Football

Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, using any part of the body except the arms and hands (goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within their penalty area). The game is played on a rectangular field, typically with a grass or artificial turf surface, and is governed by rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, known for its passionate fan base and significant cultural impact. Matches are played over two halves, normally lasting 45 minutes each, and the team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, different competitions may employ various methods to determine a winner, such as penalty shootouts or extra time. Football is also the centerpiece of major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and continental championships, which showcase the best teams and players from around the globe.