Football

Football is a team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of 11 players each, and is widely regarded as one of the most popular sports in the world. The objective of the game is to score goals by advancing the ball into the opposing team’s net, predominantly using feet to kick the ball, but players can also use their bodies except for their arms and hands, with the exception of the goalkeeper.

The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. Matches are typically divided into two halves, with a duration of 45 minutes each, and teams aim to outscore their opponents. In most variations, a wide range of tactics, techniques, and strategies are employed during play.

Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and the global governing body of football, FIFA. The sport has several popular variations, with association football (known as soccer in some countries) being the most recognized globally. Other forms include American football, rugby football, and Australian rules football, each with distinct rules and gameplay. Football’s deep cultural roots and its ability to unite people make it a significant aspect of global sports culture.