World Cup Rules — Simple Explanation for Beginners

The Absolute Basics

Two teams of 11 players. One ball. Score more goals than the other team in 90 minutes. That's it. Everything else is details — but those details matter once you start watching.

Match Structure

90 minutes total, split into two 45-minute halves. There's a 15-minute break in between. The referee adds 'stoppage time' at the end of each half to make up for injuries, substitutions, and time-wasting — usually 1-5 minutes per half.

The Offside Rule (Finally Explained)

When your teammate passes you the ball, you must have at least TWO opponents (usually the goalkeeper + one defender) between you and the goal. If you're behind everyone except the goalkeeper when the ball is kicked, you're offside. Without this rule, attackers would just camp in front of the opponent's goal and wait for long passes.

Yellow and Red Cards

Yellow card = warning. Red card = ejection. Your team plays with 10 men. Two yellows = one red. Straight reds are for serious fouls or violent conduct.

VAR — The Video Referee

A team of officials watches the game on screens and can alert the main referee if they missed something big. VAR only intervenes for: goals, penalty decisions, straight red cards, and mistaken identity. It does NOT review yellow cards or corner kicks.

Substitutions

Each team can make 5 substitutions during the game. You get 3 windows to make them (not counting halftime). Once substituted off, a player can't come back.

Knockout Stage Rules

After the group stage, it's single elimination. If tied after 90 minutes: 30 minutes extra time. Still tied? Penalty shootout — 5 kicks each, then sudden death.