Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is played by two teams with eleven players on each side. The game is played on a big grass field. Players try to kick a round ball into the other team's goal. The team with the most goals wins. In most countries, soccer is called football.

How the Game is Played

A soccer game has two halves. Each half is 45 minutes long. Players can use their feet, head, chest, or knees to move the ball. They cannot use their hands or arms. Only the goalkeeper can use hands, and only inside a special box near the goal. When a player scores, the whole team celebrates.

Big Games and Teams

The biggest soccer event is the World Cup. It happens every four years. Teams from many countries play to win the shiny gold trophy. Famous clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona have fans all over the world. Millions of kids and grown-ups play soccer just for fun.

Fun Facts

• A soccer ball has 32 panels stitched together to make it round.
• The longest soccer game ever played lasted over 108 hours.
• More than 250 million people play soccer around the world.

Did You Know?

The first World Cup was played in 1930 in Uruguay, and the home team won the trophy.