Original author: Chris Wright
Looking for Soccer News?
Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.
Recent News
First look at dramatic new stadium plans of Brady's Birmingham
Tom Brady's Birmingham City plan to open a new stadium in 2030-31, and it's as ambitious as the club's plan to return to the Premier League.
Continue reading
Verdict: Philadelphia Union win Best Odds: 19/20 Bookmaker: Luckster With a play-off semi-final spot hanging in the balance, Philadelphia will welcome New York City to Subaru Park in the early hours of Monday. Philadelphia Union Starting with the hosts, making a real play-off statement earlier in the month as they stormed their way past Chicago, […]
The post Prediction: Philadelphia Union vs New York City – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Prediction: Philadelphia Union vs New York City – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The stage is almost set for the 2026 World Cup. Here's what to know about the draw.
Original author: ESPN
Six spots remain up for grabs at the 2026 World Cup, with four to emerge from Europe and a further two from an intercontinental playoff. What's the draw, and who will advance? We make our picks.
Original author: Mark Ogden
Trinity Rodman represents some of the very best that the NWSL has to offer. That's why Saturday's NWSL Championship -- perhaps her final game -- feels so significant.
Original author: Jeff Kassouf
Soccer, or association football, is the world's most popular sport. Understanding the basic rules and player positions is essential for both spectators and players.
Key Rules of the GameThe Field and Players
The Goalkeeper (GK)
The game is played between two teams, each with a maximum of 11 players on the field, including one goalkeeper. The objective is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal.
Handling the BallThe ball may be touched by any part of the body except the hands or arms. Only the goalkeeper is permitted to use their hands or arms, and only within their own penalty area (the box surrounding the goal).
Duration of the MatchA standard professional match consists of two 45-minute halves, separated by a halftime break. Time is kept by the referee.
The Start and Restart of Play- Kickoff: Used to start each half and after a goal is scored.
- Throw-in: Used to restart play when the entire ball crosses a sideline (touchline). The ball must be thrown in with both hands from over the head, and both feet must be on the ground.
- Goal Kick: Awarded to the defending team when the attacking team puts the ball over the end line (goal line).
- Corner Kick: Awarded to the attacking team when the defending team puts the ball over the end line.
Fouls are penalized with a free kick or penalty kick. Misconduct can result in the use of yellow or red cards:
- Yellow Card: A caution to a player. Two yellow cards result in a red card.
- Red Card: The player is sent off the field and cannot be replaced. The team must play with one fewer player.
A player is in an offside position if they are in the opposing half of the field and closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (which includes the goalkeeper). A player is only penalized for offside if they become actively involved in the play from that position.
Standard Soccer PositionsSoccer teams generally organize their players into four main categories: Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards.
Category | Position Name | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
Goalkeeper | GK | Stop the ball from entering the goal; organize the defense. |
Defender | Center Back (CB) | Protect the goal and clear the ball from the penalty area. |
Defender | Fullback (FB) | Defend the flanks and support the attack down the wings. |
Midfielder | Center Mid (CM) | Link defense and attack; control the pace of the game. |
Midfielder | Winger (RW/LW) | Attack down the sides of the field; cross the ball into the box. |
Forward | Striker (ST) | Primary goal scorer; lead the attacking pressure. |
Forward | Attacking Mid (CAM) | Create scoring opportunities; support the striker from a deeper position. |
The last line of defense and the only player who can use their hands within the penalty box. They must be alert, have good reflexes, and be a strong communicator.
The DefenseDefenders prevent the opposition from scoring. Center Backs are typically strong, good in the air, and key to starting attacks with long passes. Fullbacks provide width and often join the attack.
The MidfieldMidfielders are the workhorses of the team, responsible for both defense and attack. They control possession, win the ball back, and feed passes to the Forwards.
The Forwards (Strikers)Forwards are the team's primary offensive weapons, focused on scoring goals. They must be fast, accurate shooters, and good at holding up the ball to allow teammates to join the attack.
Eintracht Frankfurt were German darlings last season, but without star strikers Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush, how big of a step back will they take?
Original author: Derek Rae
Real Madrid defender Éder Militão sustained an injury to his right leg while playing for Brazil, the club said Wednesday.
Original author: Associated Press
Chelsea winger Estêvão said he followed orders and allowed teammate Lucas Paquetá to take Brazil's second penalty in Tuesday's 1-1 friendly draw with Tunisia.
Original author: Adriana Garcia
Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump on Tuesday for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Original author: Associated Press
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets admitted he'd like to see the sport grow by hosting LaLiga games in international markets, but cautions executives to set clear conditions and negotiations before confirming any specific match.
