Soccer, or football, started a long time ago with early versions of the game played in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. The modern version of soccer began in 1863 when the Football Association in England created the first official rules. In 1904, FIFA was formed to help spread the sport worldwide, and the first World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay. Over time, soccer became the most popular sport in the world, with big leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga attracting millions of fans. Today, soccer is a huge global business, with stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo being famous around the world, and the World Cup is the biggest sporting event.
Soccer, or football, is the world’s most popular sport, played by two teams of eleven players who try to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net. The game is played on a rectangular field and lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. Players can only use their feet, head, or chest to control the ball, while goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. Soccer is enjoyed at all levels, from local matches to professional leagues like the English Premier League and international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, which brings together countries from around the world. The sport has produced global legends such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, making it a universal passion for millions1