Football

Football, 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. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, which is typically grass but can also be artificial turf.

Players use their feet, head, and torso to control and advance the ball, with the exception of the goalkeeper, who is allowed to use their hands within a specific area known as the penalty area. Matches are usually divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime interval.

Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). It is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with a massive following and numerous professional leagues and tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years. Football promotes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness, making it a vital part of many cultures and communities globally.