Football, also known as soccer, is a globally popular team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a rectangular grass or artificial turf field with a goal at each end. The objective is to score by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team's goal, primarily using feet, head, or body, except for the goalkeepers, who can use their hands within a designated area.
Scoring in football is straightforward: each team earns one point for each goal scored into the opposing team's goal, primarily using feet, head, or body. The team with the most goals at the end of the 90-minute match wins. Key skills in the game include dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork, crucial for maneuvering the ball and outsmarting the opposing team.
Football is most popular in Europe, South America, and Africa, with top leagues like the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and the German Bundesliga. It's also central to events like the FIFA World Cup, drawing massive global audiences.
Football has its roots in ancient games played in different cultures but took its modern form in 19th-century England. Rules were standardized, transforming it from a rough village game into an organized sport. The formation of the Football Association in 1863 marked a pivotal moment, leading to widespread popularity. Over time, it evolved with clearer rules, professional teams, and dedicated leagues.
The FIFA World Cup, inaugurated in 1930, epitomized its global appeal. Innovations in tactics, training, and technology have continually refined the sport, making it the world’s most popular game, watched and played by billions across continents.
Football is poised for continued growth and innovation. The sport is embracing technology, with video assistant referees (VAR) improving officiating. Youth development programs are thriving, nurturing talent worldwide. Women's football is gaining prominence, with record-breaking viewership. New formats like futsal and beach soccer are diversifying the game. Sustainable practices are being adopted, promoting eco-friendly stadiums and events.
Football's global appeal ensures its continued expansion, and events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League will remain iconic, captivating audiences. With increasing inclusivity and fan engagement through digital platforms, football will remain a beloved sport, transcending borders and cultures.
Soccer games are made up of two 45 minute halves with a halftime rest period of 15 minutes. Additional stoppage time is commonly added to the end of each half at the discretion of the referee to make up for any lost time due to game delays. If the game cannot end in a tie (commonly during an elimination tournament), two additional 15 minute overtime periods are added to the game with the possibility of a final penalty kick round if the game still remains tied. Soccer games commonly last roughly two hours.
Each soccer team is allowed to have a maximum of 11 players on the pitch at a single time. Teams are able to have a bench of additional players that ranges from 3 to 12 substitute players.
England invented the modern game of football (soccer). Though there were similar types of football sports dating thousands of years in the past, the English were the first to create the uniform rule set for the sport that is played around the world today.
