Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. The objective is to score by getting a ball into the opposing team’s goal, using any part of the body except for the arms and hands (goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within the penalty area).

Soccer is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and is the world’s most popular sport, recognized for its global appeal and impact. Matches are typically played in two halves of 45 minutes each, with the possibility of additional stoppage time. The sport emphasizes skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork, and is often distinguished by its continuous play and minimal stoppages compared to other sports. The most prestigious tournament in soccer is the FIFA World Cup, held every four years, showcasing national teams from around the globe.