American football, often called "gridiron football" internationally, is a team sport where two teams of eleven players compete to advance an oval ball at least ten yards in four "downs" across a rectangular field, primarily scoring through touchdowns or field goals. This dynamic sport evolved in the United States from soccer and rugby, with its first recorded game on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton. Walter Camp, widely recognized as the "Father of American Football," established many foundational rules from 1880, such as the snap and line of scrimmage, later complemented by innovations like the forward pass. It is the most popular sport in the U.S., boasting a massive following for professional and college leagues, with the National Football League (NFL)'s championship, the Super Bowl, ranking among the world's most-watched club sporting events. While its global presence is growing, particularly in North America, Europe, Brazil, and Japan, a variant called Flag football is set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.