Football basics
Football rules explained: match time, goals and restarts
A practical introduction to the basic structure of association football: how long a match lasts, when a goal counts, how play restarts and why added time can change.
How long a football match lasts
A standard match has two equal halves of 45 minutes. The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes. Competition rules can define special formats, but the normal senior match structure is 90 minutes plus any additional time decided by the referee.
Goals and the match result
A goal is scored when the whole ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided the scoring team has not committed an offence. The team with more goals wins. If competition rules require a winner after a draw, permitted procedures can include extra time and a penalty shoot-out.
How play starts and restarts
A kick-off starts each half and restarts play after a goal. Other common restarts are direct and indirect free kicks, penalty kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks. A dropped ball is used when the referee stops play and the Laws do not require another specific restart.
Added time and what the clock means
The referee allows for time lost through substitutions, injuries, disciplinary sanctions, VAR checks and reviews, goal celebrations and other significant delays. The number shown near the end of a half is the minimum additional time: the referee may increase it if more time is lost.