Football

Football, commonly known as soccer in some countries, 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 using any part of the body except the arms and hands (goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within the penalty area). The game is played on a rectangular field called a pitch, which is typically grass or artificial turf, with a goal at each end.

Football matches are divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the result may be drawn or, in certain competitions, proceed to extra time or a penalty shootout.

Football is governed globally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and has various competitions, including domestic leagues, international tournaments, and the FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years. It is one of the most popular sports worldwide, known for its cultural significance and global fanbase.