England is regarded as the birthplace of modern football under its codified rules.
Football-like games existed in many cultures, but the modern association code was developed in England. In 1863, representatives of London clubs and schools founded the Football Association and agreed rules that separated association football from rugby-style play.
The new code standardised features such as handling restrictions, the shape of the game and methods of restarting play. Sheffield clubs had already developed influential local rules, and those traditions contributed to football’s early organisation.
The sport spread internationally through schools, sailors, workers and British clubs. The name “soccer” originated in British usage as an abbreviation of “association football,” although “football” remains the dominant term in most countries. Modern football is distinct from American football, rugby and Australian rules football.