Football (Soccer)

About

Association football, commonly known as soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team by moving the ball into the opponent's goal using any part of the body except hands and arms. Only goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands, and only within the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, and matches are typically divided into two 45-minute halves. Soccer is the world's most popular sport, with over 250 million players in more than 200 countries. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a favorite globally. Major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League attract billions of viewers annually. The sport's governing body, FIFA, oversees the game worldwide, ensuring consistency in rules and competitions. Soccer's global appeal is enhanced by its ability to be played in various settings, from professional stadiums to local parks.