Soccer, commonly known as football outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The objective of soccer is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. Players use their feet, heads, and bodies (excluding arms and hands, except for goalkeepers) to control and advance the ball.
The sport is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The game is played in two halves, typically lasting 45 minutes each, with a halftime break. The team that scores the most goals wins the match. If the score is tied, the game may end in a draw or proceed to extra time or penalties, depending on competition rules.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players and fans globally. It fosters teamwork, strategic thinking, and physical fitness, making it a widely respected and cherished sport across various cultures. Major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, highlight its global significance and popularity.