Football (soccer)
Football is a team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players. It is distinguished by the restriction against players using their hands or arms to field or pass the ball during open play.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Modern
- ORIGIN
- England (1863)
- PLAYERS
- 22 total · 11 per side
- EQUIPMENT
- Spherical ball, boots
- PLAYING AREA
- 105 × 68 m (standard)
- DURATION
- 90 min (2 × 45 min)
- GOVERNING BODY
- FIFA
- OLYMPIC
- Yes
Scoring at a glance
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Goal scored across line | 1 goal |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1863 | The Football Association (FA) founded in London, codifying rules. |
| 1872 | First official international match played (Scotland vs. England). |
| 1886 | International Football Association Board (IFAB) established. |
| 1904 | FIFA founded in Paris to oversee international competitions. |
| 1930 | Inaugural FIFA World Cup tournament held in Uruguay. |
| 1991 | Inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup held in China. |
How a game works
Two teams of eleven players compete to kick or head the ball into the opponent's goal over two 45-minute halves. Only the goalkeeper is permitted to use hands and arms, and only within their own designated penalty area. The side with the most goals at full time wins.
Scoring in one line
A team scores one goal when the entire ball completely crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.
Where it came from
While kick-ball games existed globally for millennia, modern association football was formally established in London in 1863. The creation of The Football Association unified competing public school rules and established a clear distinction from rugby by outlawing handling.
Football (soccer) today
Governed by FIFA and regulated by IFAB, the sport is played by over 250 million people worldwide. The quadrennial FIFA World Cup and annual domestic and continental club competitions attract global viewership numbering in the billions.
Run a Football (soccer) tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 2 × 45 min.
FAQ
Is football in the Olympics?
Yes, men's football has been included in every Summer Games except 1896 and 1932, while women's football was added in 1996.
How long is a soccer match?
A standard professional match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute half-time interval.
Why is association football called soccer?
The word 'soccer' originated in 1880s England as an informal slang abbreviation of 'Association', derived from 'assoc'.