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 ball into the opposing team’s net using any part of the body except the hands and arms, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who is allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. Soccer is typically played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. The game consists of two halves, usually lasting 45 minutes each, with additional time added for stoppages.

The sport is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the international level, and it is one of the most popular sports globally, with a massive following and participation rates. Major international competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup, showcase the sport on a global stage. Soccer emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, with players required to demonstrate dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques. The game has a rich history and tradition, and it serves as a significant cultural phenomenon in many countries.