Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by maneuvering a ball into the opposing team’s net using any part of the body except the arms and hands; only the goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball within their penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

Soccer is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) internationally and is the most popular and widely followed sport in the world. It has a rich history, with its modern rules established in the mid-19th century. Matches are typically played in two halves of 45 minutes each, with additional time added for stoppages. The game emphasizes skill, strategy, teamwork, and endurance. Soccer is played at both amateur and professional levels, with various leagues and tournaments, including prestigious events like the FIFA World Cup, which showcases national teams competing for global supremacy. Soccer’s widespread appeal transcends age, nationality, and culture, making it a central aspect of many societies globally.