Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field, commonly referred to as a pitch. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, which is a rectangular goal located at each end of the field. Players primarily use their feet to dribble, pass, and shoot the ball, although they can use any part of their body except their arms and hands—except for the goalkeeper, who can use their hands within their penalty area.

The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer is played in two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a halftime break. It is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions of players and fans, extensive professional leagues, and major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years. The sport emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, making it a significant cultural phenomenon in many regions around the globe.