Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most countries outside the United States and Canada, 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. Players primarily use their feet to manipulate the ball, but they can also use other parts of their body except for their arms and hands; only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball within the penalty area.

The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. A standard soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break in between. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the match may end in a draw or proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.

Soccer is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions of fans and players. The sport emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, making it a significant part of many cultures and societies.