How Long Are Soccer Games? A Guide for Parents

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 5 min

Have you ever found yourself wondering, 'Just how long are soccer games, anyway?'. It's a common question, especially for those familiar with the structured quarters and commercial breaks of American sports. Soccer, with its running clock and potential for extra time, can seem a bit unusual at first. But don't worry, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect. We'll cover everything from regulation time to penalty shootouts, so you can fully enjoy the beautiful game.


Table Of Contents:

Breaking Down the Basics: Regulation Time in Soccer


A standard soccer game has two halves of 45 minutes each, adding up to a total of 90 minutes of regulation time. This 90-minute standard is a long-standing tradition in the sport, dating back to a prearranged match in 1866 between London and Sheffield.


Unlike American football with its frequent clock stoppages, the clock in soccer runs continuously. The running clock, combined with the potential for added time, makes soccer games a dynamic viewing experience.


Unveiling the Mystery of Stoppage Time


To account for significant stoppages during a soccer match, the referee adds time at the end of each half. This added time is referred to as “stoppage time” or “injury time”. Several occurrences can lead to these stoppages.


Here are some common reasons for stoppages in soccer:



  • Player substitutions.
  • Injuries and medical treatment.
  • Serious fouls and disciplinary actions (like yellow or red cards).
  • Goal celebrations.
  • Even Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews factor in.


The referee determines the amount of stoppage time, and while it's typically a few minutes per half, it can vary. A half with numerous stoppages might have significantly more added time. This element of uncertainty, particularly when a game-winning goal occurs in the final moments of stoppage time, keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Diving Deeper: Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts


In many tournaments and knockout competitions, a tied score after 90 minutes of regulation time, plus stoppage time, necessitates extra time. FIFA rules state that extra time consists of two 15-minute periods, bringing the total potential playing time to 120 minutes.


However, if the teams remain tied even after extra time, the game heads to a penalty shootout.

Demystifying Penalty Shootouts


Penalty shootouts are when the real drama unfolds. They're tense, unpredictable, and can feel entirely separate from the preceding two hours of gameplay.


Here's a breakdown of penalty shootouts:



  • Each team alternates penalty kicks from a designated spot.
  • They continue alternating for five rounds, each successful kick adding a point to the team’s score.


If a team gains an insurmountable lead, the shootout concludes. However, a tie at the end of the five rounds leads to “sudden death”. In this stage, teams alternate penalty kicks, and the first team to miss while their opponent scores loses. The intensity of penalty shootouts captivates audiences, with some extending for a considerable duration. For instance, the 2012 African Cup of Nations final required a staggering 12 rounds of penalties to determine a winner.

Exploring Different Playing Levels


While we've primarily focused on professional soccer, the duration of soccer games varies across different playing levels, including youth soccer and high school soccer. Youth soccer games are significantly shorter than professional matches.


The youngest age groups in youth soccer often start with two 10-minute halves, gradually increasing playing time as players age. This gradual approach accommodates the developing physical capabilities and attention spans of younger athletes.


High school soccer game lengths fall between those of youth and professional soccer. Games generally last 80 minutes, split into two 40-minute halves. However, specific league rules and tournament play may modify these times.

Understanding the Impact of TV and Broadcast


A frequently asked question, especially among those accustomed to US sports broadcasting, is whether TV broadcasts influence soccer game lengths. While broadcasts incorporate elements like pre-game shows, halftime analysis, and post-game discussions, these segments don't alter the actual game length.


FIFA regulations strictly govern the duration of the game, halftime, and potential extra time, and broadcasters must adhere to these rules. The broadcasts aim to provide viewers with comprehensive coverage and insights without interfering with the integrity of the match itself.


So, although watching a soccer game on television, with all the added commentary and analysis, might take up more than two hours, the game itself adheres to the standard rules we've discussed.

FAQs about how long are soccer games


FAQ 1: How long is the average soccer game?


The average professional soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves, for a total of 90 minutes. However, stoppage time and potential extra time can extend games to between 105 and 120 minutes. Penalty shootouts, if required, can further lengthen the duration of a soccer match.

FAQ 2: What is full-time soccer?


In soccer, 'full-time' signifies the completion of the 90 minutes of regulation time, including any added stoppage time. It does not include potential extra periods or penalty shootouts. The game progresses to extra time, potentially followed by a penalty shootout, if a tie persists at full-time and a winner is required.

FAQ 3: How long are male soccer games?


The duration of male soccer matches aligns with the standard rules—two 45-minute halves for a total of 90 minutes of regulation time. The rules governing stoppage time, potential extra time, and penalty shootouts apply uniformly to both men's and women's soccer. The duration of the game clock remains consistent regardless of whether it's a men's or women's match.

FAQ 4: What are the rules for extra time in soccer?


When a decisive winner is needed after 90 minutes of regulation time, typically in tournament knockout stages, extra time comes into play. During extra time, the teams play two additional 15-minute halves, potentially adding 30 minutes to the game. A penalty shootout settles the outcome if the tie persists even after extra time.

Conclusion

On Going Soccer  Game

Determining how long soccer games last is not as straightforward as it might seem. While the base is 90 minutes of regulation time, understanding a soccer game's duration involves factoring in several elements.


Stoppage time, added at the referee's discretion at each half's end, accounts for various stoppages throughout the game. Then there's the possibility of extra time and the potential for a penalty shootout.


Ultimately, grasping the ebb and flow of time in a soccer match enhances the viewing experience. Once you become immersed in the sport, you'll find that soccer's unique thrill is only heightened by this fluctuating sense of time.

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