Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside of North America, 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 hands and arms. Only goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands, and they must remain within a defined area known as the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with goals at each end.

Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). It is one of the most popular sports globally, followed by millions of fans and played at various levels, from amateur to professional. Major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and continental championships, showcase the sport’s competitive nature and cultural significance. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, making it a beloved pastime worldwide.