The rules of soccer (football), explained
The basics
Football (called soccer in some countries) is the world's most popular sport. Two teams of eleven try to move a ball into the other team's goal — mostly with their feet, but also the head or body. Only the goalkeeper may use their hands, and only inside their own penalty area.
Players and the pitch
Each side has 11 players, including one goalkeeper. The pitch is marked with a halfway line, two penalty areas, and a goal at each end. Teams may make a set number of substitutions during the match.
How long is a match?
A match is two halves of 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break at half-time. The referee adds stoppage time at the end of each half for time lost to injuries and substitutions. In knockout games a draw may go to extra time and then a penalty shootout.
Scoring and winning
A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the bar. Each goal is worth one, and the team with the most goals at full time wins. A game can end in a draw unless the competition needs a winner.
Fouls, free kicks and penalties
Kicking, tripping, pushing or handling the ball gives the other team a free kick. A foul by the defending team inside its own penalty area is punished with a penalty kick — a shot from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Yellow and red cards
The referee shows a yellow card as a caution for a serious foul or unsporting behaviour. A red card — for a very serious foul, or a second yellow — sends the player off, and their team plays the rest of the match a player short.
Offside
A player is offside if they are nearer the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when a teammate plays the ball to them. It stops attackers simply waiting by the goal. It's one of the trickiest rules — see our full guide: the offside rule, explained.
Restarting play
- Throw-in: when the ball crosses the sideline, thrown back in with both hands from behind the head.
- Corner kick: awarded to the attackers when a defender puts the ball behind their own goal line.
- Goal kick: awarded to the defenders when an attacker puts it behind the goal line.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on a soccer team?
Eleven per side, including one goalkeeper, plus substitutes on the bench.
How long is a soccer match?
Two halves of 45 minutes with a 15-minute break, plus stoppage time added by the referee at the end of each half.
Can you touch the ball with your hands in soccer?
No — only the goalkeeper may handle the ball, and only inside their own penalty area. Outfield players use their feet, head and body.
What is a penalty kick?
A shot from the penalty spot, with only the goalkeeper to beat, awarded when the defending team commits a foul inside its own penalty area.