Football is the most widely played and popular sport in the world. Before stepping onto the field, it’s important to know some basic facts about the game, which I’ll share in this article. This includes essential information like the duration of a football match.
If you’re curious how long a football match lasts, the answer is simple: it’s 90 minutes long, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. Additionally, there is a 15-minute halftime break between the two halves. After that, the referee adds extra time, which depends on the referee’s discretion and the game situation.
What Is Added Time in Soccer Games?
Soccer applies added time at the end of each 45-minute half. The duration depends on how many minutes the referee decides to add after considering various factors. Several events can cause the game to be delayed, such as substitutions, injuries, drink breaks, and other stoppages. To compensate for these interruptions, the referee adds extra time at the end of each half.Â
How Long Is Halftime During Soccer Games?
A football match has a 15-minute halftime during which teams rest, hydrate, and review potential substitutions. The maximum duration of the halftime is 15 minutes, though it can be shortened if both teams agree. After halftime, the teams switch sides of the field.
Is There Overtime in Soccer?
In football, there is usually no overtime in most matches. However, in games that must have a winner, such as the World Cup, the Olympics, and the Champions League, overtime is used. Regular league games do not have overtime, and they conclude after the standard 90 minutes of play.
For matches that are still tied after full-time in knockout stages or finals, overtime is given. This is also known as extra time and consists of two halves of 15 minutes each.
Is There a “Halftime” During Overtime?
A game that goes into overtime has two 15-minute halves, with a one-minute break between them. If the match is not decided after both halves of overtime, the game goes to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
