Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many 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 (goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within a defined area). Soccer is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

The game consists of two halves, typically lasting 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime break. It is governed by a set of laws known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer is known for its emphasis on skill, teamwork, and strategy, and it is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players and fans participating in and watching matches.

Competitions range from local leagues to international tournaments, with the FIFA World Cup being the most prestigious tournament in the sport. Soccer has a significant cultural impact and is associated with various traditions and values in different parts of the world.