How Long Does A Soccer Game Last

Introduction

Soccer or Football, known worldwide, is an intense game. Everyone in the world knows about the game. FIFA controls the game, and the Soccer World Cup has a reputation for being the greatest show on earth.

If you recently become fond of this great game, you would love to learn the basics.

For a starter, how long does a soccer game last? That might be your question when you either want to play or watch the game. It usually lasts for 90 minutes; still, there are some situations when the time can change. 

About Soccer Game

Soccer is the American name of football. It is said just to show Americanism. They changed the British name of the game. Modern football or soccer started and organized by Britain. But if you look into the history, the game was being played from medieval times.

Team

In soccer, the game is a competition between two teams. Each team will have 11 players, including a goalkeeper who can touch the ball with hands. Except for the GK, everyone else will have to use their body, legs, and head, excluding their hand, to control the ball.

Ground and Goals 

The football or soccer ground has two standard sizes 100 yards or 91 meters to 150 yards or 120 meters in length. And in width, the field has to be 50 to 100 yards or 45 to 90 meters according to length. 

On both end and horizontally center of the field, there is a goal bar. The bars are 8 yards apart and connected by a top bar 8 feet above the ground. 

Rules and Duration

The game lasts 90 minutes as standard. Both teams will have to score goals in the opposition goal bar within this time to win the match. Players have to pass the opposition with skill and beat the goalkeeper to score a goal. But if the score remains 0 – 0 or equal by the end of 90 minutes, then it’s a draw.

Time Extend in Soccer

In a regular match, the game ends in 90 minutes when a tournament and teams will have to play more games. The game completes in 2 halves where each half lasts 45 minutes. However, if the match is a single game of decider match in an important tournament, the time can extend.

Usually, the game can extend 30 minutes more with 15 minutes per half to decide a winner. Also, there is a last resort to having a penalty shootout if teams fail to score the winning goal in extra time.

Duration of Soccer Game in High School

Though the standard rules say the soccer game has to be 90 minutes long, but that changes in stages. FIFA has some exceptions in Age level games.

High school students usually can play till U-16. And the U-16 games are generally 40 minutes in each half, so a total of 80 minutes. And the duration decrease with age. In high schools, a soccer game can go a minimum of 50 minutes for a match. 

Conclusion 

Though 90 minutes is the standard time about how long does a soccer game lasts. But the game duration can change for special situations. So if a game doesn’t last for 90 minutes, don’t get surprised. 

John C. Crawford

I am John C. Crawford. I am the founder of EnjoyWiki.com. I am a professional freelancer, blogger and content writer. I have several blogs and EnjoyWiki.com is one of them. I always love to share my experience on my blogs.