What is Soccer?

Soccer, or football as it is known outside of North America, is a team sport played with a ball between two teams of 11 players. It is played on a rectangular field called a pitch, with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the opposing goal. The team that scores more goals wins.

Its global appeal stems from its simple premise, requiring minimal equipment and playable almost anywhere. This accessibility has made it the most popular sport in the world, uniting billions of people through local clubs, national leagues, and international competitions.

At a Glance

The fundamental principles of a standard soccer match.

⚽ Objective: Score more goals than the opponent.
⚽ Players: Two teams of 11 players each (including a goalkeeper).
⚽ Duration: Two halves of 45 minutes, plus stoppage time.
⚽ Key Rule: Players (other than the goalkeeper in their penalty area) cannot deliberately handle the ball with their hands or arms.

The Pitch & Equipment

The game is played on a precisely marked field. Each marking serves a specific purpose in the laws of the game.

The Soccer Pitch

Touchline: The boundary lines along the length of the field. When the ball crosses it, play is restarted with a throw-in.

Goal Line: The boundary lines at each end of the field. If the attacking team puts the ball out, it's a goal kick. If the defending team does, it's a corner kick.

Penalty Area: The larger box. Inside this area, the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball, and a foul by the defending team results in a penalty kick.

Players & Positions

Each of the 11 players on a team has a specific role, though these can be fluid. Positions are generally grouped into four categories: Goalkeeper, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards.

Click a position

Hover over or click a player on the pitch to learn about their role.

The Rules of the Game

While soccer is simple to start playing, its official laws are detailed. Here are some of the most fundamental rules that govern play.

A foul is an unfair act by a player, deemed by the referee to be against the game's laws. Common fouls include tripping, pushing, or handling the ball. For more serious offenses, the referee can issue cards:

Yellow Card: A caution for unsporting behavior, dissent, or persistent fouling. Two yellow cards in the same game result in a red card.
Red Card: An ejection from the game for serious foul play, violent conduct, or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The player's team must continue with one fewer player.

When the ball goes out of play, the game is restarted in a specific way:

Throw-in: When the ball crosses a touchline. Taken by the team that did not touch the ball last.
Goal Kick: When the attacking team kicks the ball over the opponent's goal line.
Corner Kick: When the defending team kicks the ball over their own goal line. A great scoring opportunity.
Free Kick: Awarded after a foul. Can be direct (can score directly) or indirect (must touch another player before scoring).

Interactive Demo: The Offside Rule

The offside rule is one of the most complex for newcomers. A player is in an offside positionThis is not an offense in itself. An offense only occurs if they become involved in active play from this position. if they are in the opponent's half and are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent at the moment the ball is passed to them.

Instructions

Drag the Receiver (R) and Defender (D) to new positions. The Goalkeeper (GK) is the last opponent. The dashed yellow line shows the offside line, set by the Defender (the second-to-last opponent).

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Strategy & Formations

A formation describes how players in a team are positioned on the pitch. It's a key part of a team's strategy, balancing defense and attack. Formations are noted numerically, starting from defenders to forwards (e.g., 4-4-2 means 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, 2 forwards).

Interactive Formation Explorer

Select a formation to see its layout and description.

The Global Game

Soccer's influence extends far beyond the pitch. It's a cultural phenomenon that shapes national identities, fuels local rivalries, and brings communities together. The sport's pinnacle is reached in major international and club competitions that captivate a global audience.

Major International Tournaments

FIFA World Cup: Held every four years, national teams compete for the ultimate prize in world soccer.
UEFA European Championship (Euros): Europe's top national teams compete for continental glory.
Copa América: The oldest international tournament, featuring South America's national teams.

Prestigious Club Competitions

UEFA Champions League: Europe's top clubs battle to be crowned the continent's best.
Copa Libertadores: South America's equivalent of the Champions League, known for its passion and intensity.
Domestic Leagues: Such as the English Premier League, Spain's La Liga, and Germany's Bundesliga, where clubs compete weekly.