Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside of North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each on a rectangular field. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net, which is typically located at either end of the field. Players primarily use their feet to kick the ball, but they may also use their heads and torso to control it. 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 soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a halftime interval in between. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the game may end in a draw or proceed to extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players, fans, and spectators. It is played at various levels, from amateur to professional leagues, and is also a prominent part of international competition, most notably the FIFA World Cup.