The Most Unexpected Countries Where American Football is Played

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Although the game is frequently linked with the United States, it may surprise you to learn that it is also played in a number of other nations. The fact that American football is played in these unexpected nations demonstrates that the sport has a global following and can be appreciated by individuals from all walks of life, despite the fact that it may not be as popular as basketball or soccer. On the contrary, football is the most popular sport in the United States, and the sport has held that position for decades. Due to its popularity across the United States, the gridiron sport provides a lot of betting opportunities to the public and sportsbooks have designed various offers on NFL matches during the regular season, as well as juicy promotions for the Super Bowl.  A close inspection of the sportsbooks in the United States will reveal a vast array of new and existing customer offers. We have compiled for you a list of countries where American football is also played but outside the United States.

Japan

Japan is one of the most surprising nations where American football is played, and it has developed a sizable fan base over the years. Since the 1930s, American football has been played in Japan. The Japan National Football League, which was established in 1935 and folded in 1937, had the first professional team. In 1948, the Japanese Football League was founded. Teams from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka competed in the league, which rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a significant player in the Japanese game. The All-Japan Football League became the name of the league in 1981. The league changed its name to the JFL in 1992. 

UAE

American football in the United Arab Emirates is a growing sport. The sport was introduced to the country in 2005 by the American Football Association of the UAE (AFAU). The AFAU is the only organization that controls and promotes American football on the Arabian Peninsula. In 2005, the first ever American Football League was formed, with the first professional season starting in 2006. The league has grown to include over 40 teams across the UAE and is currently the only professional American Football league in the Middle East. Arriving in the UAE, American football fans can easily get to know the main highlights of the country and attend an American football match. And in order to be on time, we recommend renting a car. Today, car rental in Dubai is more than an affordable service, so you can easily afford even a Ferrari for rent. When renting a car in the UAE, you do not spend a lot of time, because highly qualified luxury car rental UAE specialists will help you quickly organize everything.

Israel

Another surprising country where American football has taken off is Israel, where it has been played since the 1980s. The first American football game in Israel was played on May 23, 1947, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was organized by the American Friends of Hebrew University and the American Consul General in Jerusalem, Thomas G. H. Wicker. The game was won by the students from the Hebrew University, who defeated the consul’s team, 25–0.

Mexico

American football is particularly well-liked in Mexico. In actuality, it serves as the nation’s national sport. Additionally, it is regarded as a national activity, particularly among kids. One of the most prosperous American football leagues in Latin America has its roots in Mexico. In 1928, the first game played on Mexican soil was recorded. The Mexican Navy and the National Mexican Army competed in it. More games were played in the years that followed. The Guadalajara games are the most well-known. The Mexican National Team and the Cigarroa Football Club are the only two teams competing in the league at the moment.

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Brazil

American football made its way to Brazil in the 1920s, but it didn’t gain popularity until the 1950s. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) was established in 1938, and in the early 1960s, they organized the first-everBrazilian American Football League (BAFL). The inaugural games took place on November 8, 1961, at the Campo das Drapas in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, American football has slowly but steadily gained a following in Brazil, with more and more teams and leagues being formed across the country. However, it still remains a niche sport compared to soccer, which is by far the most popular sport in Brazil.

Germany

The local football federation in Germany has 54 thousand members and 450 teams. Germany has always been the most fruitful nation for the early 2000s European NFL endeavor. Five of the six NFL Europe teams were based in Germany when the league folded in 2007. Following that, the country’s interest in football did not wane, and German teams created their own championship; analysts compare the quality of play in this country to the second tier of US college football.

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