Soccer, also known as football, is a popular sport played all around the world. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and attracts millions of fans. One question that many people have is how long a soccer game lasts. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one may think. In this blog post, we’ll explore soccer game duration at various levels of play, from professional matches to youth games and everything in between.

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Professional Soccer Games: 

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The duration of a professional soccer game is 90 minutes, split into two equal halves of 45 minutes each. During the game, the referee may add stoppage time at the end of each half to make up for any time lost due to injuries, substitutions, or any other interruptions. Typically, stoppage time ranges from 1 to 5 minutes per half. In extreme cases, such as injuries requiring extensive medical attention or any other unforeseen circumstances, the game can be longer. 

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College Soccer Games: 

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In college soccer games, the duration is the same as in professional games, that is, 90 minutes, split into two equal halves of 45 minutes each. However, the NCAA often allows games to end in a draw, after which they may proceed to a penalty shootout to determine a winner if necessary. 

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High School Soccer Games: 

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In high school soccer games in the United States, each match lasts 80 minutes, split into two equal halves of 40 minutes each. High school soccer games can often be shorter and vary depending on the region, state, or country. 

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Youth Soccer Games: 

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Youth soccer games vary depending on the age group. For example, in the U6 and U8 age groups, matches usually last 20-30 minutes, split into two halves of ten to fifteen minutes each. For the U10 and U12 age groups, matches can last 25-30 minutes per half, and for the U14 age group, matches last 35-40 minutes per half. 

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Pickup Soccer Games:

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For those of us who love to play pickup soccer, the game duration is entirely up to the players. Typically, pickup games last for 1-2 hours, and could have a 5-10 minute halftime break in between depending on the game. You can even use pick up sports scheduling apps like the Conquer app to find and join pickup soccer games near you. 

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Conclusion: 

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In conclusion, the length of a soccer game can vary depending on the level of play. So, if you’ve ever wondered how long a soccer game lasts, remember that it’s not always as simple as giving a single answer. From professional soccer matches that last 90 minutes to youth games that vary depending on age group, it’s important to understand the differences and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.

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