Soccer

Soccer, also 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 spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, which is achieved by kicking or heading the ball. Players other than the goalkeeper are not allowed to use their hands or arms to manipulate the ball. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. It is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players and fans across the globe, and major international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup highlight its global appeal. It emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, and involves various positions including forwards, midfielders, defenders, and a goalkeeper.