26 Ways Soccer is Played Around the World

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Associated Press photographers have turned their lens on the game worldwide from the snowy peaks of northern Afghanistan to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

Game Day: Netherlands Vs. Argentina

Argentina reached the World Cup final on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, after beating the Netherlands 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved penalties by Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to give Argentina the win after the game finished 0-0 following extra time.

Game Day: Brazil Vs. Germany

With Neymar out injured, just about everyone in Brazil knew it would be tough against Germany. Nobody ever expected this. The Germans tore apart Brazil’s porous defense time and time again Tuesday, routing the hosts 7-1 in the World Cup semifinals, the largest margin of defeat at this stage in the history of the tournament. 

Game Day: USA vs. Belgium

As U.S. World Cup fans grapple with their 2-1 loss to Belgium, we’ve decided to spread some visual cheer with an extraordinary set of photos by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Rodrigo Abd, who roamed the streets of Brazil and captured everything from frenzied fans as they made their way to the stadium before the match, to the spectator nuances of

All Eyes on Brazil

After so much talk about delays, protests and problems, fans will at last get a chance to cheer for Brazil’s national team on home soil in Sao Paulo in football’s 2014 FIFA World Cup opening game. Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil, will host a succession of matches including the final match of the