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 spherical ball into the opposing team’s net using any part of the body except the arms and hands (goalkeepers are permitted to use their hands within a designated area). The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport is played in two halves, typically lasting 45 minutes each, with a halftime break. It is one of the most popular sports worldwide, known for its global reach, large fan base, and significant events such as the FIFA World Cup. Soccer emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and athletic skill, and it is played at various levels, ranging from amateur to professional leagues.