What is Football (Soccer)?

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside the United States and Canada, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. It is widely regarded as the world's most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The objective is to score by getting the ball into the opposing goal, primarily using any part of the body except the hands and arms, with goalkeepers being the only players allowed to use their hands within a designated penalty area.

Key Elements of Soccer:

1. The Field:

The game is played on a grass or artificial turf field, typically 100-110 meters long and 64-75 meters wide. The field includes marked lines for the penalty area, goal area, center circle, and corner arcs.

2. The Ball:

A standard soccer ball is spherical with a circumference of 68-70 cm and a weight of 410-450 grams. It is made of leather or other suitable materials.

3. The Players:

Each team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper. The outfield players are usually divided into defenders, midfielders, and forwards, each with specific roles and responsibilities.

4. The Rules:

Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These rules cover aspects like the duration of the match (two 45-minute halves), the offside rule, fouls and misconduct, and the methods of restarting play.

5. Scoring:

A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, different competitions use various methods to determine a winner, such as extra time or penalty shootouts.

6. Competitions:

Soccer is played at multiple levels, from local amateur leagues to professional leagues and international tournaments. The most prestigious international competition is the FIFA World Cup, held every four years. Other notable competitions include the UEFA Champions League, domestic leagues like the English Premier League, and continental tournaments such as the Copa America and the European Championship.

Soccer's simplicity, minimal equipment requirements, and universal appeal contribute to its status as the world's most played and watched sport.

Here is a list of online portals for the major football leagues around the world, categorized by continent:

This list includes the official websites for many of the major football leagues around the world. Each portal provides comprehensive information about the league, including fixtures, results, standings, news, and more.