A standard soccer game lasts 90 minutes, played in two halves of 45 minutes each.
Understanding the Standard Match Duration
The core of a soccer match's duration is its two 45-minute periods. These are the primary phases of play where the ball is in action.
Game Halves and Continuous Play
A typical professional soccer match is divided into:
- First Half: 45 minutes
- Second Half: 45 minutes
What makes soccer unique compared to many other sports is that the game clock does not stop for common interruptions. This means that unlike basketball or American football, the clock continues to run even during:
- Fouls and free kicks
- Player substitutions
- Player injuries
- Goal celebrations
- Ball going out of play
This continuous clock operation necessitates additional time to compensate for these stoppages, ensuring that spectators receive a full 90 minutes of effective playing time.
Beyond 90 Minutes: Key Additional Times
While 90 minutes is the official duration for regulation play, several factors can extend the total time a game takes.
Half-Time Interval
Between the first and second halves, there is a mandatory 15-minute half-time break. This allows players to rest, strategize, and hydrate.
Stoppage Time (Injury Time / Added Time)
Because the clock runs continuously, the referee adds "stoppage time" (also known as injury time or added time) at the end of each 45-minute half. This time accounts for all the delays that occurred during the half, such as:
- Player injuries and treatment
- Substitutions
- Excessive goal celebrations
- Time-wasting tactics
- Consultation with VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
The amount of stoppage time is determined by the referee and varies depending on the number and duration of interruptions. It's common for several minutes to be added at the end of each half, especially in the second half.
Extra Time (Overtime)
In knockout competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Champions League knockout stages, if the score is tied after the initial 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the game may proceed to extra time. This consists of two additional halves of 15 minutes each, making for a total of 30 extra minutes of play. There is usually a very short break (a minute or two) between the end of regulation and the start of extra time, and then a brief break (typically no more than a minute) between the two extra-time halves.
Penalty Shootout
If a match is still tied after 90 minutes and extra time (in knockout competitions), a penalty shootout is typically used to determine the winner. This is not part of the playing time itself but a tie-breaking procedure. Each team takes turns shooting from the penalty spot against the opposing goalkeeper until a winner is decided.
Summary of Soccer Match Segments
Here's a breakdown of the various time segments in a soccer match:
| Segment | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Half | 45 minutes | Standard playing time. Clock runs continuously. |
| Half-time Break | 15 minutes | Interval between halves. |
| Second Half | 45 minutes | Standard playing time. Clock runs continuously. |
| Stoppage Time | Varies (1-10+ mins) | Added at the end of each half to compensate for delays. |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes | Optional, two 15-minute halves played only in knockout matches if scores are tied after 90 minutes. |
| Penalty Shootout | Varies | Optional tie-breaker after extra time in knockout matches. Not considered "playing time." |
Understanding these components provides a full picture of how long a soccer game can truly be, from its official 90-minute core to potential extensions for competitive resolution.
