Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net. Players primarily use their feet to control and kick the ball, although they may use their heads and torsos, but goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands within a designated area known as the penalty area.
The sport is governed by a set of rules called the Laws of the Game, maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end, and matches are typically divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, with billions of fans globally and a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is played at various levels, from amateur leagues to professional clubs and international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport. Soccer promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it a beloved pastime across cultures.
The 2025 J1 soccer season kicks off with Kyoto Sanga FC versus debutant Okayama at JFE Hare no Kuni Stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Kyoto Sanga FC is known for…