Association Football (Soccer) vs Soccer — Same Game, Different Rules
Same sport, different leagues. See exactly where FIFA and NWSL rules diverge.
| Attribute | Association Football (Soccer) | Soccer |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Team Sports | Team Sports |
| Organization | FIFA | NWSL |
| Players | 11 | 11 |
| Location | both | outdoor |
| Season / Version | IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27 | 2026 NWSL Competition Rules & Regulations (single-table single-elimination postseason; Only The Captain rule introduced) |
| Verification | 🏛️Official — FIFA | 🏛️Official — NWSL |
Comparison Summary
Association Football (Soccer) and Soccer share 6 rule topics. All 6 have different rules.
Key differences in: Concussion Protocol, Field Markings, Section 2: Equipment, Section 5: Rules of Play, Section 6: Scoring and 1 more.
These sports also have Association Football (Soccer) is both, Soccer is outdoor.
Shared Rules — Side by Side(6 shared topics)
Concussion Protocol
Rules differIFAB has established a permanent concussion substitution protocol. If a player is suspected of sustaining a concussion, the team doctor may request that the player be substituted using the additional concussion substitution allowance.
NWSL operates under the league's Concussion Management Protocol developed in conjunction with U.S. Soccer and the league medical staff.
Field Markings
Rules differCenter circle: Radius of 9.15 m (10 yards) from the center mark; Penalty area: 16.5 m (18 yards) from each goal post and 16.5 m into the field; Goal area: 5.5 m (6 yards) from each goal post and 5.5 m into the field
Touchlines (sidelines) and goal lines bound the field; Halfway line with a centre mark and a 9.15 m centre circle; Goal area (5.5 m × 18.32 m) and penalty area (16.5 m × 40.32 m) at each end
Section 2: Equipment
Rules differThe basic compulsory equipment of a player consists of: Spherical, made of suitable material (leather or equivalent); Circumference: 68–70 cm (27–28 inches); Weight at the start of the match: 410–450 g (14–16 oz)
Each club designates one starting captain per match who wears a captain's armband visible to the match officials. Identification of the captain is operative for the 2026 "Only The Captain" rule (Section 7), under which only the captain may approac...
Section 5: Rules of Play
Rules differA match consists of two equal halves of 45 minutes each, with a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes. The referee adds time at the end of each half for all time lost due to substitutions, assessment and/or removal of injured players, wastin...
The referee signals each substitution opportunity, the substitute enters at the halfway line, and the player being replaced exits across the nearest sideline within a brief permitted window. Tactical or non-medical delays during a substitution are penalty-deserving conduct under IFAB Law 12.
Section 6: Scoring
Rules differThe team that scores the most goals during a match wins. If the number of goals scored is equal, the match is a draw.
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement was committed previously by the team scoring the goal (IFAB Law 10). All NWSL venues use goal-line techno...
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Rules differPlayer safety is a fundamental principle underlying the Laws of the Game. The referee must stop play if a player is seriously injured and ensure the player is removed from the field.
NWSL operates under the league's Concussion Management Protocol developed in conjunction with U.S. Soccer and the league medical staff.
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