A regulation football field, as defined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for association football (soccer), is a rectangular field with specific dimensions. The length of the field must be between 100 and 110 meters (110 to 120 yards), and the width must be between 64 and 75 meters (70 to 80 yards). For international matches, the length is typically set at 105 meters (115 yards) and the width at 68 meters (74 yards). The field is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which runs from touchline to touchline. At the center of the field is the center circle, with a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards). Each end of the field has a goal area and a penalty area. The goal area is 5.5 meters (6 yards) from the goal line and extends 5.5 meters into the field. The penalty area is 16.5 meters (18 yards) from the goal line and extends 16.5 meters into the field. The goals are positioned at the center of each goal line and consist of two upright posts 7.32 meters (8 yards) apart, connected by a horizontal crossbar 2.44 meters (8 feet) above the ground. The penalty spot is located 11 meters (12 yards) from the goal line, centered between the goalposts. The corners of the field have a quarter-circle with a radius of 1 meter (1 yard) for corner kicks. The field is marked with lines that are not more than 12 centimeters (5 inches) wide. The surface can be natural grass or artificial turf, provided it meets the standards set by the governing bodies.

A football team consists of 11 players on the field at any given time during a match. This includes one goalkeeper and ten outfield players who can be defenders, midfielders, or forwards, depending on the team's formation and strategy. In addition to the starting 11, teams typically have substitutes available on the bench. The number of substitutes can vary depending on the competition rules, but usually, teams can have up to 7 substitutes, with 3 to 5 allowed to be used during a match. Therefore, a full squad for a match can consist of 18 to 23 players, including both starters and substitutes.

Football, governed by the Laws of the Game, has 17 basic rules: 1. **The Field of Play**: Rectangular, marked with lines, featuring goals at each end. 2. **The Ball**: Spherical, made of leather or suitable material, with a circumference of 68-70 cm. 3. **The Number of Players**: Two teams of 11 players each, including a goalkeeper. 4. **The Players' Equipment**: Includes a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and appropriate footwear. 5. **The Referee**: Enforces the Laws, ensures fair play, and has authority over the match. 6. **The Assistant Referees**: Assist the referee in decision-making, especially regarding offsides and throw-ins. 7. **The Duration of the Match**: Two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime break. 8. **The Start and Restart of Play**: Begins with a kick-off; restarts include throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks. 9. **The Ball In and Out of Play**: Ball is out when it fully crosses the goal line or touchline. 10. **The Method of Scoring**: A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. 11. **Offside**: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them. 12. **Fouls and Misconduct**: Includes direct and indirect free kicks, yellow and red cards for misconduct. 13. **Free Kicks**: Awarded for fouls; direct can score a goal, indirect cannot unless touched by another player. 14. **The Penalty Kick**: Awarded for fouls within the penalty area, taken from the penalty mark. 15. **The Throw-In**: Awarded when the ball crosses the touchline, thrown in by the opposite team. 16. **The Goal Kick**: Awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by an attacker. 17. **The Corner Kick**: Awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by a defender.

A standard football game, also known as soccer in some countries, is 90 minutes long, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. There is a 15-minute halftime break between the two halves. However, the actual duration of a football game can extend beyond 90 minutes due to stoppage time, which is added by the referee to compensate for time lost during the game due to injuries, substitutions, and other interruptions. Stoppage time, also known as injury time, typically ranges from 1 to 5 minutes per half but can be longer in certain situations. In knockout competitions, if the match is tied at the end of regulation time, extra time may be played. Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, making an additional 30 minutes of play. If the score remains tied after extra time, the game may proceed to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In summary, while the regulation time for a football game is 90 minutes, the total duration can vary due to stoppage time, and in some cases, extra time and penalty shootouts.

