Soccer

Soccer is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, on a rectangular field known as a pitch. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, which is guarded by a goalkeeper. The game is played primarily with the feet, although players can use any part of their body except for the hands and arms. The only player permitted to handle the ball is the goalkeeper, who can do so within a designated area called the penalty area. Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport is played in two halves, typically lasting 45 minutes each, with additional time added for stoppages. Soccer is known for its worldwide popularity, being played and followed by millions of fans and players across various nations, making it one of the most widely played sports globally. Its major competitions include international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and continental leagues like the UEFA Champions League.