Soccer (or football) is a human sport originating on Earth in which two teams of 11 players try to drive a ball into the other's net by using any body part except the arms or hands. The only player who may touch or move the ball with their arms or hands is the goalkeeper, who protects the net. He or she may only do so within the confines of their own team's penalty area.
Lee, a 21st century Sanctuary District official, preferred soccer to baseball and tennis. (DS9: "Past Tense, Part II")
In 2152, the English football team qualified for the World Cup championships. (ENT: "Minefield")
- It should be pointed out that 2152 isn't actually a World Cup year, although it may be that the team qualified early, as is sometimes the case. It is also possible that one or more conflicts, such as the Third World War/Eugenics Wars, caused the World Cup years to be rescheduled.
One of the most popular soccer players of the mid-24th century was Golanga, until he had to have his knee replaced by a bio-implant in 2366. According to Benjamin Sisko, "he wasn't the same after that". (DS9: "Paradise")
Beverly Crusher recalled her first crush, as an eight-year old on a eleven-year old soccer player named Stefan, led to fantasies about having children, a career, and a happy life. (TNG: "The Host")
In 2353, when Worf was thirteen, he was captain of his school soccer team at Gault colony. The team made it to the championships that year. Near the end of the second half, with the score tied, Worf's team got a corner kick. Worf and one of his opponents, Mikel, both leaped up to head a highflying ball. Worf successfully made the goal, however, their heads collided in the process. Mikel's neck was broken and he died the following day. This incident scarred Worf for the rest of his life, showing him that he would never be truly able to live amongst humans. (DS9: "Let He Who Is Without Sin...")
- Future terminology on Earth is impossible to predict; however, as Star Trek was created and produced in the United States, American terminology predominates. It is more likely, given the names used in various countries for this sport, that in the future "football" will be known as "American football" and soccer will be simply "football". See the Wikipedia article on the word football for more information.