Football Rules Explained: The Complete Guide to How Football Works

Football (also called soccer in the USA and Canada) is the most widely played and watched sport in the world. Governed by the Laws of the Game, football has clear and structured rules that ensure fairness and excitement on the pitch. Whether you’re a fan, a new player, or just curious about how football works, this guide covers all the basic and advanced football rules you need to know.

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🧭 1. Objective of the Game

The goal of football is straightforward:

Score more goals than your opponent by the end of 90 minutes.

Each goal counts as 1 point, and the team with the higher score wins.

Goals are only valid if the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

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🕒 2. Duration of a Football Match

• Standard match time: 90 minutes (2 halves of 45 minutes)

• Half-time break: 15 minutes

• Injury/Stoppage time: Added at the end of each half

• Extra time (in knockouts): 2 x 15-minute halves

• Penalty shoot-out: Used if scores are still tied after extra time

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🧍‍♂️ 3. Number of Players and Substitutions

• 11 players per team (including 1 goalkeeper)

• A match cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than 7 players

• Most tournaments now allow 5 substitutions, plus 1 extra in extra time

Position roles include:

• Goalkeeper

• Defenders (Center-backs, Full-backs)

• Midfielders (Central, Defensive, Attacking)

• Forwards (Strikers, Wingers)

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📜 4. Basic Laws of the Game (FIFA)

The rules of football are defined by FIFA and the IFAB in the Laws of the Game. These include:

• Law 1: The Field of Play

• Law 2: The Ball

• Law 3: The Players

• Law 4: Player Equipment

• Law 5–17: Cover everything from fouls to penalty kicks, offside, throw-ins, and more

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🚫 5. Fouls, Yellow Cards & Red Cards

Referees manage the game and penalise players who commit fouls or misconduct.

Common fouls:

• Tripping or kicking an opponent

• Pushing or holding

• Handball (deliberately handling the ball)

Card System:

• Yellow Card: Caution (2 yellows = red)

• Red Card: Sent off, cannot be replaced

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🚩 6. The Offside Rule (Explained Simply)

A player is offside if:

• They are closer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last defender

• AND are actively involved in play (e.g., receiving a pass)

Exceptions:

• Offside does not apply during goal kicks, throw-ins, or corner kicks

This is one of the most misunderstood football rules!

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🟩 7. The Football Pitch (Field of Play)

A standard football field must meet FIFA regulations:

Key zones:

• Centre circle

• Penalty box

• Goal area

• Corner arcs

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🔁 8. Game Restarts: How Play Resumes

• Kick-off: To start each half or after a goal

• Throw-in: When the ball goes out on the side-line

• Goal kick: When the attacking team sends the ball past the opponent’s goal line (but not scoring)

• Corner kick: When the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses their own goal line

• Free kick: Awarded after a foul

• Penalty kick: Awarded for serious fouls in the penalty area

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🧤 9. Role of the Goalkeeper

• Only player allowed to use hands within their own penalty area

• Must wear a different colour jersey

• Responsible for saving shots, organising the defence, and starting play from the back

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📈 10. Advanced Rules to Know

• Advantage Rule: Referee may allow play to continue after a foul if it benefits the fouled team

• VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Used to review goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity

• Handball clarification: Not every contact with the hand is a foul — depends on intention and arm position

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✅ Summary: What Are the Basic Football Rules?

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🏁 Conclusion

Whether you’re watching the FIFA World Cup or playing with friends, understanding these football rules will deepen your appreciation of the sport. Football is more than just kicking a ball — it’s about strategy, discipline, and teamwork governed by simple yet powerful rules.