Soccer

Soccer, also 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. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads and torso; however, goalkeepers are the only players allowed to handle the ball with their hands, and only within the penalty area.

The game consists of two halves, each usually lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and is overseen globally by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, known for its passionate fan base and significant cultural impact. Competitions range from local leagues to international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years and showcases the best national teams from around the globe.