Certain sports are massive in the United States of America, but of course, you don’t need us to tell you that. However, there are many other people that share the same passions, and that’s something you might not know, unless you’re a huge fan of a given sport listed here.
What we’ve gathered today are countries that love the same sports as the USA, getting really competitive in their practice of it. While it’s hard to imagine them going toe to toe with America’s greatest athletes, they could give you a run for your money.
UnsplashJapan, Baseball
Baseball found its way to Japan in the late 19th century and eventually became the national sport during the post-WWII era. Today, the classic American pastime is by far the most prominent game in the country.
UnsplashPhilippines, Basketball
Introduced by American teachers during the colonial period, basketball is easily the most popular game in the Philippines today. You can find locals playing it everywhere, going all the way from amateur pickup games to professional leagues.
UnsplashMexico, American Football
American football has seen a massive surge in popularity across Mexico, complete with the ONEFA college league and the LFA professional league. The country has even hosted highly attended games for the NFL International Series.
UnsplashDominican Republic, Baseball
Baseball is the most popular game in the Dominican Republic by a massive margin. Their love for the sport translates directly to the field, producing the second-highest number of MLB players right behind the US.
UnsplashLithuania, Basketball
Lithuanian expats brought basketball back home from the US during the interwar period, and it completely took over. It is now the most popular game in the nation, frequently referred to as their ‘second religion.’
UnsplashCanada, Ice Hockey
While Americans love a good trip to the ice rink, Canada actually invented the game. Ice hockey comes with a massive fanbase north of the border, providing a deep sense of national pride for Canadians everywhere.
UnsplashSouth Korea, Baseball
American missionaries brought baseball over to Korea back in 1905, and it stuck around for good. It remains one of the most popular sports in South Korea today, featuring massive crowds for the 10-team KBO League.
UnsplashChina, Basketball
Basketball is heavily watched and played across China, with 22 percent of the population naming it their favorite sport in 2022. The NBA even holds the title of the most popular sports league in the nation.
UnsplashGermany, American Football
American football was still considered a niche interest in Germany during the 1990s, but things have changed. The country now boasts a thriving fandom and a highly raucous fan base that loves packing into stadiums.
UnsplashCuba, Baseball
The United States and Cuba definitely share a deep love for life on the diamond. Just like it is for Americans, baseball is widely celebrated as the national pastime and the most popular sport in Cuba.
UnsplashSerbia, Basketball
Serbia has experienced massive international success on the basketball court, including an Olympic silver medal. They also produced superstar Nikola Jokic, who secured 3 NBA MVP awards and took home the 2023 Finals MVP trophy.
UnsplashUnited Kingdom, American Football
American football has gained serious popularity across the UK. More people in England are watching weekly games on TV than ever before, and London previously served as the largest hub of NFL fans in all of Europe.
UnsplashVenezuela, Baseball
Influenced by US oil companies during the early 20th century, baseball quickly became a major cultural staple in Venezuela. The nation even established the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League back in 1945, and it remains highly popular.
UnsplashSpain, Basketball
Spain is incredibly prolific when it comes to basketball. Their high-profile international achievements include winning the World Basketball Championships in 2006 and 2019, along with FIBA EuroBasket victories in 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2022.
UnsplashBrazil, American Football
You might assume that everyone in Brazil is strictly focused on soccer, but they actually have a growing participation in American football. This uniquely American pastime is slowly but surely carving out a dedicated international audience there.
