What is the most popular sport in the world?

Football, commonly known as soccer in some countries, is considered the most popular sport in the world due to its global reach and the vast number of fans it has across various continents. It is played and followed in nearly every country, with major events like the FIFA World Cup drawing in billions of viewers. The simplicity of the game, requiring just a ball and an open space to play, contributes to its worldwide popularity. The cultural significance of football, as well as the success of club leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and Serie A in Italy, further enhance its prominence.

In contrast, while cricket has a significant following, particularly in countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia, it does not match the global participation and viewership levels of football. Similarly, basketball and tennis, despite their popularity and dedicated fan bases, do not reach the same widespread engagement as football does. Football's accessibility and the excitement of its matches make it a unifying sport for people around the world, solidifying its status as the most popular sport globally.