How long is a soccer game: Official timings

Soccer is one of the most famous sports in the world. It is thrilling and fun to watch. Moreover, the rules and regulations are simple to understand. In fact, there are millions of soccer fans around the globe. And no matter how long is a soccer game, people enjoy every second of it. 

Still, unlike other sports that go on and on, soccer has a specific play time. Each team in soccer has to goal within a set limit of time. So, if you are wondering, “How long do soccer games last?” This article is all you need to know the answer.

Usually, how long is a soccer game?

Soccer games are not that long. In fact, 90 minutes are estimated and allowed as the average time of soccer games. Plus, these 90 minutes are divided into two halves. Experts estimate and allow an average time of 90 minutes for soccer games. Additionally, referees divide these 90 minutes into two halves. So, 90 minutes is how long does soccer game last commonly. 

However, it depends on the game to increase or decrease this set time limit. The referee gives extra time when a match is tied. Therefore, the extra time helps decide a winner. Additionally, we decrease the time limit for smaller age groups. For instance, a children’s soccer game can be 25 minutes long for each team.

How long is a game of soccer professionally?

Professional soccer matches have the same set time limit. So, 45 minutes for each team are how long is a soccer game professionally. What’s more, the match lasts for two equal parts. And the teams play without stopping. Moreover, the referee does not stop the clock even if the soccer ball goes out of the court. Thus, a professional soccer game is also 90 minutes long. 

Additionally, this time is fair play for both teams. Irrespective of the team, the time does not increase or decrease. Furthermore, even when a team delays playing, the referee does not stop the set time. The clock only stops once the 45 minutes are up, and never before.

Plus, a 15-minute break takes place between these halves. During this break, the players rest and plan their game. Besides, this time allows the team to get the coach’s feedback. ‘Half time,’ is how people refer to this small break.

Soccer game, how long with additional time?

Though this rarely happens, the referee sometimes adds additional time for a soccer game. People call this time injury time or stoppage time. Moreover, we add this time to make up for wasted time. The following are some reasons for this time:

• The team is replacing the player
• A leading team wastes time
• The referee announces a foul
• The referee checks VAR
• There’s a drink or cooling break

The fourth referee signals the additional time. For this, the referee uses a sideboard to tell how many minutes in a soccer game are added

Moreover, the referee extends the time during a penalty kick until the player kicks the soccer ball. Lastly, the referee ends the match by blowing a whistle.

Penalties and extra time, how long are soccer games match?

The soccer finals must have a clear winner. Therefore, the referee grants an additional time in case of a tie. He adds 15 minutes extra for each team. And between these 15 minutes, a 5 minute break happens. So, in a way, the game is always fair. No team can complain about the set time or anything, Furthermore, the time set for each team is discussed among the referees.

Still, if the game is tied again after additional time, the referee gives a penalty shootout. This helps them determine a winner in a fair way. Different players from both teams take 5 penalties. After all, this is the only fair method. Anyway, the team with the most scores during the penalty shootout is the winner. 

Usually, soccer finals do not need this time. 90 minutes at best are how long is a soccer game. So, if you are planning on watching one, or are just collecting information, you can be confident with this answer. Just keep in mind that the total time for a soccer game finale is 105 minutes average. This includes a break of 15 minutes and 90 minutes of playtime. 

How long are domestic soccer games?

Domestic and regular soccer games are no different than the finales. Sure, the finales are more hyped, but that is the only difference they have. The game is not prolonged. Thus, whether domestic soccer or a finale, the timing is always the same. And the allotted is 90 minutes with 45 minutes for each team. Importantly, the only difference in time comes from the additional time. The referee decides the duration of the additional time. The following are some cases of such decisions:

• No team misses the penalty. A team must play the penalty. This penalty can increase the duration of the game. The soccer play is always extended for a penalty kick.
• When a tie happens, the teams play two periods of 10 to 15 minutes each. There’s a special rule for these 10 minutes. The first team to score during this time is the winner.
• The referee does a coin toss. And this time is not included in how long is a soccer game. The team who wins the toss decides to take the play strategy and opening. 
• The referees allow a second additional time in some cases. If this happens, the teams have to switch their places on the soccer field.
• Many domestic games are not that important. So, referees can allow a draw if the match is tied. Thus, the referees do not allow any additional time for teams in such a case.

Final thoughts on how longs a football game is

The time allowed for a soccer game depends on its nature. Important games like finales are allowed more time. The referees allow more time for important games like finales. While the domestic matches can end in a draw. 90 minutes are how long is a soccer game finale. However, in case of a draw, the referee gives additional time to both the teams. And if the additional time also results in a draw, the penalty shootout happens. After all, a finale can never end in a draw.

So, unlike a domestic match, a finale can go on for about 105 minutes. The referees distribute these minutes equally between both teams. The soccer match is always fair play. The players do not waste a second in a soccer game.