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 primary 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 arms and hands; only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. Matches typically consist of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a short halftime interval.

Soccer is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the international level, and it is one of the most popular sports in the world, both in terms of participation and viewership. The sport’s rules, known as the Laws of the Game, are standardized globally, and it is known for its emphasis on skill, teamwork, and strategy. Soccer has a rich cultural significance in many countries, often serving as a source of unity and national pride. Major tournaments include the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and various domestic leagues around the world.