FootballThe rules of football explained
Everything a newcomer needs to follow a match without a rulebook in hand.
FootballThe offside rule finally explained
Football's most argued-about law, broken down into one simple idea: were you ahead of the ball and the defence?
FootballFootball positions explained
A clear guide to what each position on a football pitch actually does, from goalkeeper to striker.
FootballHow VAR works in football
A plain-English explanation of how the Video Assistant Referee reviews decisions during a match.
FootballFootball formations explained
From the back four to the front line, here's how formations shape the way a team plays.
FootballHow to watch football tactically
Look past the ball for once, and the whole match opens up in a new way.
FootballFutsal vs football: what’s the difference?
Same sport at heart, very different game — smaller ball, smaller pitch, and rules that reward quick feet.
FootballThe rise of women’s football
How women's football grew from amateur roots into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
FootballHow penalty shootouts work
The rules, the order and the psychology of football's most dramatic way to settle a match.