Football

Football, in its most common understanding, refers to a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, primarily known in the United States as soccer. The game involves two teams competing to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net using primarily their feet, though players can use their bodies (excluding arms and hands) to control the ball. The sport is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The term “football” can also refer to various forms of football games in different regions, such as American football, which involves carrying or throwing an oval ball and is played primarily in the United States. However, the international standard and the most recognized form of football globally is association football (soccer), which emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill in ball handling and movement.

The sport is played at various levels, from amateur leagues to professional tournaments, with the FIFA World Cup being the most prestigious international competition, showcasing the global popularity and significance of the game. Football has a rich history and cultural impact, making it one of the world’s most widely followed and played sports.