Football

Football refers to a team sport played between two teams of usually eleven players each, where the objective is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net. The most popular form of football globally is known as soccer in some countries, particularly in the United States and Canada. In soccer, players primarily use their feet to pass, dribble, and shoot the ball, while the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands within a designated area.

The sport is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Matches typically last 90 minutes, divided into two halves, and are played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. Football is recognized for its widespread popularity and cultural significance, often uniting diverse communities and featuring prominent international competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup.

Different regions may refer to similar team sports as “football,” such as American football or Australian rules football, each with its distinct rules and formats. However, in a global context, “football” most commonly denotes the sport known as soccer.