Professional soccer games last 90 minutes of regulation time, divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break in between
. The clock in soccer runs continuously and does not stop for fouls, substitutions, or injuries. To compensate for time lost during these stoppages, referees add stoppage time (also called injury time) at the end of each half, typically ranging from 1 to 5 minutes but sometimes longer in extreme cases
. In knockout matches where a winner must be decided, if the score is tied after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the game goes into extra time, which consists of two 15-minute halves (30 minutes total)
. If still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner, which can further extend the total duration of the match
. In summary:
- Regulation time: 90 minutes (2 x 45-minute halves)
- Halftime break: 15 minutes
- Stoppage time: usually 1-5 minutes per half, varying by match conditions
- Extra time (if needed): 30 minutes (2 x 15-minute halves)
- Penalty shootout (if needed): variable length
Most professional soccer games last around 95 to 100 minutes including stoppage time, but can extend to about 120 minutes or more if extra time and penalties are involved
