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 opponent’s net. Players primarily use their feet to maneuver the ball, although they can also use any part of their body except their arms and hands; only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands, and only within their penalty area.

The game is played on a rectangular field called a pitch, which is typically grass or artificial turf, and is divided by a center line. Matches are typically 90 minutes long, divided into two halves, with a brief halftime interval. Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Soccer is one of the most popular sports globally and is played at both amateur and professional levels, with various leagues and tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and domestic leagues. The sport is known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and significant cultural impact.