Football, also known as soccer in the United States, is one of the most watched sports in the world. But have you ever wondered: how long is a football game? The answer is more nuanced than just “90 minutes.”
In this guide, we break down each element that contributes to the overall duration of a football match—from regulation halves to injury time and even extra time.
Regulation Time: 90 Minutes
A standard football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break in between. This structure is consistent across most professional leagues and international competitions.
- 1st Half: 45 minutes
- Halftime: 15 minutes
- 2nd Half: 45 minutes
So, in total, a regular football game is scheduled to last 105 minutes, including halftime.
Stoppage Time (Injury Time)
Referees add stoppage time at the end of each half to make up for interruptions such as injuries, substitutions, and time-wasting. This is commonly referred to as injury time.
- Average Stoppage Time: 1–5 minutes per half
This can extend the game length to around 95–100 minutes in total.
Extra Time (Knockout Matches)
In knockout stages of tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Champions League, if the game is tied at the end of regular time, extra time is played.
- Extra Time Duration: Two halves of 15 minutes each
- Total Extra Time: 30 minutes
With this, the game can last up to 120 minutes before heading to a penalty shootout, if needed.
Penalty Shootouts
If the game remains tied after extra time, it proceeds to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Though the shootout itself only lasts around 10–15 minutes, the tension can make it feel much longer.
How Long Does a Football Game Really Last?
Here’s a quick breakdown of total time:
- Regular Match (with stoppage time): 95 to 100 minutes
- Match with Extra Time: Up to 120 minutes
- Including Penalties: Around 130 to 135 minutes
Why Do Football Matches Sometimes Go Over 2 Hours?
While the core game time is 90 minutes, real-time factors extend the match. These include:
- Injury and medical breaks
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks
- Goal celebrations
- Time-wasting by players
All of this is accounted for in stoppage time or leads to extended viewing during major matches.
Conclusion
To sum it up, if you’re planning to watch a football match, set aside at least 2 hours of your time. From regular play to possible extra time and penalties, football is a game of thrilling unpredictability—not just in gameplay but also in timing.