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Megan Rapinoe of the United States, in a navy and red striped uniform, competes for the ball with Clare Polkinghorne of Australia, in yellow, during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic women's soccer bronze medal match. Infographic summarizing FIFA World Cup history, including record tournament attendances, most appearances and top goal scorers by player and country, a map of 2026 host cities, and a timeline of past winners and milestones. Brazil captain Carlos Alberto Torres holds the Jules Rimet trophy above his head, celebrating with fans and teammates after winning the 1970 World Cup at Azteca Stadium.
U.S. women's soccer players in red jerseys celebrate during a FIFA World Cup match, with Megan Rapinoe smiling and holding teammate Lindsey Horan.
Hasan Al Haydos of Qatar, in a white jersey, faces Takumi Minamino of Japan, wearing number 9, and another Japanese player during the 2019 Asian Cup final soccer match. Carli Lloyd of the United States, wearing jersey number 10, kicks a penalty shot during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 semifinal against Germany, with a referee and players in the background. Diego Maradona of Argentina, in a blue and white striped jersey, dribbles the ball past a South Korean defender during the 1986 World Cup opening match. Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, stands at a podium gesturing with one hand while speaking, with international flags and a soccer ball visible in the background. Wayne Rooney of England in a white jersey with number 9, crouched and focused during a 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final soccer match against Portugal. Zinedine Zidane of France dribbles the ball while being closely pursued by Andrea Pirlo of Italy during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Berlin.
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Serena Williams poses with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the Women's Singles final against Venus Williams of the United States on day 13 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (tennis, sports)
Great Moments in Sports Quiz
Cricket bat and ball. cricket sport of cricket.Homepage blog 2011, arts and entertainment, history and society, sports and games athletics
Sports Quiz
Children kicking soccer ball (football; sport)
Association Football
Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacts after breaking the world record with a time of 19.30 to win the gold medal as Churandy Martina (left) of Netherlands Antilles and Brian Dzingai of Zimbabwe come in after him in the Men's 200m Final at the National Stadium during Day 12 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 20, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Summer Olympics, track and field, athletics)
I Am the Greatest (Athlete)
Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.
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Megan Rapinoe of the United States, in a navy and red striped uniform, competes for the ball with Clare Polkinghorne of Australia, in yellow, during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic women's soccer bronze medal match.
Clare Polkinghorne and Megan Rapinoe Team Australia's Clare Polkinghorne (left) battling with Megan Rapinoe of the United States during the women's football (soccer) bronze medal match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, August 5, 2021. The U.S. team won 4ā€“3.

football

soccer
Also known as: association football, soccer
Written by
Eric Weil
Columnist and Contributor, Buenos Aires Herald; Reporter, Associated Press; South America Correspondent, World Soccer; Contributor, FIFA Magazine.
Eric WeilAll
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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ā€¢History

football, game in which two teams of 11 players, using any part of their bodies except their hands and arms, try to maneuver the ball into the opposing teamā€™s goal. Only the goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball and may do so only within the penalty area surrounding the goal. The team that scores more goals wins. Football is the worldā€™s most popular ball game in numbers of participants and spectators. Simple in its...

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