I have been wondering about this one, particularily as a keen sports fan, I cannot make up my mind as to what is the second most significant sport worldwide with everything incl. socio-political impotance, popularity etc put into the mix. In our world, despite what some Americans may believe soccer, aka in most of the English speaking world as football, is the most significant by a huge margin! Presumably the current 2nd on the list would become the number 1, but what's that cricket, basketball, athletics, rugby,volleyball, swimming, formula1, baseball or another one?
Also how could that come about ie that soccer is displaced? Maybe no British empire? Even within the empire they were variations field hockey and cricket were huge in Asia, cricket in the Carribean and Austrailia ( and Aussie rules ), rugby in Wales and New Zealand! BTW before the development of gaelic games in Ireland and baseball in USA, cricket was the major sport in both!!!!!!
I have put this thread here rather than pre 1900, because FIFA the governing body for soccer worldwide was formed in 1904 and the first world cup was not until 1930. Looking forward to hearing your replies!
Also how could that come about ie that soccer is displaced? Maybe no British empire? Even within the empire they were variations field hockey and cricket were huge in Asia, cricket in the Carribean and Austrailia ( and Aussie rules ), rugby in Wales and New Zealand! BTW before the development of gaelic games in Ireland and baseball in USA, cricket was the major sport in both!!!!!!
I have put this thread here rather than pre 1900, because FIFA the governing body for soccer worldwide was formed in 1904 and the first world cup was not until 1930. Looking forward to hearing your replies!