Football is a popular team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each, on a rectangular field. The primary objective of the game is for players to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, using any part of their body except their hands and arms, unless they are the designated goalkeeper. The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Football is known by different names in various parts of the world; for example, in the United States and Canada, it refers to American football, while in most other countries, “football” refers to association football, commonly known as soccer. The sport has various formats, including indoor and beach football, and is played at amateur and professional levels globally.
The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, showcasing the top national teams from around the world. Football promotes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness, making it a significant cultural and recreational activity in many countries.