How does soccer work?
The team with more goals at the end of 90 minutes wins. If nobody scores, it's a 0–0 draw. Ties are allowed in the group stage — everyone keeps playing. No overtime unless it's a knockout round.
How do you score?
Get the ball completely across the goal line and into the net. One goal = one point, no matter how it goes in — kick, header, off someone's knee, off your own teammate (that last one is called an “own goal” and it's as embarrassing as it sounds).
There are no three-point plays or bonus points. Every goal counts the same.
What do the positions do?
The only player who can use their hands — but only inside the penalty area. Their one job: don't let the ball in.
Typically 4 players. They stay closer to their own goal and focus on stopping the other team from scoring.
Usually 3–4 players in the middle. They connect defense to attack — passing, running, and doing a lot of the work nobody notices.
Typically 2–3 players at the front whose job is to score. Also called strikers.
No timeouts?
Correct — there are no timeouts in soccer. The clock runs continuously. Time lost to injuries and substitutions gets added back at the end of each half. That's called stoppage time. Full explanation here.
What happens at halftime?
After 45 minutes, there's a 15-minute halftime break. Teams switch ends of the field. Coaches make adjustments. Players rest. Then another 45 minutes, plus stoppage time.
Can you substitute players?
Yes — each team can make up to 5 substitutions. Unlike most American sports, a substituted player cannot return. If someone gets a red card (kicked out), the team plays the rest of the game with 10 players. No replacement. Learn about cards here.
What about the offside rule? It's the most confusing part of soccer and deserves its own explanation. Read the full offside rule breakdown →
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