Football

Football is a team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each, on a rectangular field known as a pitch. The primary objective of the game is to score by getting a ball into the opposing team’s goal, which is situated at either end of the pitch. The game is usually played with a spherical ball, and players primarily use their feet to maneuver and pass the ball, although they may use other parts of their body, except for the arms and hands, unless they are the designated goalkeepers.

Football is characterized by its various formats and rules, which can differ slightly depending on the governing body or level of play. The most widely recognized form is association football, known as soccer in some countries, where matches are played over two halves of 45 minutes each. Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, formulated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport is one of the most popular global activities, fostering a sense of community and competition, and is played professionally in leagues and tournaments around the world, culminating in events such as the FIFA World Cup.