Football

Football refers to a team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each, where the objective is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. The term “football” can denote different sports depending on the region, but in many countries, it primarily refers to what is known as soccer in North America.

The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. Players primarily use their feet to manipulate the ball, but they may also use their heads and bodies to control the ball, with only the goalkeepers allowed to handle the ball with their hands within their penalty area. Football emphasizes skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, and teamwork.

The sport is governed internationally by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), which organizes major competitions like the FIFA World Cup. Football is one of the most popular sports globally, known for its passionate fan base and significant cultural impact in many societies. Variations of the game also exist, including American football, Canadian football, and Australian rules football, where the rules and equipment differ significantly from soccer.