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 using primarily the players’ feet. Players can use any part of their body except their arms and hands to control the ball, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who can use their hands within a designated area known as the penalty area.

The game is played on a rectangular field, commonly referred to as a pitch, with a goal at each end. Matches typically consist of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with additional stoppage time added at the referee’s discretion.

Soccer is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which organizes major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, notable for its passionate fan base and significant cultural impact in many countries. The simplicity of the game’s rules and the minimal equipment needed for play contribute to its widespread appeal.