Soccer

Soccer, known as football in many countries outside the United States and Canada, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. Players primarily use their feet to maneuver the ball, although they can use any part of their body except their arms and hands—goalkeepers are the exception, as they are allowed to use their hands within their penalty area.

Soccer is governed by the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The game is played on a rectangular field, typically grass or artificial turf, with goals at each end. Matches consist of two halves, usually lasting 45 minutes each, with a halftime break.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with a vast following and a significant cultural impact. It features high-level competition through domestic leagues, international club tournaments, and national teams participating in international competitions like the FIFA World Cup. The sport emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, with players relying on physical endurance and technical abilities to succeed.