New to the sport? This guide covers everything you need to know.
Objective: Score more goals than the opponent in 90 minutes. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.
Teams: 11 players per side (1 goalkeeper + 10 outfield). Up to 5 substitutions allowed (3 in some competitions). Minimum 7 players to continue a match.
Duration: Two halves of 45 minutes each with a 15-minute halftime break. The referee adds stoppage time (injury time) for delays. Extra time (2 × 15 minutes) and penalties for knockout games.
A player is offside if they're closer to the goal than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is passed to them. Only counts in the opponent's half. Only matters if you're involved in play.
Yellow card: Official warning. Two yellows = red card. Common reasons: reckless tackles, time-wasting, dissent.
Red card: Immediate ejection. Team plays with 10 men for the rest of the game. Given for violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, or serious foul play.
Video technology reviews goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. The on-field referee makes the final decision after reviewing a screen. Controversial but increasingly accepted.
Corner kick: When the defending team plays the ball over their own goal line. Attacking team takes a kick from the corner arc.
Free kick: Awarded for fouls. Direct free kicks can score directly; indirect must touch another player first.
Penalty: A foul inside the 18-yard box results in a penalty kick from 12 yards. Just the kicker vs the goalkeeper.
League: Every team plays every other team twice (home and away). 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. Most points = champion.
Cup: Single elimination (or two-legged). Lose and you're out. FA Cup, Champions League knockouts.
Champions League: Europe's best clubs compete. Group stage → knockouts → Final. The biggest prize in club football.