How many minutes is a soccer game is a question that many new fans and curious learners often ask. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and understanding its timing is essential to enjoying the game fully. Whether you’re watching the English Premier League, the FIFA World Cup, or your local club, the timing structure remains largely the same.
In this article, we will break down the total minutes in a soccer game, including regular time, stoppage time, extra time, and penalty shootouts. We’ll also look at youth and professional games and compare them in a clear and informative manner.
Standard Duration of a Professional Soccer Game
The answer to how many minutes is a soccer game at the professional level is fairly straightforward. A regular professional match consists of 90 minutes of game time. This time is split into two equal halves of 45 minutes each. These halves are separated by a 15-minute halftime break.
During each half, the clock runs continuously. It does not stop for substitutions, minor injuries, or the ball going out of play. The referee keeps track of all delays and adds stoppage time at the end of each half accordingly.
What Is Stoppage Time?
To fully answer how many minutes is a soccer game, we must include stoppage time. Also known as injury time, stoppage time is added by the referee to compensate for interruptions such as injuries, player substitutions, and time-wasting.
Stoppage time is typically between 1 to 5 minutes per half, though it can be more in certain circumstances. In recent FIFA tournaments, we’ve seen stoppage times exceeding 10 minutes due to increased efforts to account for every delay accurately.
Soccer Games That Go Beyond 90 Minutes
Sometimes, 90 minutes is not enough to decide a winner—especially in knockout rounds of tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Champions League. In such cases, the match goes into extra time.
Extra time consists of 30 additional minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves. If the score is still tied after extra time, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
So, how many minutes is a soccer game in total if extra time and penalties are included? It can be as long as 120 minutes, plus stoppage time and a potential penalty round, making the overall event last much longer.
Also Read: FFXIV Spearfishing Guide
Breakdown of Soccer Match Duration
| Phase | Duration | Description |
| First Half | 45 minutes | Standard gameplay time |
| Halftime | 15 minutes | Break between first and second half |
| Second Half | 45 minutes | Remaining standard gameplay time |
| Stoppage Time | 1–10 minutes per half | Time added for interruptions |
| Extra Time (if needed) | 30 minutes | Two halves of 15 minutes for tied games |
| Penalty Shootout | Varies (10–15 min) | Decides winner if game is still tied |
Youth Soccer Match Duration
When asking how many minutes is a soccer game, it’s important to consider age categories. Youth soccer matches are shorter to match the physical ability and attention span of young players.
For example:
- Under 6 (U6) games usually last 20 minutes total.
- Under 10 (U10) games might last 50 to 60 minutes, with shorter halves.
- Under 14 (U14) games may be around 70 minutes, broken into 35-minute halves.
These adjustments ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for young athletes.
Stoppage Time vs. Extra Time – What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse stoppage time and extra time. Both extend the game, but they serve different purposes.
Stoppage time happens at the end of each 45-minute half, and it accounts for in-game delays like injuries or substitutions. On the other hand, extra time is only played in knockout matches when the score is tied after 90 minutes, to try and determine a winner before penalty kicks.
Understanding these terms helps clarify how many minutes is a soccer game, especially during tournaments where outcomes must be decided on the day.
Penalty Shootouts – The Final Decider
If the game remains tied after extra time, it goes to a penalty shootout. This segment doesn’t add exact minutes to the official match duration, but it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
While not counted in the 90 or 120 minutes of regular and extra time, the penalty shootout is a critical component in matches that must produce a winner. This makes it part of the broader answer to how many minutes is a soccer game in tournament settings.
Referee’s Role in Managing Time
The referee plays a key role in determining how many minutes is a soccer game. They are responsible for keeping track of time lost due to injuries, substitutions, and other delays. The referee communicates stoppage time to the fourth official, who then signals it to the audience and players using a digital board.
Additionally, referees decide if any additional stoppage time is required within the already added minutes, especially if there are further delays during stoppage time itself.
How Technology Has Improved Game Timing
Modern soccer has embraced technology to assist in managing time better. Tools like VAR (Video Assistant Referee) have introduced new kinds of stoppages. These are also considered in stoppage time calculations. FIFA has recently urged referees to be more transparent and consistent when calculating these periods.
The focus on fair play and accuracy means today’s answer to how many minutes is a soccer game can include more precise added time than ever before.
Shorter Soccer Game Formats
Not all soccer games follow the traditional 90-minute structure. In friendly matches, charity games, or five-a-side games, the duration is often shorter.
For example:
- Five-a-side matches can be 40 minutes (two 20-minute halves).
- Futsal games are typically 40 minutes total with time-outs and shorter halves.
These versions still adhere to the spirit of the game while offering a faster-paced, more accessible format.
Also Read: Game Room for my Kids
Women’s Soccer Matches
Professional women’s soccer matches follow the same structure as men’s games. So when we ask how many minutes is a soccer game in women’s leagues like the NWSL or Women’s World Cup, the answer remains 90 minutes, with the same rules for stoppage time and extra time.
This consistency across gender lines reinforces the universality of the sport and ensures fairness in competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a soccer game including stoppage time?
A soccer game is 90 minutes plus stoppage time, which can add 1 to 10 minutes per half depending on delays.
Do all soccer games go into extra time?
No, only knockout-stage games in tournaments go into extra time if the score is tied after 90 minutes.
How long does a penalty shootout take?
A penalty shootout generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many rounds are needed to decide a winner.
Is extra time counted in the 90-minute duration?
No, extra time is additional to the standard 90 minutes and is only used when a winner must be determined.
Conclusion
So, how many minutes is a soccer game? The simple answer is 90 minutes, but there’s more to it. With stoppage time, extra time, and potential penalty shootouts, the match can extend far beyond its base time. Youth matches, short formats, and local games may follow different durations, but professional rules remain clear and consistent.
Understanding the timing of a soccer game helps fans follow the action, anticipate key moments, and enjoy the game more fully. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned fan, knowing how time is managed in soccer gives you a better grasp of the game’s rhythm and flow.