Rules of the Game
How many players does each team have on the field at once, counting the goalie?
11
The men's World Cup is held once every this many years.
4 years
Most countries outside the U.S. call soccer by this name.
Football
Players wear these under their socks to protect the front of their lower legs.
Shin guards
When one player scores three goals in a single game.
A hat trick
The only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands inside their own penalty area.
The goalkeeper
This country has won the most men's World Cups, with five titles.
Brazil
Minnesota's Major League Soccer team is nicknamed after this state bird.
The Loons
Soccer shoes with studs on the bottom for grip are called these.
Cleats
A tied knockout game can be decided by players taking turns kicking from the penalty spot. This is called a...
Penalty shootout
The color of the card a referee shows when a player is sent off the field.
Red
The 2026 World Cup was hosted by these three countries.
USA, Canada, and Mexico
This Brazilian legend, known by just one name, won three World Cups.
Pelé
This player plays furthest forward and has the main job of scoring goals.
A striker (forward)
When the defending team knocks the ball over its own goal line, the attackers get this kick.
A corner kick
How many minutes long is a regular professional match, not counting added time?
90 minutes (two 45-minute halves)
The very first World Cup was played in this year, in Uruguay.
1930
Lionel Messi plays for the national team of this country.
Argentina
These players stay near their own goal and try to stop the other team from scoring.
Defenders
An attacker is behind the last defender when the ball is passed to them. The referee calls this.
Offside
The ball rolls out over the sideline. The other team restarts with this.
A throw-in
This country has won the most Women's World Cups.
The United States
The top professional soccer league in England is called this.
The Premier League
The team leader on the field wears this on their arm.
A captain's armband
When a goalkeeper doesn't let in a single goal all game, it's called keeping a clean...
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