How Long Is Halftime in Soccer?

Halftime offers soccer players a chance to rest during games, but how long does it last?

Halftime is a key part of any soccer game. / Sebastian Wells/IMAGO

All soccer matches are 90 minutes long, plus added time for stoppages, and are separated into two 45-minute halves.

The break between those two halves is known as halftime and is vital for both the team and the fans.

So how long is it? And what is it used for? Here, Sports Illustrated spells it out.

How long is halftime in soccer?

The start of the halftime interval is always signalled by the referee. / Eßling/IMAGO

As stated by the IFAB (International Football Association Board), which is the sport's global law-making body, halftime in soccer is 15 minutes long.

Once the first half of a match is called to an end by the referee, the players, along with the officials, retreat for a brief break.

In most cases, the teams return to their respective dressing rooms, but if these aren't available, for example in amateur level soccer, they will stay out on the field.

Players must be back out on the field and ready to resume play by the time the 15 minutes is up, or could face retrospective action in the form of a fine issued by the governing body in charge of overseeing the match.

Only in exceptional circumstances and with the referee's permission can halftime be extended.

What is the purpose of halftime in soccer?

Halftime is an important time for the team in soccer. / Motivio/IMAGO

Players use halftime to rest and regroup.

They might also use the time to refuel by taking on board some fluids and eating an energy-providing snack like a banana, an orange or even some candy. Doing this can delay fatigue, help with recovery and generally give them a boost going into the second period.

Halftime also provides a chance for coaches to give their players a team talk to try and motivate them and relay and changes in tactics, as well as make substitutions.

For example, they might decide to bring on another attacker if they are losing and need a goal. If they're winning, however, they may instead decide to put on another defender to try and keep hold of the lead.

The break is important for the fans, too. It also gives them a chance to take a quick break from the game and get drinks and snacks, whether from the bars in the concourse or from their refrigerator at home.

What is added time in soccer?

Referees decide how much added time there is at the end of each half. / Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Added time in soccer, also known as stoppage time or injury time, is additional time added to the end of each half of a match to compensate for time lost during the game.

This time accounts for various interruptions including injuries, substitutions, time wasting, disciplinary sanctions, goal celebrations, video assistant referee (VAR) reviews, and any other external factor that might cause the game to be delayed.

The length of added time at the end of each half is decided by the referee.

It in no way effects the duration of halftime.

In a game between England and Iran At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there was a massive 24 minutes of time added on at the end of regulation, which is a tournament record. England won the match 6-2.

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