Two halves
A standard match has two equal periods of 45 minutes. The referee keeps the official time, even when a stadium clock or broadcast clock is visible.
Football basics
How long a match lasts, and why it still runs over.
Football's standard match length is simple, but the real answer often depends on stoppage time, extra time, substitution procedure, competition rules, and whether the match is an adult professional game, youth match, friendly, or knockout tie.
Timing
The standard match clock
For adult 11-a-side football, the default structure is two 45-minute halves with a half-time interval, plus time added for delays.
Interval
Half-time is normally no more than 15 minutes unless competition rules allow otherwise. The second half starts when the referee restarts play.
Stoppage time
The referee adds time for substitutions, injuries, disciplinary delays, goal celebrations, VAR checks, time-wasting, and other significant interruptions.
Extra time and penalties
If a knockout match must produce a winner and the score is level, competition rules may require extra time, kicks from the penalty mark, or another tie-breaking method. Extra time is usually two 15-minute periods, but the competition rules control the exact procedure.
- Normal time ends after the referee completes the second half and added time.
- If required, extra time is played in two periods.
- If still level and the competition requires a winner, kicks from the penalty mark may decide the match.
How many subs are allowed?
The Laws set the framework, but the competition sets the number of substitutes, replacement opportunities, and whether special concussion substitutions are available. Many senior competitions allow five substitutions in a limited number of stoppage windows, while youth and friendly matches may allow more.
- Named substitutes: only listed substitutes can usually enter.
- Referee control: the substitute enters only after permission and at the correct location.
- Competition rules: the permitted number of substitutes is not identical everywhere.
- Concussion protocols: some competitions allow additional permanent concussion substitutions.
Fast answers
- How long is half-time? Usually up to 15 minutes in standard adult football.
- Why did the match pass 90 minutes? The referee added time for stoppages and delays.
- Can the referee add more after announced stoppage time? Yes, the displayed number is a minimum.
- Are youth matches always 90 minutes? No, youth formats often use shorter periods set by competition rules.
- Can a substituted player return? In senior elite football, usually no. Some grassroots and youth competitions allow return substitutions.