Football

Football is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, primarily on a rectangular field known as a pitch. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net, which is typically located at either end of the field. Players predominantly use their feet to control, pass, and shoot the ball, though they can use any part of their body except for their arms and hands; goalkeepers are the exception and may use their hands within a designated area known as the penalty area.

Football is known for its global popularity, being governed worldwide by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Various leagues and competitions take place at local, national, and international levels, with the FIFA World Cup being one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, held every four years.

The game promotes teamwork, strategy, and athleticism and has a rich history spanning over a century, evolving through different cultures with various formats, including association football (commonly referred to as soccer in some countries) and American football, which is a distinct sport. Football fosters community, national pride, and entertainment, making it a significant aspect of societies around the world.