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Foosball, Table Football or Babyfoot: What's the Difference?
Foosball, table football and babyfoot are three names for the same game. "Foosball" is the American name, "table football" the British one and "babyfoot" the French one. The tables themselves do differ by country, mainly in the rods, the ball and the playing surface, and those differences change how the game feels.
Why does the game have so many names?
| Name | Where it is used |
|---|---|
| Foosball | United States and Canada, from the German word Fussball |
| Table football | United Kingdom |
| Babyfoot | France |
| Calcio balilla | Italy |
| Futbolín | Spain |
| Kicker | Germany |
The history of the game and its regional styles are covered on Wikipedia's table football page.
What is actually different between the tables?
- Rods. Telescopic rods slide inside themselves and do not poke out on the opponent's side, which is safer around children. Through rods pass right across the table and feel more direct.
- Ball. French-style tables traditionally use a cork ball, which is quiet and easy to control. Other styles use harder plastic balls, which are faster.
- Players. The classic layout is 11 players per team on four rods: one goalkeeper, two defenders, five midfielders and three forwards.
- Weight. A heavy cabinet stays put during play. Lighter tables are easier to move and to live with.
Which style should you choose?
- For a family with young children: telescopic rods.
- For a design-led living room: a table where the cabinet and legs are part of the furniture.
- For a terrace or garden: a model built for outdoor use.
- For a small flat: see our guide to the best mini foosball table for small spaces.
Four football tables in different styles
Football tables are usually made to order, so check the delivery time on each product page.
Stella Outdoor Football Table
A sturdy wood and metal table built to live outside. From €1,969
View product
Tour 65 Football Table
A luxury table with a modern look, also from Fas Pendezza. From €2,400
View productTo compare makers, read our article on the best table football brand, or browse all design games.
Frequently asked questions
Is foosball the same as table football?
Yes. They are the same game under different names.
How many players are on a football table?
Usually 22 figures: 11 per team on four rods each.
What are telescopic rods?
Rods that slide inside themselves so they never stick out on the far side of the table.
