Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many countries outside North America, 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 primarily the feet, but players can use any part of their body except their arms and hands, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who can use their hands within the penalty area.

Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Matches typically consist of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, and are played on a rectangular field known as a pitch. The game is known for its emphasis on skill, teamwork, and strategy, and is played professionally and recreationally around the world.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports globally, with millions of players and fans, and significant cultural and social impacts in many regions. Prominent international competitions include the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and various continental championships.