Wondering how long a soccer match lasts? You've come to the right place. Today, we're going to explain the rules that govern playing time on the pitch. So put on your cleats, or prepare yourself a nice aperitif if you prefer watching sport to playing it. Get ready to dive into the world of soccer!
A soccer match is divided into two equal periods of play, each generally lasting 45 minutes. These periods represent the main action on the pitch, where teams compete to score goals and win. 🏆
The 45-minute time limit may be reduced by agreement between the referee and the two participating teams before kick-off, in accordance with the competition rules.
Halfway through the match (after 45 minutes), the players have a well-deserved break called "half-time". This is a 15-minute opportunity for them to catch their breath, hydrate and receive tactical instructions from their coaches. It's also a time for fans to discuss the highlights of the match and, why not, anticipate what's to come!
A short break (which, as far as possible, should not exceed one minute) is also permitted at half-time of extra time. The competition rules must specify the duration of the half-time interval, which may only be altered with the referee's permission.
Effective playing time may be extended due to stoppages in play, such as :
The referee then adds these lost minutes at the end of each half to ensure that the total playing time is respected.
If, at the end of the period, a penalty has to be executed (or withdrawn), the duration of the period will be extended to allow for this.
In the event of a tie at the end of normal time, some competitions may resort to a penalty shoot-out. Each team appoints five shooters to attempt to score against the opposing goalkeeper, the duration of which varies.
In competitive matches such as tournaments or playoffs, if the score is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime may be played for 30 minutes.
The match ends when the referee blows the final whistle at the end of regulation time, including additional time for stoppages.
If a match is finally abandoned before its end, it must be replayed, unless otherwise stipulated in the competition rules or decided by the organizers.
As you will have gathered, the duration of a soccer match can vary according to the number of stoppages in play and any extra time, such as penalty kicks. In general, however, a match lasts around 90 minutes, divided into two periods of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute half-time interval in between. So, whether you're on the pitch, in the stands, or behind your TV, enjoy every minute of this exciting and vibrant sport! ⚽
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From lively city stadiums to indoor complexes and accessible lawns, there's no shortage of options for playing soccer in Lyon. We'll tell you all about it in this article.
And if you want to go further
Where to play soccer in Marseille? Did you know that Marseille offers much more than beaches and creeks? Over 100 amateur and association tournaments have already been organized here. Visit
