football

Football is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. It is the world's most popular sport, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans globally. The objective is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal, primarily using the feet (though other parts of the body may be used except for the arms and hands by outfield players).

Matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a halftime interval. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If scores are level, additional time or a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.

The sport's most prestigious tournament is the FIFA World Cup, held every four years, which attracts billions of viewers. Domestic leagues exist in nearly every country, with major leagues including England's Premier League, Spain's La Liga, and Italy's Serie A.

While association football is the most widespread globally, other forms include American football, Canadian football, and Australian rules football. Regardless of variation, football has become an integral part of culture in many nations, fostering community identity and national pride across all social classes.