Football

Football, known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, using a spherical ball. The primary objective of the game is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team’s goal, which is situated at either end of a rectangular field. The sport is played on a grass or artificial turf pitch, and players may use any part of their body except their hands and arms to maneuver the ball, with the exception of goalkeepers, who can use their hands within a designated area.

Football is governed by a set of rules called the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Matches are typically played in two halves of 45 minutes each, with injury time added at the discretion of the referee. The game is known for its global reach, popularity, and cultural significance, with major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup drawing millions of viewers. Football fosters teamwork, strategy, and athleticism, making it one of the most widely played and watched sports in the world.