- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 15 May 2025 02:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Difference Between Soccer And Football: Soccer and football are two sports that are loved across the globe. However, the two sports fuel confusion among people worldwide, while some regard these sports same, others don’t know the basic difference between the two sports. For your information, football is a generic term which includes every sport people play using their feet and a ball. Therefore, football equals soccer everywhere except the United States. In the States, football is a different game from soccer, known as American football. Let's take a look at the basic differentiation between the two sports, from rules and penalties to the number of players.
Difference Between The Number Of Players In Soccer And Football:
Both sports have 11 players per team on the field. Soccer teams, however, have relatively few substitutions (a maximum of three to five is normal), with the same 11 players expected to play the majority or entire match. On the other hand, American football teams have large rosters and substitute players in an ongoing manner based on whether the team is attacking or defending.
| Sport | Players On Field | Substitutions | Squad Size |
| Soccer | 11 per team | 3–5 per match | 18–23 |
| American Football | 11 per team | Unlimited (rotational) | 45–53 |
Source: Turf Town
Difference Between The Basic Rules Of Football And Soccer:
Soccer involves playing mostly with the feet and only allows the goalkeeper to handle the ball in their penalty area. Whereas American football is all about passing, catching, and running with the ball by hand, though kicking also comes into play.
| Soccer | American Football | |
| Main Objective | Score by kicking the ball into the opponent’s goal | Score by carrying or passing the ball into the end zone (touchdown) or kicking through the goalposts |
| Use of Hands | Only the goalkeeper can use their hands | All players can use their hands (except for certain plays) |
| Game Duration | 90 minutes (2 x 45 min halves) | 60 minutes (4 x 15 min quarters), but actual time could be much longer |
| Field Size | Between 100–130 yards x 50–100 yards | Between 100 yards x 53 1/3 yards, with 10-yard end zones |
Source: Turf Town
Difference Between Fouls And Penalties In Football And Soccer
Fouls in soccer, like tripping, pushing, or handball, result in a free kick or penalty kick. While misconduct is dealt with yellow or red cards. Additionally, soccer's rule against offside ensures that attackers do not get an unfair advantage by getting themselves near the other team's goal when the ball is passed to them.
On the other hand, in American football, there are more complex penalties that can amount to loss of yardage, loss of down, or even expulsion from the game. The offside rule of American football sanctions players who cross the line of scrimmage before the play.
| Soccer | American Football | |
| Common Fouls | Tripping, pushing, handball, offside | Offside, holding, pass interference, false start |
| Penalty Result | Free kick, penalty kick, yellow/red card | Loss of yardage, loss of down, automatic first down, ejection |
| Offside Rule | Player ahead of the ball and the 2nd last defender at the pass | Player crosses the line of scrimmage before the snap |
Source: Turf Town
Difference Between Equipment In Soccer And Football
Soccer players have minimal protective equipment, like shin guards and cleats. While American football players have full protective gear, including helmets and pads, due to the high-impact nature of the sport.
Difference Between Physicality In Soccer And Football
Soccer is an endurance-based, continuous-flow game with minimal equipment and few substitutions. Its gameplay is all about footwork and tactics. However, American football is a tactical, stop-start game with numerous substitutions, specialisations, and large protective equipment. American football prioritises physical impact and set-piece plays.