Football

Football, also known as soccer in some countries, 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. The game is played on a rectangular field called a pitch, which is typically grass or artificial turf, with a goal at each end. Players primarily use their feet to maneuver the ball, but they can also use any part of their body except their hands and arms; only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball within the penalty area.

Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The sport is widely regarded as the world’s most popular, with millions of fans and amateur and professional players globally. Major international competitions include the FIFA World Cup, continental tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship, and various club competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Football fosters teamwork, strategy, and athleticism, making it a significant cultural and social phenomenon in many countries.