Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most countries outside 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, primarily using any part of the body except the arms and hands (goalkeepers are the exception). The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. The sport is one of the most popular in the world, with a massive following, extensive professional leagues, and international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. Soccer emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and athletic skill, and it is known for its passionate fan base, cultural significance, and unifying qualities across diverse populations.