How Long Do Women’s Soccer Games Last? Quick Answer!

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Wondering how long women’s soccer games last? We’ve got you covered!

The length of a soccer game can vary depending on the level of play, but for women’s soccer games in official matches like the Women’s World Cup, games have 90 minutes of regulation time, or two 45-minute halves.

However, games regularly have time added back, which means the game clock continued to run during stoppages, and the referee adds extra time to the end of each half to make up for the time lost.

This additional time is referred to as stoppage time or extra time, and it can range from a few seconds to several minutes.

How long do women’s soccer matches last in the World Cup?

The duration of a women’s soccer game in the World Cup is 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves.

In the knockout stages, if the game ends in a draw, extra time (an extra 30 minutes, 15 minutes each way) is played and a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.

How long do women’s soccer matches last in the Women’s FIFA World Cup?

The Women’s World Cup is the largest women’s soccer tournament in the world, with 32 teams playing 64 games.

The tournament kicked off in Australia and New Zealand, and fans from all over the world tuned in to watch their favorite teams compete for the championship title. We’re loving it!

With so many games to watch, it’s essential to know how long each game lasts so you can plan your viewing schedule accordingly!

The duration of a women’s soccer game in the World Cup is 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves. However, in the knockout stages, if the game ends in a draw, extra time (an extra 30 minutes, 15 minutes each way) is played and a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.

Women’s soccer games at higher levels tend to last longer than those at lower levels since there are more substitutions, shots on goal, and fouls that have to be dealt with.

Games in the Women’s World Cup often have five minutes + of stoppage time for each half.

Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or a casual viewer, understanding the length of a soccer game is crucial to enjoying the sport fully.

Keep reading to learn more about the duration of soccer games.

How long do women's soccer games last infographic.

A women's soccer game lasts for 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break. The duration may be extended due to stoppage time which is time added back for things that have paused game play like injuries.

Duration of a Women’s Soccer Game

As stated by the FA laws of the game, a women’s soccer game lasts for 90 minutes, just like men’s! This is divided into two 45-minute halves.

During the game, there is a halftime break of 15 minutes, which is an excellent opportunity for the players to rest and rehydrate.

As spectators, it’s a great time for us to grab some snacks and drinks before the second half of the game begins!

The game will often run a little longer than 90 minutes due to added time.

This happens when the game clock continues to run even when the ball is out of play, due to injuries, substitutions, or other reasons.

The additional time is usually indicated by the referee on a board or with hand signals.

Extra Time and Penalties

When it comes to women’s soccer, games can sometimes go beyond the regulation 90 minutes. This is where extra time and penalties come into play.

Extra time is an additional period of 30 minutes split into two halves of 15 minutes each.

Extra time is played if the game is tied after 90 minutes of regulation play. During extra time, teams switch sides after the first 15 minutes. If the game is still tied after extra time, the game proceeds to a penalty kick shootout. Yikes!

Penalty kicks are awarded to a team if a foul occurs inside the penalty area.

A penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot, which is 12 yards away from the goal line.

During a penalty kick, only the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty kick are allowed inside the penalty area.

In a penalty kick shootout, each team takes turns taking five penalty kicks.

If the score is still tied after five penalty kicks, the shootout continues with sudden death!

In sudden death, each team takes turns taking one penalty kick until one team scores and the other misses.

Extra time and penalties can add an exciting and unpredictable element to women’s soccer games.

As fans, we love the drama and tension that comes with watching our favorite teams battle it out until the very end!

DID YOU KNOW?

Extra time and penalties are not the same as stoppage time or injury time.

Stoppage time is added to the end of each half to account for any time lost due to substitutions, injuries, or other stoppages during the game. Extra time and penalties are only used in the event of a tie after regulation play.

Breaks and Delays

As with any sport, soccer games can experience breaks and delays due to various reasons.

In women’s soccer, there are specific rules regarding breaks and delays that both players and spectators should be aware of.

First, there is a 15-minute break between the two halves of the game.

This break allows players to rest, rehydrate, and strategize for the second half of the game. During this break, players are not allowed to leave the field without the referee’s permission.

As well as the scheduled break, there may also be unplanned delays during the match.

These delays can be caused by injuries, substitutions, or other unforeseen circumstances – like a streaker on the pitch!

When a delay occurs, the referee will add extra time to the end of the game to make up for the lost time. This extra time is known as stoppage time or injury time.

Time wasting and other forms of unsportsmanlike behavior can also lead to delays during the game.

Players who intentionally waste time or engage in other unsportsmanlike behavior may be penalized by the referee. So watch out!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do women’s soccer games typically last?

Women’s soccer games typically last for 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves.

However, the actual game time may vary depending on factors such as injuries, substitutions, and time added back for stoppages.

What is the average length of a women’s soccer game?

The average length of a women’s soccer game is also 90 minutes, with two 45-minute halves.

However, as mentioned earlier, the actual game time may vary due to various factors.

How long is a women’s soccer game in college?

Women’s soccer games in college also follow the same 90-minute format, with two 45-minute halves.

How does the length of a women’s soccer game compare to a men’s game?

The length of a women’s soccer game is the same as a men’s game, with both lasting for 90 minutes divided into two 45-minute halves.

Are women’s soccer games the same length as men’s games?

Yes, women’s soccer games are the same length as men’s games, with both lasting for 90 minutes divided into two 45-minute halves.

How long do youth soccer games last?

Generally, games in youth leagues tend to last the least amount of time since they usually only have one half that is shorter than a regulation game.

What is the duration of a women’s soccer game in the World Cup?

The duration of a women’s soccer game in the World Cup is also 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves.

However, in the knockout stages, if the game ends in a draw, extra time and a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.

The Final Score

To sum it all up, knowing the length of a women’s soccer game can help you plan ahead if you decide to watch one!

Games will generally have 90 minutes of regulation time, but that can lead to extra time depending on various stoppages.

Hopefully this article gave insight into what to expect when attending a women’s soccer game.

Let’s keep supporting these amazing athletes so they continue to shine in chemistry and athleticism around The World!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...