Pronunciation: [sˈɒkə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "soccer" can often be a topic of debate, with many arguing that it should be spelled "football" like it is in many other countries. However, the current spelling of "soccer" is derived from the word "association", as in "association football", which eventually was shortened to "soccer". The correct IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "soccer" is /ˈsɑkər/, with the stress on the first syllable.
Soccer, also known as football in most parts of the world, is a globally popular team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, using a spherical ball. It is primarily played by using the feet to kick the ball, although players are also allowed to use any part of their body except their arms and hands. The objective of the game is to score goals by maneuvering the ball into the opponent's goal, using various tactics such as dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Played on a rectangular field called a pitch, soccer involves fast-paced, dynamic gameplay where players showcase their skills and teamwork. The team that scores the most goals within the allotted time, usually 90 minutes divided into two halves, wins the game. In case of a tie, it may be decided by extra time or a penalty shootout.
Soccer's origins can be traced back to various ancient civilizations, but the modern game as we know it today was codified in England in the mid-19th century. Since then, soccer has become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of passionate fans and fostering fierce rivalries between clubs and nations. It is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which manages various tournaments including the World Cup, the most prestigious competition in the sport.
Soccer not only showcases physical talents but also promotes qualities like sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline. It has transcended cultural boundaries and has a unifying power, with fans and players representing diverse backgrounds and cultures coming together to celebrate the beautiful game.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "soccer" is derived from "association football". Association football is the full name of the sport commonly known as football or soccer. The term "soccer" originated in England in the 19th century as a colloquial abbreviation of "association". It was used to distinguish the sport from other forms of football played at the time, such as rugby football. The word "soccer" gained popularity in England and later spread to other countries, including the United States, where it is commonly used to refer to the sport.