Original author: Lizzy Becherano
Mauricio Pochettino dismissed the idea of the United States having "regular players" after an alternate starting lineup thrashed Uruguay 5-1 on Tuesday in Tampa.
Original author: Cesar Hernandez
Defender Naomi Girma will return to the United States national team for the first time in nearly five months for a pair of upcoming friendly matches against Italy.
Original author: Jeff Kassouf
Veteran Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon said qualifying for his first World Cup at the age of 42 was worth all the turmoil he has endured in his career.
Original author: ESPN News Services
The top-seeded teams for the Dec. 5 World Cup tournament draw, including Germany but not Croatia, were set Wednesday when FIFA published new rankings.
Original author: Associated Press
null
Original author: ESPN
Sixteen months ago, the U.S. men's national team hit rock bottom, losing 1-0 to Uruguay to seal its group-stage elimination from the 2024 Copa America. Now things are very different.
Original author: Jeff Carlisle
Two weeks before the season, the Rookie of the Year nominee didn't even know whether she'd make a team.
Original author: Charlotte Gibson
Scotland's Scott McTominay entered the overhead kick hall of fame with his superb strike against Denmark.
Original author: Chris Wright
With a World Cup spot on the line, Scott McTominay delivered a goal for the ages for Scotland against Denmark.
Original author: Nicholas Som
When entire nations are gripped by joy and heartbreak, it can be football at its very best.
Original author: Chris Wright
There are still 64 national teams that can win the FIFA World Cup next summer. Let's go through them all and rank where they stand.
Original author: Ryan O'Hanlon
AC Milan have made veteran Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski a target. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
Original author: ESPN
The conveyor belt from La Masia, Barcelona's famous academy, to the first team continues to provide. So which players are the top picks in 2025?
Original author: Sam Marsden
Barcelona's new fourth kit for 2025-26 pays tribute to their famous Clásico win at Real Madrid 20 years ago.
Original author: Chris Wright
Introduction
Understanding the common fouls and set plays is fundamental to appreciating the game of soccer (football). The following provides a concise guide to these key elements under the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game.
Key Fouls and MisconductFouls are actions committed by a player that an official deems illegal. Misconduct covers more serious breaches of the Laws of the Game.
Offence Category | Example Fouls (Direct Free-Kick) | Example Misconduct | Resulting Sanction |
|---|---|---|---|
Contact/Challenges | Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent | Serious Foul Play (excessive force) | Yellow or Red Card |
Handling | Deliberate hand ball (not an accidental deflection) | Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a hand ball | Yellow or Red Card, Indirect Free Kick or Penalty Kick |
Obstruction | Holding an opponent | Violent Conduct (fighting) | Red Card |
Other | Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent | Using offensive, insulting or abusive language/gestures | Yellow or Red Card |
Sanctions Explained:
- Yellow Card (Caution): Shown for various cautionable offenses (e.g., unsporting behavior, dissent). Two yellow cards result in a red card.
- Red Card (Sending Off): Shown for serious offenses (e.g., violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity). The player is immediately sent off and cannot be replaced.
Set plays are strategies used to restart the game following a stop in play, often creating prime goal-scoring opportunities.
Free KicksThere are two types of free kicks awarded after a foul:
- Direct Free Kick:
- What it is: A goal may be scored directly against the opposing team from the kick.
- When awarded: For serious fouls, such as a trip, a deliberate handball, or a dangerous tackle.
- Placement: Taken from the spot where the offense occurred, unless inside the penalty area (which results in a penalty kick).
- Indirect Free Kick:
- What it is: The ball must touch another player (of any team) before a goal can be scored.
- When awarded: For minor offenses, such as offside, or playing dangerously without contact.
- Signal: The referee signals this by holding one arm vertically above their head until the ball has been played by another player.
- Penalty Kick: Awarded when a defender commits a direct free-kick foul inside their own penalty area. It is a shot at the goal from a fixed spot, 12 yards out, defended only by the goalkeeper.
- Corner Kick: Awarded when the defending team puts the ball out of play over their own goal line. The ball is kicked from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out.
- Throw-in: Awarded when the ball is put out of play over the sideline. A player restarts play by throwing the ball with both hands from over their head, with both feet on the ground.
- Goal Kick: Awarded when the attacking team puts the ball out of play over the defending team's goal line. The ball is kicked from anywhere inside the goal area.
Helping players excel on the field isn't just about fitness and nutrition; it also involves taking care of their needs and stress away from the game.
Original author: Rob Dawson
So much for Germany being at risk of missing the World Cup. The four-time champions clinched their spot on Monday, along with fellow European power Netherlands for the tournament in North America next summer.
