Football

Football, commonly referred to as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The objective of the game is to score by maneuvering a ball into the opposing team’s goal. Players primarily use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use other parts of their body except for their arms and hands, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who can use their hands within a designated area known as the penalty area.

The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). A standard match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime interval. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the outcome can be resolved through extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, characterized by its simplicity, accessibility, and ability to be played in various formats, including youth leagues, amateur competitions, and professional leagues. Major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, draw significant global interest and participation.