The most popular sport in the world is soccer, known as football outside of North America. It boasts an estimated global following of over 4 billion fans. Played by two teams of eleven players, soccer's simple rules and minimal equipment requirements contribute to its widespread appeal, allowing people of various backgrounds to participate. Major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup draw immense audiences and generate significant economic activity. Soccer's rich history, along with its capacity to unify people across cultures and nations, further solidifies its status as the most beloved sport worldwide.