Football is one of the world’s most popular sports. It is played by two teams of eleven players, each attempting to score a goal against the other team. A player may use his feet or his arms to move the ball.
The first game was played in Scotland in the 15th century. It was later called football and became the sport of choice for many industrial workers.
The game’s popularity eventually spread across Europe. The sport made its debut at the Olympic Games in 1908. In the 1920s, a league was formed in England to allow the leading clubs in the north and Midlands to compete against each other.
The league began to expand, eventually increasing the number of teams to 28. Teams play every other team in the league at home and away.
The top teams in the league may be promoted to the next higher division. Those at the bottom will be relegated to the lower division.
Many of the first professional leagues were formed in France and Italy in the early 1900s. These leagues started to expand internationally, particularly in South America.
Football has become an international sport, governed by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is the largest global sports organization, with more than 200 members. FIFA regulates competition, agent powers, and the hiring of agents.
The most famous tournament is the World Cup, which is held every four years. Other international competitions include the African Cup of Nations, the Copa America, and the European Championships.