Soccer

Soccer is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, where the objective is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, and primarily uses the feet to control and pass the ball, although players can use any part of their body except the arms and hands (goalkeepers being an exception). Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and organized at the international level by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Matches are typically divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime interval. The sport is known for its global popularity, with millions of fans and players worldwide, and is played at various levels, from amateur to professional, including numerous domestic leagues and international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup. Soccer emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness, and is recognized for its ability to bring people together and foster a sense of community and competition.