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 spherical ball into the opposing team’s net. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. Players primarily use their feet to control and pass the ball, but they are also allowed to use their heads and torso; only the goalkeeper can use their hands, and only within the penalty area.

A soccer match typically consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a short break in between. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the match ends in a tie, it may go into extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.

Soccer is governed internationally by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), which organizes major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup. It is one of the most popular sports globally, known for its passionate fan base and significant cultural impact.