Football is a team sport, usually played between two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field. The goal of the game is to score more points than your opponents by getting the ball into their end zone, known as the goal area. The offense, or the team controlling the ball, attempts to advance it by running with and passing it, while the defense, or the team without control of the ball, aims to stop the offense’s advance and to take possession of the ball for themselves.
The rules of the game vary from country to country and are regulated by FIFA, the world governing body of the sport. The Laws of the Game govern every level of play, from school to professional, and are often framed in broad terms that allow flexibility to meet the needs of various age groups and teams.
A game consists of two 45 minutes halves with 15 minute rest periods in between. A match may go into extra time or a penalty shootout if the scores are tied after 90 minutes.
Each team consists of a minimum of eleven players including a goalkeeper who is the only player allowed to use any part of their body within the 18 yard box. The pitch size varies from ground to ground but must be at least 100 yards long and 50 yards wide. It must also have two six yard boxes, two 18 yard boxes and a centre circle.