What Countries Play Lacrosse: Facts Uncovered 2023

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If you’re a lacrosse fan, you might be curious about what countries play this sport. Lacrosse is a popular team sport that originated in North America and has since spread to other parts of the world. Today, lacrosse is played in many countries, and its popularity continues to grow.

So, what countries play lacrosse? According to World Lacrosse, there are currently 86 member nations across four continental federations spanning the globe. These include countries such as Australia, Canada, England, Japan, and the United States, among others.

Some countries are still in the process of joining World Lacrosse, but lacrosse is becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world.

List of Countries Where Lacrosse Is Being Played

Tracing lacrosse history, this sport has been played in many countries around the world. Whether you are a fan of the game or a player yourself, it is interesting to see how the sport has spread across the globe. Here is a list of countries where lacrosse is being played:

  • Australia: Lacrosse is a popular sport in Australia, with a strong focus on both men’s and women’s teams. The Australian Lacrosse Association is the governing body for the sport in the country.
  • Canada: Lacrosse is widely considered to be Canada’s national sport, and it is played at both amateur and professional levels. The Canadian Lacrosse Association oversees the sport in the country.
  • China: Lacrosse is a growing sport in China, with a focus on developing youth programs. The China Lacrosse Association is the governing body for the sport in the country.
  • England: Lacrosse has a long history in England, and the sport is still popular today. The English Lacrosse Association is the governing body for the sport in the country.
  • Iroquois: The Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team represents the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in international competition. The team is made up of players from the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, which includes parts of Canada and the United States.
  • Japan: Lacrosse is a popular sport in Japan, with a focus on developing youth programs and women’s teams. The Japan Lacrosse Association is the governing body for the sport in the country.
  • United States: Lacrosse is a popular sport in the United States, with a strong focus on both men’s and women’s teams. The sport is played at both the amateur and professional levels, and the United States Lacrosse Association is the governing body for the sport in the country. (You may want to know: Where is Lacrosse Most Popular in the US)
  • Other Countries: Lacrosse is also played in many other countries around the world, including Belgium, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uganda. The sport is growing in popularity in these countries, and there are efforts to develop lacrosse programs and teams.

As you can see, lacrosse is being played in many countries worldwide. Whether you are a fan of the sport or a player yourself, it is exciting to see how the game has spread across the globe.

Play Lacrosse In Japan
Play Lacrosse in Japan

What Country Is Lacrosse Most Popular In

If you’re wondering what country is lacrosse most popular in, the answer is Canada. Lacrosse is Canada’s national summer sport and has a long history in the country. The sport is deeply rooted in the Indigenous culture of Canada, and the first recorded game was played by Indigenous people in the 17th century.

In Canada, lacrosse is played at all levels, from youth leagues to professional teams. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is the professional indoor lacrosse league in North America, and six of the thirteen teams are based in Canada. The Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) is the governing body for lacrosse in Canada and oversees all levels of the sport.

While Canada is the country where lacrosse is most popular, the sport has gained popularity in other countries as well. The United States is the second most popular country for lacrosse, and the sport has been played there since the 1800s. According to US Lacrosse, the growth of lacrosse in the US has been significant, with over 800,000 people playing the sport in 2019.

Lacrosse has also gained popularity in Europe, with countries like England, Scotland, and Germany fielding national teams. Japan and China have established lacrosse programs in Asia, and the sport has also gained traction in Australia.

In conclusion, while Canada is the country where lacrosse is most popular, the sport has gained popularity in other countries as well. The growth of lacrosse globally is a testament to the sport’s appeal and its ability to transcend borders and cultures.

Canadian Lacrosse Team
Canadian Lacrosse Team

World Lacrosse Rankings

If you want to know which countries play lacrosse at a high level, the World Lacrosse Rankings are a good place to start. These rankings are based on results from the most recent World Lacrosse Championships and are updated regularly.

According to the World Lacrosse Rankings, the top six countries in men’s field lacrosse are the United States, Canada, Iroquois Nationals, Australia, England, and Israel. In women’s field lacrosse, the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and Japan are the top ranked countries.

It’s worth noting that the Iroquois Nationals are not a sovereign nation, but rather a team representing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations.

