Soccer is known to be one of the most popular team sports in the world. The love of soccer has been captured by millions of different forms of media such as television, motion pictures, and video games.

There are various different types of soccer matches but what is considered to be a standard match length?

Soccer can be a very physically demanding sport. While soccer is played all over the world, and no two games are exactly the same, let’s take a look at how long a standard soccer game lasts.

How long is a soccer game?

As the rules of soccer have evolved, so has the length of a soccer match. Once played for 30 minutes, in two halves, this length has evolved to 60 minutes and now even to 90 minutes.

With these changes comes a host of new variables affecting our perception of what a goal scored in time equals. We’ll look at the different factors that affect length more closely here.

Soccer games vary in length, depending on the competition and the rules used by each team. A soccer match consists of two halves of 45 minutes each, with no time limit for a regulation game.

The rules of international soccer games vary slightly based on whether they are played indoors or outdoors. The most common format is two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break between them. The clock stops when the ball goes out of play or when a goal is scored or at halftime if it’s decided there will be no halftime break.

A draw may also occur if a team scores more goals than its opponent during regulation play, or has scored more goals than its opponent on aggregate throughout the match.

If a game cannot be completed within 90 minutes (or 70 in some competitions), then a second half is played until the game is tied. If both teams are level in a match as a result the game needs to head to overtime after the allotted 90 minutes. This means 30 minutes will be added in the form of two 15-minute halves.

Stoppage time, otherwise known as added time, is additional time that is stapled at the end of each half in soccer. This is usually added at the discretion of the referee.

Stoppage time is usually determined when time is spent on retrieving out-of-bounds balls, substituting players, any injuries that may have occurred, preparing for a corner or free-kick, a referee handing out a yellow card or red card and consequential delays by players who are diving or celebrating a goal.

How does overtime affect the length of a soccer game?

If a soccer game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime kicks off and continues until someone scores. The duration of overtime depends on the number of players left on each team.

Each team is allowed to substitute players during overtime.

How long is half-time in soccer?

Half-time is a period of rest for players, coaches, and officials. It generally lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. This gives the players time to get a drink and stretch their legs, as well as restock their water bottles and make sure that everything is in order for the second half.

In professional soccer matches, teams are allowed one 20-minute break per half, which is followed by a 10-minute half-time break. In lower-level games, teams may be allowed two 15-minute breaks per half before they take the field again (this includes pregame warmups).

In addition to these official breaks, players are also allowed to take a short break on the sideline during play. This can be used by either team to provide support or refreshment (in which case they need not be accompanied by an official).

How long do soccer players rest between games?

More leagues are becoming mindful and making modifications about training and playing load, with the purpose of averting injuries. Lately, a request has been made to allow players at least 4 days to recover between matches.

How long do soccer players get to rest during a game?

Soccer players are given a few minutes of rest during the game. The time duration varies depending on the rule set and the referee’s discretion.

The amount of time that players get to rest is determined by the length of the game. For instance, in a professional soccer game, players get to rest for two minutes between each half.

However, in an amateur soccer game, there is no set time limit for how long players get to rest. The referee will let them know when it is appropriate for them to take a break.

Final Thoughts

A standard national or international soccer match takes 90 minutes to complete. As for other soccer matches, depending on the day, location and number of players, the rules are pretty much the same.

Some exceptions may include the size of the field for 6 versus 6 with smaller goals but the rules are the same as well. For indoor soccer, there is no sliding, no throw-ins and rarely has an offside rule. To add, the shoes used are also different compared to outdoor soccer.

All in all, other factors that may affect the length of a soccer match will be determined by the stoppage time which varies depending on what transpires during game day.