To play football, the essential equipment includes: 1. **Football (Soccer Ball):** A standard size 5 ball for adults and size 3 or 4 for children, made of leather or synthetic materials. 2. **Football Boots (Cleats):** Designed for traction on grass or turf, with studs or cleats on the sole. 3. **Shin Guards:** Protective gear worn under socks to shield the shins from impacts. 4. **Socks:** Long socks that cover the shin guards and provide comfort and support. 5. **Jersey/Team Shirt:** A lightweight, breathable shirt, often in team colors, with a number on the back. 6. **Shorts:** Comfortable, flexible shorts that allow for a full range of motion. 7. **Goalkeeper Gloves (for Goalkeepers):** Padded gloves to protect hands and improve grip on the ball. 8. **Goalposts and Nets:** Two goalposts with a crossbar and a net to catch the ball when a goal is scored. 9. **Corner Flags:** Flags placed at each corner of the field to mark the boundaries. 10. **Whistle (for Referees):** Used by referees to control the game and signal fouls or stoppages. 11. **Linesman Flags (for Assistant Referees):** Used to signal offsides, throw-ins, and other decisions. 12. **Training Bibs/Pinnies:** Colored vests used in practice to differentiate teams. 13. **Cones and Markers:** Used in training to set up drills and mark boundaries. 14. **First Aid Kit:** Essential for treating minor injuries on the field. 15. **Water Bottles:** To ensure players stay hydrated during the game. 16. **Scoreboard (optional):** To keep track of the score during matches. This equipment ensures safety, fair play, and adherence to the rules of the game.

In football, scoring is achieved by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar, provided no rules are violated in the process. Each goal is worth one point. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If both teams score the same number of goals, the match is a draw, unless it's a knockout stage where extra time or a penalty shootout may determine the winner. In league competitions, teams earn points based on match results: typically three points for a win, one point for a draw, and none for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the season is declared the champion. In knockout tournaments, if a match is tied after regular time, extra time is played, consisting of two 15-minute halves. If still tied, a penalty shootout occurs, where each team takes turns shooting from the penalty mark. The team with the most successful penalties wins. Goals can be scored in various ways: from open play, set pieces like free kicks and corners, or penalties awarded for fouls in the penalty area. Own goals occur when a player inadvertently scores in their own net, counting for the opposing team. The offside rule is crucial in scoring, preventing players from gaining an unfair advantage by being too close to the opponent's goal line when the ball is played to them, unless there are at least two opponents (including the goalkeeper) nearer to the goal line. Referees and assistant referees ensure rules are followed, using technology like goal-line technology and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to assist in decision-making.

In football (soccer), positions are generally categorized into four main areas: Goalkeeper, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards. 1. **Goalkeeper (GK):** The only player allowed to use hands within the penalty area. Their primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal. 2. **Defenders:** - **Center-Back (CB):** Positioned centrally in defense, responsible for blocking attacks and winning aerial duels. - **Full-Back (Left-Back, LB / Right-Back, RB):** Positioned on the flanks, tasked with defending against wingers and supporting offensive plays. - **Wing-Back (LWB/RWB):** Similar to full-backs but more involved in attacking, often used in formations with three central defenders. - **Sweeper (SW):** A less common role, positioned behind center-backs to clear the ball from danger. 3. **Midfielders:** - **Central Midfielder (CM):** Versatile role, involved in both defense and attack, often dictating the pace of the game. - **Defensive Midfielder (CDM):** Focuses on protecting the defense by intercepting passes and tackling. - **Attacking Midfielder (CAM):** Positioned closer to the forwards, responsible for creating scoring opportunities. - **Wide Midfielder (LM/RM):** Positioned on the flanks, tasked with delivering crosses and supporting both defense and attack. 4. **Forwards:** - **Striker (ST):** Primary goal-scorer, positioned centrally to finish attacking plays. - **Center Forward (CF):** Similar to a striker but may also assist in build-up play. - **Winger (LW/RW):** Positioned on the flanks, responsible for delivering crosses and cutting inside to score. - **Second Striker (SS):** Plays off the main striker, linking midfield and attack, often involved in creating chances. These positions can vary based on team strategy and formation.