The World Lacrosse Rankings also include rankings for men’s indoor lacrosse, women’s indoor lacrosse, and men’s and women’s under-19 field lacrosse. In men’s indoor lacrosse, Canada is the top ranked country, followed by the Iroquois Nationals, the United States, and Israel. In women’s indoor lacrosse, Canada is the top ranked country, followed by the United States and the Haudenosaunee.

If you’re interested in seeing the full rankings for all categories, you can check out the World Lacrosse website. It’s important to note that these rankings are not the be-all, end-all of lacrosse talent. Many countries play lacrosse at a high level that may not be ranked as highly as others due to a variety of factors, such as lack of funding or resources.

Overall, the World Lacrosse Rankings provide a good starting point for understanding which countries play lacrosse at a high level. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or a player looking to compete internationally, these rankings can provide valuable insights into the global lacrosse landscape.

The United States Lacrosse Team in 2010
Source: USAlacrosse.com

Future of Lacrosse Throughout the World

Lacrosse is a sport that has been rapidly growing in popularity throughout the world. With the sport becoming more accessible and the number of countries playing lacrosse increasing, it is clear that the future of lacrosse is bright.

As more and more countries begin to embrace lacrosse, there are several factors that are contributing to the sport’s growth. The increasing number of international competitions and tournaments, such as the World Lacrosse Championships, have helped to raise awareness of the sport and attract new players and fans.

In addition to international competitions, the growth of lacrosse is also being driven by the increasing availability of equipment and coaching. As the sport becomes more established in new regions, more resources and infrastructure are being put in place to support its growth. This includes the development of local leagues, clubs, and academies, which are helping to nurture a new generation of lacrosse players.

Play Lacrosse in Africa
Play Lacrosse in Africa

Looking ahead, the future of lacrosse looks promising. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, we will likely see innovations and developments that will help to drive its popularity even further. This could include new game formats, such as the six-a-side version of lacrosse launched in 2020, or new technologies to enhance the spectator experience.

Overall, the future of lacrosse throughout the world is bright. With increasing numbers of countries playing lacrosse, and more resources being put in place to support its growth, it is clear that the sport has a bright future ahead. Whether you are a seasoned lacrosse player or a newcomer to the sport, there has never been a better time to get involved in this exciting and dynamic sport.

Official Lacrosse Organizations

If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of countries that play lacrosse, you’ll want to turn to the official lacrosse organizations. There are two main governing bodies for lacrosse: World Lacrosse and the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL).

World Lacrosse is the international governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. They organize the World Lacrosse Championship, the Women’s Lacrosse World Cup, and the Under-19 World Lacrosse Championships for both men and women. They have 62 members, including countries such as Canada, Australia, China, and Costa Rica. You can find a full list of their members on their website.

World Lacrosse Logo

The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) is another international governing body for lacrosse. They organize the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship and the World Lacrosse Championships for both men and women. They have over 50 members, including countries such as the United States, Japan, and Israel. You can find a full list of their members on their website.

In addition to these two main governing bodies, there are also national lacrosse organizations in many countries. These organizations are responsible for promoting and developing lacrosse within their country. Some examples of national lacrosse organizations include the Australian Lacrosse Association, the Canadian Lacrosse Association, and the Japan Lacrosse Association.

Overall, if you’re interested in learning more about what countries play lacrosse, you’ll want to turn to the official lacrosse organizations. They can provide you with a comprehensive list of countries that play lacrosse, as well as information on upcoming events and tournaments.

Conclusion

Lacrosse is a sport that is played in various countries worldwide. While it originated in North America, it has since spread to other regions, including Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Thanks to the efforts of World Lacrosse, the sport has gained global recognition, and more countries are joining the organization every year. As of now, there are 85 member nations across four continental federations, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, and many more.

Overall, lacrosse is a sport that is played in various countries worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow. Whether you are a seasoned lacrosse player or just starting, there are numerous opportunities to play the sport in different parts of the world. So, you now know what countries play lacrosse. The answer is simple – many countries do!

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About James

Hi there, I'm James, a lacrosse player and writer for LaxEZ.com. I grew up in a family that loved lacrosse, so I started playing at a young age and have been passionate about it ever since. I love sharing my knowledge and experiences about various aspects of lacrosse and helpful tips.

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