Football is a sport where two teams engage in attacking and defensive play on a rectangular field, primarily using feet to control and maneuver the ball, known as the "world's foremost sport" due to its competitive nature, tactical variability, and widespread participation.

Matches are played on rectangular pitches with a length of 105 meters and a width of 68 meters according to international standards.

Each game consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with additional time determined by the referee for substitutions, injuries, or stoppages. The break between halves doesn't exceed 15 minutes, and each team fields a maximum of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.

Originating in England, modern football began with the establishment of the first football association on October 26, 1863, unifying competitive rules based on the "Cambridge Rules," the first written regulations dating back to 1848. The highest governing body for football is the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), founded in 1904 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

The FIFA World Cup, held every four years since its inaugural tournament in 1930 in Uruguay, stands as the most prestigious and globally recognized football competition, rivaled only by the Olympic Games in stature and viewership.

Any FIFA member country can enter a team in this tournament, which includes qualifying and final stages, with 32 slots allocated for the final stage, hosted by a FIFA member country. The tournament trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, features two figures holding up the Earth.

Similarly, the UEFA European Championship, organized by UEFA every four years, involves European national teams and commenced in 1960 in France. Like the World Cup, it consists of qualifying rounds and finals. Formerly comprising 16 teams, it expanded to 24 teams starting from the 2016 edition. The tournament's trophy, the Henri Delaunay Cup, honors the first UEFA General Secretary, Henri Delaunay.

Football, with its rich history, global appeal, and thrilling competitions like the World Cup and UEFA Euro, continues to unite nations and captivate fans worldwide, showcasing the beauty and passion of the world's favorite sport.