Football: The World’s Game
Learn natural football language so you can talk about your passion with people you meet while travelling.
1. Vocabulary Warm-Up
Click a card to flip it. Use Speak to hear the word and Translate to see it in the selected language.
2. Article Reading
How Football Connects People Around the World
For many people, football is more than a sport. It is a language that people can understand in almost every country. When you travel, you may not know every word in the local language, but you can still talk about a match, a great goal, or your favourite team.
Imagine a young French football fan on a gap year. In England, she visits a famous stadium and hears thousands of supporters singing before the game. In Spain, she watches a local league match in a café and talks to people about the score. In Argentina, she plays a friendly game in a park. She is not a professional player, but she understands the feeling of team spirit.
Football has many useful words. A striker tries to score. A midfielder helps the team move the ball. A coach gives instructions, and a referee makes decisions. Players pass, defend, attack, and sometimes miss chances. Sometimes there is an injury, and sometimes a player changes clubs in a transfer.
The best thing about football is the atmosphere. People talk, laugh, argue, celebrate, and feel nervous together. Even rival fans can share stories. During a big tournament or championship, football can make a city feel alive. For travellers, football is a door into culture. It helps you ask questions, make friends, and explain who you are.
3. Speaking & Discussion
Answer in full sentences. Try to use the vocabulary from the article.
4. Vocabulary Check
Choose the best answer. You will see instant feedback.
5. Grammar Focus: Past Simple vs Present Perfect
Past Simple
Use it for a finished time or a specific past event.
Example: I watched a match in Madrid last year.
Present Perfect
Use it for life experience when the exact time is not important.
Example: I have visited three famous stadiums.
Choose the correct tense
6. Football Prepositions
Choose the best preposition for each sentence.
7. Final Speaking Task
Travel Conversation Challenge
You meet another traveller in a hostel common room. They ask: “So, why do you love football?”
Prepare a 1-minute answer. Include: your favourite team/player, a football memory, and a country where you would like to watch a match.