Editing Football (section)

== History ==

=== Origins ===
The origins of football can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where various forms of ball games were played. The earliest evidence of a football-like game dates back to '''China''' in the '''2nd and 3rd centuries BC''', where a game called '''Cuju''' involved kicking a leather ball through a hole in a net.

In '''England''', the modern game of football began to take shape in the '''19th century'''. Various schools and clubs had their own rules, leading to confusion and inconsistency. To address this, the '''Football Association (FA)''' was formed in '''1863''', standardizing the rules and separating association football from rugby.

=== Global Expansion ===
Football's popularity exploded in the late '''19th and early 20th centuries'''. The establishment of national leagues and clubs in Europe, coupled with the formation of international competitions, helped spread the game globally. The first-ever international match was played between England and Scotland in '''1872''', setting the stage for future competitions.

=== The Birth of FIFA ===
In '''1904''', the '''Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)''' was founded in Paris, uniting national football associations worldwide. FIFA's establishment was pivotal in organizing international competitions, including the inaugural '''[[FIFA World Cup]]''' in '''1930''' in Uruguay.