Sports tell stories about culture. They show what people value, where traditions come from, and what entire nations cheer for. Comparing sports in England to those in the United States is like opening two different playbooks. The British scene leans heavily on history and community, while America has built huge leagues designed for mass audiences. Both countries have their own biggest obsessions, and both proudly defend their favorites.
The English Sporting World
When discussing the top 10 sports in England, football (soccer) is the undisputed king. It’s the most watched and most widely played sport in the UK, with Premier League clubs followed not just at home but across the globe. Cricket, meanwhile, carries centuries of tradition, from village greens to the world stage. Rugby is split into two types: Union, the traditional 15-a-side game, and League, a faster 13-a-side version popular in northern England.
Tennis holds a special place thanks to Wimbledon, perhaps the most British sporting event of all. Athletics, swimming, cycling, and boxing contribute to a well-rounded sporting identity. Golf, too, has deep roots in Britain, with famous courses and players keeping it alive as a national favorite.
Top 10 Sports in England
America’s Sporting Stage
Switching focus to the most popular sports in the USA, the picture changes completely. Here, American football dominates every ranking of the top sports in the USA. The NFL is the biggest sports league by revenue, and the Super Bowl is not only the most-watched sporting event in the country but also a cultural phenomenon.
Basketball follows closely, with the NBA producing some of the most famous athletes in the world. Baseball, once the national pastime, still defines summer evenings and nostalgia. Ice hockey thrives in northern states, while soccer is gaining ground as one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Tennis and golf bridge cultures with their shared international prestige, while wrestling and lacrosse connect back to collegiate traditions and Native American history.
Top 10 Sports in the USA
Shared Ground
Despite their contrasts, England and the U.S. overlap in a few key sports.
- Tennis: Wimbledon (founded in 1877) is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, while the US Open (since 1881) is famous for its night matches and big crowds. Both are part of the Grand Slam and showcase the sport’s global appeal.
- Golf: The Ryder Cup, started in 1927, pits Europe against the U.S. every two years and is one of the most watched team events in golf. Britain also hosts The Open Championship, while the U.S. has The Masters.
- Boxing: Cross-Atlantic matchups have made history, like Muhammad Ali vs Henry Cooper in 1963, or more recently Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr. These fights attract fans worldwide.
- Soccer: While long central to sports in England, it’s now one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Youth participation is high, and MLS gained huge attention with David Beckham in 2007 and Lionel Messi in 2023.
And, of course, the famous language split: in the UK, “football” means soccer, while in America, it means the NFL’s game of touchdowns and helmets.
Stacking the top 10 sports in England against the most popular sports in USA shows two sporting cultures that grew apart but still find ways to connect. In the UK, tradition is the backbone, with cricket, rugby, and football woven into national identity. In America, spectacle drives everything, with leagues that thrive on entertainment as much as athleticism.
FAQ
1. What is the national sport of England?
The national sport of England is cricket. Although football (soccer) is by far the most watched and played game today, cricket has deep historical roots in English culture. It became associated with the country as early as the 18th century, spreading across the British Empire. Iconic series like The Ashes against Australia make it a symbol of tradition, even if football now dominates everyday conversation.
2. What is the national sport of the USA?
There’s no official declaration, but baseball has long been considered “America’s pastime,” earning that title in the late 19th century when it united communities across the country. However, in modern times, American football has overtaken it in popularity and is now the centerpiece of U.S. sporting culture.
3. What is the most popular sport in America?
The most popular sport in America is American football. The NFL is the richest league in the world, and the Super Bowl is the single most-watched sporting event in the country each year. Basketball and baseball follow closely, but nothing rivals the scale, revenue, and cultural weight of American football in the U.S.
