At its core, soccer is a fairly simple game to organize, as there are not a lot of complicated rules when it comes to the game structure. Let's learn about the most important aspects of a soccer match below. In this tutorial, we will discuss the standard match format of FIFA and talk about various leagues such as MLS, UEFA, and a tournament called the World Cup. The duration of the match can be reduced if the referee and both two teams decide to reduce the length of the match.
A single soccer match is divided into two halves of game time. Each half has the same amount of time allotted for play. The exact amount of time for each half depends on the level of competition. All collegiate and professional play matches with two 45 minute halves.
In professional matches, the game clock will continuously count up from zero to 45:00 for the first half and from 45 minutes to 90:00 in the second half. The game clock never stops.
A match does necessarily end after the second half. There may be additional time called stoppage time tacked onto the clock based on the referee's decision from lost time due to substitutions, injuries, and other significant delays.
For youth soccer leagues like AYSO, the length of the game can vary based on the age group.
At the professional level, soccer games last 90 minutes and have two halves of 45 minutes each. Halftime separates each half and lasts 15 minutes. Most leagues like the MLS and UEFA follow the traditional match length described in the FIFA rulebook.
In Major League Soccer, matches last 90 minutes divided into halves of forty-five minutes just like international leagues like FIFA. There's a break from play called halftime that requires a break from play for 15 minutes. Finally, stoppage time is added onto the game clock for each half. Additionally, extra time may be played if the score is tied. This means that games can often reach two and half hours long.
Like In the United States in MLS, two halves of 45 minutes, stoppage time, and extra time are used in UEFA matches. The length of a game will typically be around two hours.
World Cup matches follow a traditional FIFA format and last 90 minutes. However, if the score is tied at the end of the game, there may not be extra time if the game is in the group stage. Instead, the World Cup utilizes a tie-breaking point system. Penalty kicks and extra time only happen after the Round of 16.
