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 ball into the opposing team’s net, which is typically defended by a goalkeeper. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

Players primarily use their feet to control, pass, and shoot the ball. The use of hands is generally restricted to the goalkeeper and only within the penalty area. Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport is known for its emphasis on skill, teamwork, and strategy, and is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions of fans and players. Major international competitions include the FIFA World Cup and continental tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship.