Soccer

Soccer (also known as football in many countries) is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. It is the world's most popular sport, played by over 250 million players in over 200 countries and dependencies.

History

The history of soccer dates back over 2,000 years to ancient China, Greece, Rome, and parts of Central America. However, the modern game of soccer began in England in 1863 when the Football Association (FA) was formed.

Rules

Soccer is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, with a goal at each end. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opponent by moving the ball beyond the goal line into the opposing goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

Positions

There are four main positions in soccer: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each position has a specific area of the field where they play and have specific roles.

Competitions

Soccer is played at several levels, from local club soccer to international competitions. The most prestigious international competition is the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years. Other major competitions include the UEFA Champions League, the Copa America, and the African Cup of Nations.

Governing Bodies

The international governing body for soccer is the FIFA. Each country has its own national governing body, such as the USSF in the United States and the FA in England.

See Also

• List of association football competitions
• List of football clubs in England
• List of footballers