Soccer, or football, is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. The exact origins of the game remain unknown, however, it is believed to have originated in China as early as the 2nd or 3rd century BC. The modern version of the game, as we know it today, was developed in England during the mid-19th century. The Football Association of England was founded in 1863 and the first international match was played in 1872. The game quickly spread throughout Europe, and eventually the rest of the world. It is now the most popular sport in the world, with over 250 million players in over 200 countries.
