The difference between football and the rest is that you need to qualify for the world up as every nation plays the game and wants to win.
No one needs to qualify for the rugby "world cup".
The teams just rock up and play. Only 5 real contenders attend - AUS, NZ, SA, Eng and FRA.
No one needs to qualify for the cricket "world cup". Ditto the above, except substitue FRA for India/WI.
When you "get some nuts" and a (passport), you will able able to go anywhere in the world except USA/AUS and talk "football" to anyone. They will know what you are talking about.
PS - Do yourself a favour, kick your mate in the shins at full strength when he is not expecting it. Watch his pain. This pain is different to the "mans" game where the players expect contact.
