Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most 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 ball into the opposing team’s net using any part of the body except the arms and hands, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who can use their hands within a designated area.

The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, which has a goal at each end. It is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer matches typically consist of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with added time for stoppages.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, requiring minimal equipment to play. It fosters teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness among players and has a rich culture and loyal fan base across different nations and regions. Major international tournaments include the FIFA World Cup and continental championships, contributing to its global appeal and influence.