Football

Football is a team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each, on a rectangular field. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s goal. Football is known for its global popularity and is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the international level.

Different regions may refer to the sport using different terms; for example, in the United States and Canada, “football” often refers to gridiron football, while “soccer” is used to describe the association football variant commonly known as football elsewhere. The game involves various skills, including dribbling, passing, and shooting, and emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness.

Football matches typically consist of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a brief halftime interval. The game is played on a grass or artificial turf pitch, with marked boundaries and positions for players, including forwards, midfielders, defenders, and a goalkeeper. Referees oversee the rules and ensure fair play throughout the match. Football has a rich cultural significance, with numerous leagues, clubs, and national teams competing worldwide, culminating in major events like the FIFA World Cup.