Soccer

Soccer, known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a rectangular field, commonly referred to as a pitch, with the objective of scoring goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. Players, except for the goalkeepers, are not allowed to use their hands or arms to control the ball during play, with the exception of throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks, which allow for limited hand usage.

The sport is governed by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the international level, with the most prominent tournament being the FIFA World Cup, held every four years. Soccer is known for its global popularity and is played and followed by millions of people worldwide, making it one of the most popular sports across cultures. The simplicity of its rules, minimal equipment requirements, and the engaging nature of gameplay contribute to its widespread appeal.