Football

Football is a team sport that involves two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each, competing to score goals by propelling a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net using predominantly their feet. The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with markings that define areas for play. The primary objective is to score more goals than the opposing team within a defined period, usually consisting of two halves of 45 minutes each.

Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, with players utilizing various techniques such as dribbling, passing, and shooting to control the ball and create scoring opportunities.

Different variations of football exist globally, with “soccer” being the term commonly used in the United States and Canada to distinguish it from American football. Other forms of football include rugby football and association football, but “football” most commonly refers to association football, particularly in the context of international competitions and events. Football is recognized for its popularity, with millions of players and fans worldwide, making it one of the most widely played and followed sports globally.