Two teams of 11 players, 90 minutes, one ball. With over 250 million active players and billions of fans worldwide, football is by far the most popular sport on Earth.
Played in two halves of 45 minutes each. The ball may be played with the foot, head, and other body parts (handball is regulated – see below). The team with more goals at the end wins; a tie results in a draw or, in knockout rounds, extra time and a penalty shootout.
Jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, football boots; goalkeeper additionally wears gloves and a goalkeeper kit
2 × 45 min. plus stoppage time; in knockout matches, possible extra time (2 × 15 min.) and a penalty shootout
Around 1.5 billion viewers watched the 2022 World Cup final – no single sporting event is watched more.
| League | Teams | People |
|---|---|---|
| Major League Soccer (MLS) | 30 | 866 |
| Egyptian Premier League | 20 | 686 |
| J1 League | 20 | 676 |
| Brasileirão Série A | 20 | 662 |
| Serie A | 20 | 589 |
| Premier League | 20 | 553 |
| Liga Portugal (Primeira Liga) | 18 | 536 |
| Bundesliga | 18 | 523 |
| Saudi Pro League | 18 | 521 |
| La Liga | 20 | 513 |
| Eredivisie | 18 | 488 |
| Ligue 1 | 18 | 479 |
| Frauen-Bundesliga | 14 | 392 |
| Scottish Premiership | 12 | 330 |
| UEFA Champions League | 36 | 58 |