Unpacking the rules, positions, and strategies of the world's most popular sport, known to most of the world as football.
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.
The fundamental principles of a standard soccer match.
The game is played on a precisely marked field. Each marking serves a specific purpose in the laws of the game.
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.
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.
Hover over or click a player on the pitch to learn about their role.
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:
When the ball goes out of play, the game is restarted in a specific way:
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.
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).
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).
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.