One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr.
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 28, 2026
Stuck on the clue One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr. from the New York Times Daily for March 28, 2026? We have the correct 3-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr. (3)
Answer
The answer to One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr. is Eng (3 letters).
Why does Eng fit this clue?
This clue works as an abbreviation puzzle where 'Abbr.' signals that ENG is a shortened form, specifically standing for England. England is a country that forms part of the United Kingdom and has a long soccer tradition. The clue references the first official international soccer match, which took place on November 30, 1872, between England and Scotland at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow. England was indeed one of the two sides in this historic match, making ENG the correct abbreviated answer for 'one side' in that pioneering international soccer game.
What does One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr. mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
international
adjective
•between or involving different countries
soccer
noun
•a sport played between two teams using a round ball that players kick
match
noun
•a competitive game or contest between teams or players
Abbr.
noun
•abbreviation; a shortened form of a word or phrase
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 49-across in the New York Times Daily on March 28, 2026, by Katie Hoody, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 28, 2026
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What does Eng mean?
adjective
•Narrow.
noun
•Roman alphabet ŋ: The Latin-based letter formed by combining the letters n and g, used in the IPA, Saami, Mende, and some Australian aboriginal languages. In the IPA, it represents the voiced velar nasal, the ng sound in running and rink.
Origin of the word Eng
•origin: Old English
•period: before 12th century
The word 'Eng' derives from the Old English 'Engle' meaning 'the Angles,' one of the Germanic tribes that settled in Britain and gave their name to both England and the English language.
How to use Eng in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Eng.
•“Eng played against Scotland in the world's first official international soccer match in 1872, which ended in a 0-0 draw.”
•“The travel guide listed Eng as one of the top destinations in Europe for history enthusiasts.”
•“On the World Cup roster, Eng was placed in Group B alongside three other strong teams.”
What are other crossword clues for Eng?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 28, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 28, 2026 was published by Katie Hoody and has 70 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr.
- What is the answer to One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr.?
- The answer is Eng (3 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 28, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to One side in the first international soccer match (1872): Abbr. have?
- The answer has 3 letters: Eng.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 28, 2026
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provider
editor
Will Shortz
date
position
49 Across
answer length
3 letters