soccer

soccer
Caption	A FIFA-standard soccer ball on a pitch.
Union	Fédération Internationale de Football Association
Nickname	The beautiful game
First	19th century in England
Registered	Over 250 million
Team	11 per side
Mgender	No, separate competitions
Category	Team sport, ball game
Equipment	Soccer ball
Venue	Soccer field (pitch)
Olympic	Yes, since 1900
Paralympic	Yes, 5-a-side football and 7-a-side football

soccer. Known globally as football, it is a team sport played between two sides of eleven players with a spherical ball. It is widely considered the world's most popular sport, governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The object is to score by maneuvering the ball into the opposing goal, with players primarily using their feet, torso, and head to control the ball.

History

Modern codification occurred in England during the 19th century with the formation of the Football Association in 1863, which established the foundational Laws of the Game. Early forms of ball games, such as cuju in ancient China and episkyros in Greece, share conceptual similarities. The sport's rapid spread was facilitated by the British Empire, leading to the establishment of national associations like the Scottish Football Association and the Royal Dutch Football Association. Key developments include the creation of The Football League in 1888, the founding of FIFA in Paris in 1904, and its inclusion in the 1900 Summer Olympics. The inaugural FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, won by the host nation.

Rules and gameplay

A standard match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, overseen by a referee assisted by assistant referees. The fundamental rule prohibits outfield players from deliberately handling the ball with their hands or arms, a restriction not applied to the goalkeeper within their own penalty area. Common infractions include fouls like tripping or pushing, punished by a direct free kick, or an indirect one for technical offenses. A penalty kick is awarded for fouls inside the penalty area, while serious misconduct can result in a yellow card (caution) or a red card (dismissal). The offside law is a core component of tactical play. Standard pitch dimensions are defined by the Laws of the Game, with goals placed at each end.

Competitions

International tournaments are the sport's pinnacle, headlined by the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, alongside continental championships like the UEFA European Championship, Copa América, and the Africa Cup of Nations. Club football features prestigious annual continental leagues such as UEFA's Champions League and Copa Libertadores in South America. Domestic leagues, including England's Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and the Bundesliga in Germany, form the professional backbone. Other major events include the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the Summer Olympics football tournament.

Governing bodies

FIFA is the global governing body, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and organizes the FIFA World Cup. Continental confederations under FIFA oversee the game regionally, such as UEFA in Europe, CONMEBOL in South America, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). National associations, like the Football Association (The FA) in England and the German Football Association (DFB), manage the sport within their respective countries, enforcing rules and organizing domestic competitions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), comprising representatives from the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, along with FIFA, is the custodian of the Laws of the Game.

Variants and related sports

Several adapted forms exist, including futsal, a five-a-side indoor game played on a hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball. Beach soccer is played on sand, emphasizing skill and acrobatics. Paralympic football encompasses formats like 5-a-side football for athletes with visual impairments. Other football codes share a common ancestry, most notably rugby football, which diverged in the 19th century, and Gaelic football, governed by the Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland. Australian rules football and American football also evolved from early football games.

Culture and influence

The sport exerts profound social and cultural influence, with major events like the FIFA World Cup final becoming global viewing phenomena. Iconic players such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are celebrated worldwide. Intense club rivalries, like El Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, or the Old Firm between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., have deep historical and cultural roots. The sport has also been a stage for political statements, as seen in the Football War between El Salvador and Honduras, and has inspired numerous films, including *Escape to Victory*. Organizations like FIFA and UEFA wield significant economic and political power on the international stage.

Category:Ball games Category:Team sports Category:Summer Olympic sports