Football Field vs Soccer Field – What’s The Difference?

If you’re a soccer player or a fan, you’ve likely heard the criticism of “soccer fields are too big” or “who wants to watch 90 minutes of a scoreless game?”

Meanwhile, the football field gets all the love with its special names for yard lines and Super Bowl halftime shows.

However, here at Kit Queen, we KNOW that the soccer field is just as cool, if not cooler, than the football field. But how?

Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two iconic sports fields.

Football Field vs Soccer Field – What’s The Difference?

They’re two of the world’s most favorite sports, and one of the most contrasting features between the two sports is their playing field.

While both games share the same objective – to win! – they play differently, and their field designs reflect that.

Settle down for a thorough guide to the difference between a soccer field and a football field.

Size Matters

The biggest difference between a football field and a soccer field is the size.

Football fields are more longer and rectangular with rounded corners, measuring around 120 yards long and 53 yards wide.

In comparison, soccer fields are also rectangular but measure 100-130 yards long and 50-100 yards wide.

The goalposts’ location also differs, with football fields having them on the end lines and soccer on the goal lines.

So yes, soccer fields are larger than football fields. But that’s not a bad thing.

Soccer players need to have stamina and endurance to go the distance on the field.

And having a larger field also means more space to make impressive passes and maneuvers.

Plus, soccer fields come in all different shapes and sizes depending on the location and number of players in your team, which can add to the excitement!

Versatile playing surfaces

Soccer fields and football fields also have contrasting grass and turf surfaces.

Soccer fields are made of grass, while football fields can be made of natural grass or artificial turf, which now look and feel like natural grass!

The choice of the surface mainly depends on the weather, climate, and maintenance cost.

As soccer games require precise ball handling, grass surfaces provide more comfortable ball control.

Football is a more of a contact sport, so it requires tougher surfaces that are harder to wear out.

All this means that soccer players have to be adaptable to different playing surfaces, which can increase their skill level.

Plus, with artificial turf becoming more common, soccer players can play in any weather condition without the worry of a muddy field (and kit!).

Markers

Another pretty obvious difference is the marking systems and lines on the field.

The football field has rounded corners, whereas soccer fields are rectangular. The goalposts on a football field are located on the end lines, whereas in soccer they stand on the goal lines.

Soccer fields feature penalty boxes, six-yard boxes, center circle, and corner kicks. Contrastingly, the football field is marked using yard lines and hash marks.

Purpose

The playing areas on both fields are designed to fit the sport perfectly.

Football fields are wider and provide plenty of spaces for skilled positions to move, pass and throw the ball.

Soccer pitches feature goal areas and penalty boxes, suiting the sport’s defensive and offensive strategies.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Both football and soccer require teamwork, but on the soccer field, every player is an integral part of the game.

There’s no quarterback or star running back that can carry the team.

Instead, every player is responsible for their position and contributing to the team’s success. This creates a sense of camaraderie and collaboration on the field that can be highly empowering. Go team!

Fans bring the excitement

Football may have its famous tailgates and packed stadiums, but soccer fans are just as passionate.

In fact, many soccer games around the world have a tradition of chanting and singing, creating a lively atmosphere on the field.

Watching a soccer match with passionate fans can make for an unforgettable experience.

Watch and learn: A soccer pitch vs football field

Here’s a very cool video that shows a soccer pitch being converted into a football field. We love it because it really breaks down the difference between the two in a super interesting way!

Is it called a soccer field or football field?

Well, really what you call this big old bit of turf seems to come down to where you’re from.

If you’re from the United States, you probably call it a soccer field.

But if you’re from the United Kingdom, you’re more likely to refer to it as a football pitch.

Regardless of what you call it, the important thing is that soccer brings people together – transcending all language barriers!

Is a soccer field bigger than a football field?

When it comes to size, every inch counts – especially on the sports field!

So, is a soccer field bigger than a football field? Yes!

A typical soccer field measures in at around 100-110 yards long and 50-70 yards wide. A football field, on the other hand, is only 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide.

So when it comes to real estate, soccer is king (or queen!).

What percent is a soccer field longer than a football field?

On average, a soccer field is about 10-15% longer than a football field.

It may not seem like a big difference, but in the game of soccer where every yard counts, that extra length can make all the difference in scoring that game-winning goal.

Are women’s and men’s soccer pitches the same size?

Yes, women’s and men’s soccer pitches are the same size. The goal posts are the same size too. And the soccer ball!

FIFA requires all professional players – male or female – to play on a field measuring 100-130 yards long, and 50-100 yards wide.

So whether you’re playing for a professional team, your school or local club, you can rest assured that the pitch will be the exact same size for both genders.

That way everyone has an equal shot at scoring that game-winning goal! As it should be!

The final score.

From versatile playing surfaces to the power of teamwork, soccer fields are just as exciting as football fields.

Plus, as female soccer players ourselves, we’re inspired by the women’s national teams who have shown the world what the soccer field is really capable of.

So let’s give the soccer field the credit it deserves and continue to enjoy the beautiful game!