American Football is steadily gaining fans across the globe, and its growing influence can be felt in numerous countries. As it continues to expand, it may soon become the world's most-watched sport – anything is possible.
Let's explore some of the countries where American Football is played.
1. Australia
Australia represents Oceania in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), with the sport being governed in the country by Gridiron Australia since 1996, a member of IFAF.
The first season of American Football in Australia took place in 1984, with players wearing boxing headgear rather than helmets.
2. Sweden
Established in 1984 by Tommy Wiking, the Swedish American Football Federation (SAFF) has grown substantially, with Wiking also serving as President of the IFAF. The premier league in Sweden is called Superserien, and the SAFF has also begun promoting flag football.
Sweden's women's American Football team played their debut match in 2008, a friendly game against Finland.
3. Israel
The Israeli Football League (IFL) was established in 2005 and is responsible for American football in the nation. Initially, it started as a touch football league in 1988. The first season took place in 2007, culminating in the Jerusalem Lions winning the Israel Bowl I.
Israel's women's American Football team debuted in 2005, participating in the European Women 7's Championship.
4. Mexico
While Mexico is commonly associated with soccer, many are unaware that American Football has been played in the country since the 1920s. The sport features prominently in Mexican colleges and universities, and the inaugural professional championship took place in 1928.
Mexico is among the few countries, alongside the United States, where American Football is taken earnestly, with numerous leagues ranging from college to junior and youth levels.
The NCAA has been organizing a bowl game called the Aztec Bowl in Mexico since the 1950s, with the event still occurring to this day. The game has included a match between Mexican and American All-Star Teams from the Football Coaches Association since 1997.
Several players from the Mexican National American Football team have even progressed to the NFL.
5. Japan's Love for American Football
American Football has undoubtedly left its mark all across Asia. In Japan, this sport is not a recent fad, as the Japan American Football Association (JAFA) was born in 1934. The association accommodates corporate-sponsored teams, college clubs, semi-professional teams, and high school squads. What's fascinating about JAFA is that each league has its separate bowl game and ends with its own Super Bowl games.
The Koshien Bowl, Japan's national bowl game, came into existence in 1947. It holds the title of the oldest national bowl game, and this game identifies the best college JAFA team.
Initially established in 1948 as an East-West All-Star match, the Rice Bowl was rebranded in 1983, transforming it into a match between the Koshien Bowl and Japan X Bowl winners.
This prestigious bowl is played annually on January 3, crowning the best club in Japan, or as some would say, the American Football champions of Japan. Every year, the Japan X Bowl decides the top semi-pro champions.
6. Canada's Passion for American Football
Rugby is cherished in Canada, and the same goes for American Football. Those with a deep understanding of American Football realize that the sport is a derivative of Rugby. Canadians have been participating in American Football for as long as Americans have.
Some even argue that Canadians were the inventors of American Football, asserting that the first-ever game took place in November 1861 at the University of Toronto. Football Canada materialized in 1986 and has been a legitimate member of IFAF since 2004.
7. Germany's American Football Scene
The national league and German Bowls fall under the purview of the American Football Association of Germany, established in 1982. Created in 1979, the German Football League is regarded as one of the strongest leagues in Europe.
8. The United Kingdom's Affinity for American Football
As the birthplace of Rugby, it is no surprise that the United Kingdom would embrace American Football. The national governing body, the British American Football Federation, was founded in 1985.
9. Austria's Growing Interest in American Football
Founded in 1984, the Austrian Football League is deemed one of Europe's strongest leagues. Their national team is also a powerhouse on the continent.
10. Brazil's American Football Inclination
Brazil is also among the newest countries to join the American Football craze. Their national league, the Superliga Nacional de Futebol Americano, was established in 2010.
11. China's American Football Endeavors
China is another recent addition to the small group of nations embracing American Football. While it may be new to the sport, it's already gaining momentum, with numerous men and women joining in the game.
12. France
In France, soccer and rugby reign supreme as the favored sports of the populace. Despite the abundance of talent and participation in American Football, the public response remains quite varied.
13. United States of America
Naturally, the USA engages in American Football, which is also one of the few countries where the sport has a professional presence and provides career opportunities for players. The National Football League, originating in the USA, is home to the most prestigious bowl - the Super Bowl - where top American Football teams vie for the championship title.
The Super Bowl is more than just a game, as it attracts Hollywood's biggest celebrities in attendance. Additionally, it is renowned for its half-time performances featuring prominent artists. Equally popular are the extravagant million-dollar television commercials aired annually during the event. No wonder fans worldwide gather around their televisions to witness this grand spectacle.
14. Belgium
Home to the Belgian Football League, Belgium supports an amateur American Football league. The BFL consists of two conferences, culminating in the Belgian Bowl at the end of the season, where three teams from each conference compete for the championship title.
15. New Zealand
The American Football scene in New Zealand is overseen by the New Zealand American Football Federation (NZAFF). Organized American Football has been played in the country since 1982, though its presence dates back to 1971 with football matches at Kelston Boys School.
Worthy of noting is the inclusion of several New Zealand-origin American Football players on NFL rosters.
Final Thoughts
American Football has undeniably gained widespread popularity across the globe, with many countries now supporting their own professional American Football leagues.
Given the high salaries of professional NFL players and glamorous pop stars performing at half-time shows, it's easy to understand the appeal of American Football to a global audience.
