Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, has origins that trace back over 2,000 years ago to ancient civilizations such as China, Greece, Rome, and possibly Mesoamerican cultures. For example, the ancient Chinese played a game called "Cuju" around the 2nd and 3rd centuries, which involved kicking a ball through goals. Similar ball games existed in ancient Rome and Greece, and even indigenous Central American cultures had versions of ball games that resembled soccer. The modern form of soccer, however, developed in England during the 19th century. Early versions of the game were often played in towns and villages with few standardized rules and could be quite violent. The first formal codification of rules came in October 1863 when representatives from various football clubs and schools in London met at the Freemason’s Tavern and established the Football Association (FA). This event marked the separation between soccer (association football) and rugby, introducing rules such as the prohibition against carrying the ball with hands. The first official soccer match following these rules was played on December 19, 1863, between Barnes FC and Richmond FC. Soccer as we know it today emerged from this 19th-century codification and grew in popularity, eventually spreading worldwide. In summary:

• Early ball games resembling soccer existed over 2,000 years ago in China, Rome, Greece, and Mesoamerica.
• Modern soccer officially started in England in 1863 with the formation of the Football Association and the creation of standardized rules.
• The first official match under these rules was played in December 1863.

This history highlights soccer's evolution from ancient ball games to the standardized sport played globally today.