Football

Football, in most parts of the world, refers to a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, known as soccer in some countries like the United States and Canada. The primary objective of the game is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team’s net. Players primarily use their feet to kick the ball, but they may also use other parts of their body, except for their arms and hands, which are restricted to the goalkeeper within their penalty area.

The game is played on a rectangular field, called 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). Football is one of the most popular sports globally, characterized by its rich history, cultural significance, and significant impact on various societies. Competitions range from local leagues to international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, which showcases the sport’s global appeal. In different contexts, “football” may also refer to other versions of the game, such as American football, Australian rules football, or rugby football, but in the global context, it primarily denotes association football (soccer).