Top 10 Most Played Sports in the World

Finding out which games are the most played sports in the world is not simple because millions of people play sports casually in parks, streets, homes, and schools without registration. Many players are not officially counted, so exact numbers are difficult to measure. That is why this list focuses mainly on organised participation, such as players registered in clubs, leagues, teams, and official competitions. These numbers come from international sports bodies and research studies that track participation across countries.

Participation in sports keeps changing as games grow in new regions and more people start playing them. Even then, some sports have consistently high numbers of players and are widely accepted as the most played sports in the world.

List of 10 Most Played Sports in the World

10. Golf

Golf is played in many countries and attracts people of different age groups. More than 60 million people are estimated to play golf regularly. It is calm, social, and does not always need strong physical strength, so older players enjoy it as well.

Golf courses are common in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South Africa. Many people like golf not only for competition but also for fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and social time. Because of these reasons, golf is counted among the most played sports in the world.

9. Baseball

Baseball is strongly connected with the United States, where it is known as "America's pastime." Today it is also popular in Japan, South Korea, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The WBSC reports that tens of millions play baseball and softball in more than 100 countries.

Baseball is the national game in several countries, and Major League Baseball is one of the richest professional leagues. Because of its wide reach, baseball is often grouped among the most played sports in the world.

8. Table Tennis

Table tennis, or ping pong, is a very quick racket sport that can be played indoors in small spaces. This makes it affordable and easy for schools, clubs, and homes. China leads the sport globally, with large numbers of players.

Millions across Asia, Europe, and Africa enjoy the game both casually and professionally. Because it is simple to start and very enjoyable, table tennis is counted among the most played sports in the world.

7. Cricket

Cricket is hugely followed and played, especially in countries once influenced by the British Empire. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa are major cricket nations.

The ICC says more than 120 countries play organised cricket. With T20 leagues growing worldwide, participation continues to rise, making cricket one of the most played sports in the world.

6. Tennis

Tennis is a major individual sport played by both men and women on different court surfaces. Millions participate through clubs, schools, and academies.

Grand Slam events attract attention worldwide, helping tennis become one of the most played sports in the world. The sport is also growing rapidly in Asia and other developing regions.

5. Basketball

Basketball is fast, exciting, and easy to begin since players mainly need a ball and a hoop. The NBA is the best-known league, but the sport is highly popular in China, the Philippines, Europe, Canada, and Africa.

Millions of young players join school and community competitions. This huge participation makes basketball one of the most played sports in the world.

4. Volleyball

Volleyball is played indoors and outdoors and is also popular on beaches. It requires simple equipment and medium team sizes, making it very accessible.

From schools to international tournaments, participation is massive. Because of this wide reach, volleyball is easily listed among the most played sports in the world.

3. Field Hockey

Field hockey is a fast game played with sticks and a small ball on turf or grass. It has strong popularity in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

It has been part of the Olympics for many years and has millions of registered players worldwide. This places field hockey firmly among the most played sports in the world.

2. Badminton

Badminton may seem surprising in second place, but its participation numbers are extremely high. It is especially popular across Asia and Europe.

It is quick, indoor-friendly, and suitable for schools and small areas. Because millions play it for fitness and competition, badminton is clearly one of the most played sports in the world.

CategoryDetailsEstimated players worldwide200+ millionMost popular regionsAsia and EuropeOlympic statusYesType of sportRacket sport

1. Football

Soccer, or football, is the leading sport globally. It is simple to start, needing only a ball, and is played everywhere from streets to stadiums.

There are hundreds of millions of registered players and billions of fans. For this reason, soccer is the number one among the most played sports in the world, and it is also the most watched sport on Earth.