Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many countries outside of North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, primarily using the feet, although players can use any part of their body except their arms and hands (goalkeepers are permitted to use their hands within their penalty area). The sport 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) at the international level and has various domestic leagues and competitions worldwide. The game is characterized by its continuous play, with two halves of 45 minutes each, and is known for its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and skill. It is one of the most popular sports globally, with millions of players and fans, and it culminates in significant events such as the FIFA World Cup, held every four years. Soccer promotes fitness, social interaction, and can be played in informal settings as well as organized competitions.