Soccer rules, simply explained
New to the game? Here are the rules of soccer in plain English — one quick card each. Tap Offside to try the interactive trainer.
The aim
Score more goals than the other team. A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the line between the posts.
The teams
Eleven players a side, one of them the goalkeeper. A match needs at least seven players to continue.
Match length
Two halves of 45 minutes, plus a few minutes of added time, with a 15-minute break in between.
Kick-off
Each half — and the restart after every goal — begins with a kick-off from the centre spot.
Offside
You can't be ahead of the ball and the second-to-last defender when a team-mate plays you the ball. Try it ▸
Handball
Outfield players may not deliberately handle the ball. Only the goalkeeper can, and only inside their own box.
Fouls
Kicking, tripping, pushing, holding or charging an opponent unfairly gives the other team a free kick.
Penalty kick
A foul by the defending team inside their own box gives the attackers a free shot from the penalty spot.
Yellow card
A caution for a bad foul or unsporting behaviour. Two yellows in a game add up to a red.
Red card
A sending-off for serious play or a second yellow. That player leaves and the team plays a man down.
Throw-in
When the ball crosses the sideline, the team that didn't touch it last throws it back in with both hands.
Corner kick
If a defender puts the ball out over their own goal line, the attacking team restarts from the corner.
Goal kick
If an attacker puts the ball out over the goal line, the defending team restarts with a goal kick.
Substitutions
Teams can swap players during the game — up to five substitutes each at the World Cup.
The referee
One referee runs the game, helped by two assistant referees on the lines and a fourth official.
VAR
The Video Assistant Referee reviews goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity for clear errors.
Extra time
In a knockout, a tie after 90 minutes goes to two 15-minute halves of extra time.
Penalty shootout
Still level after extra time? Teams take turns from the penalty spot until one comes out ahead.