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The rules of soccer vary slightly depending on the level of play and the governing body, but generally, soccer is played with two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field. The object of the game is to score a goal by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal.

The offside rule in soccer states that a player is not allowed to be in an area of the field known as the offside position when the ball is passed to them by a teammate. The offside position is an area behind the last defender and ahead of the goalkeeper.

A direct free kick is a kick that can be taken directly at the goal and can result in a goal if it is successful. An indirect free kick is a kick taken from the spot of the foul, and must be touched by another player before it can result in a goal.

A typical soccer match lasts for 90 minutes, with two 45-minute halves. There may also be stoppage time added on at the end of each half for time lost due to injuries or other disruptions.

During a typical match, teams are allowed up to three substitutions.

Referees signal a goal by raising their arm and pointing to the centre of the field.