entire countries support a 23-player squad of men or women.</p>
<p>Looking at recent renditions of the World Cup, teams representing nations in Africa, North America, Asia, South America and Europe all made deep runs into the tournament. Despite the fact that a European country won four-straight World Cups, international storylines dominate. There are always players from throughout the world that play the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/07/18/world-cup-2018-team-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best in a given tournament</a>.</p>
<p>Domestically, soccer is an outlet for fans to express themselves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary removal of fans from stadiums led to a profound impact on the experience of watching a game. Throughout the world, fans make the experience as special as it can be.</p>
<p>The one fault with soccer, which FIFA and the individual federations work to eliminate, is discrimination.</p>
<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/07/12/uk-agonises-over-racial-abuse-of-england-football-stars/">Racism</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/06/29/five-sexism-issues-at-the-world-cup/">sexism</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/06/22/fans-in-orbans-hungary-spark-homophobia-unease-at-euro-2020/">homophobia</a> persist throughout the world, despite the more developed and progressive nations possessing more popular and profitable leagues.</p>
<p>While the discrimination rages, the world’s game acts as a way to combat the toxicity. The billions of fans worldwide work to recognize areas of issue in the game, and thus remove them to allow availibility to all who wish to play or watch the sport.</p>
<p>Different areas and nations may play or watch the game differently, but the aim of the game remains the same. The simple nature is also a contributing factor to what makes the game the best in the world.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-342459" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210925_CMS_342439_Ball-and-Trophy-resize.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Ball-and-Trophy-resize.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Ball-and-Trophy-resize-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Ball-and-Trophy-resize-600x338.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Ball-and-Trophy-resize-150x84.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Ball-and-Trophy-resize-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>Simplicity in sport</h3>
<p>Some sports can get confusing with the different point values possible. Basketball has chances to score one, two or three points at once.</p>
<p>Other sports can score just once, but have certain rules to prevent that. Lacrosse has limits on the amount of people inside a certain zone. Hockey’s rapid changes make it hard to keep track of where players are and what positions they play.</p>
<p>The world’s game is both beautifully simple and complex. The aim of the game is to outscore your opponent. That’s it. No special equipment is&nbsp;<em>required</em>, outside of shin guards. The rules make sense, with offside being the only confusing one. Also, the introduction and development of video assistance does not simplify that facet of the game.</p>
<p>Regardless, soccer is easy to pick up for those who are unfamiliar with the sport.</p>
<p>Even with how simple the game is, modifications to the rules are seldom. Offside is always a topic of debate, golden goal made a brief appearance before being removed and video assistance is now at the forefront of discussion.</p>
<p>It is surprising to consider the intricacies of the sport knowing how simple it is. The multitude of formations that can be applied and switched throughout a game are numerous. Different managers from different nations employ strategies using players possessing their own special skill sets. Entire clubs devoted to a certain style because they like the way it looks.&nbsp;<em>Tiki-Taka</em> at Barcelona and the Samba flair in Brazil and Latin America.</p>
<p>All these players, coaches and styles of play exist within the same game. However, they create the world’s game through making one sport seem so different.</p>
<h3>Opportunity for all</h3>
<p>Plenty of sports are pay-to-play. Essentially, sports like hockey, golf or American football require high equipment expenses. With soccer, at least at young ages, all that is required is a ball.</p>
<p>Sure, it is nice to have a goal of some quality to shoot into or some fancy cleats to increase agility. However, when we look at poorer countries, soccer’s nature allows talent to show through.</p>
<p>Take any of the soccer icons to play the game. Diego Maradona played for a neighborhood team in Argentina before being discovered. Lionel Messi played for Newell’s Old Boys’ youth team before a scout saw his talents. As <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/zlatan-ibrahimovic-mightve-just-explained-why-usmnt-didnt-qualify-last-world-cup-1475780" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zlatan Ibrahimovic described</a>, “Pele became a champion without anything, he played with a ball made of rags.”</p>
<p>The wealth of players for the world’s game does not come from rich parents providing opportunities to their children. Instead, it comes from pure desire, and perhaps the hope of glory.</p>
<p>This contributes to the size of the game. In turn, the popularity provides levels of success and opportunity.</p>
<p>In each country, there is usually a top-tier professional league. Underneath that league, there are subdivisions and other competitions throughout an eight-month span each year. For example, in England, everyone wants to play in the Premier League, as it is the top division of the English pyramid. Beneath that, there are three professional leagues, and even more semi-professional leagues. Players can ascend through these ranks depending on their performances to reach the top.</p>
<p>Theoretically, a player and/or club could slowly rise from the bottom of any league system in the world, and make their way to the world stage.</p>
<p>There’s a beauty about that. It’s just one of the many things we love about The Beautiful Game.</p>


Soccer earns its reputation as the world's game. In fact, it is simply the best sport to grace the planet due to its internationalism and opportunities.

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