
π Total Time of Football Match: Kid-Friendly Guide for Filipino Players
Table of Contents
π§ What Makes Total Time of Football Match So Interesting?
ootball is one of the most exciting sports in the world. But did you know that a match is not just 90 minutes long?
β½β±οΈ Many things happen before, during, and after the match that make the total time longer.
In the Philippines, more kids are starting to play football, and they often ask, “Gaano po katagal ang football match?”
The answer is not always simple. There’s the first half, second half, halftime, stoppage time, extra time, and sometimes even penalty shootouts!
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This makes the total time of a football match super interesting. Every minute matters β whether it’s a goal, an injury, or a VAR check.
In this guide, you will learn everything about how long a football game really lasts, in a fun and easy way. π§π΅π
Letβs kick off and discover the hidden minutes behind every match!
β±οΈ How Long is a Football Match?
π§Ύ Football Time Breakdown
Part of the Match | Time (Approximate) |
---|---|
First Half | 45 minutes |
Halftime Break | 15 minutes |
Second Half | 45 minutes |
Stoppage/Added Time | 3β10 minutes per half |
Extra Time (if needed) | 30 minutes (2 halves of 15) |
Penalty Shootout (if tied) | 10β15 minutes |
Pre/Post Match Events | 20β30 minutes |
Total Possible Time | 2.5 to 3 hours |
π₯ What Happens in a Regular Match?
- Two halves: A match has 2 parts, called halves. Each half is 45 minutes.
- Halftime: There is a 15-minute break in the middle.
- Total basic time: Thatβs 90 minutes plus halftime.
But wait! Thatβs not the whole storyβ¦
β What is Added or Stoppage Time?
Sometimes, the referee (the person who controls the game) adds extra minutes at the end of each half. This is called stoppage time or added time. This happens because:
- Players get injured π©Ή
- Substitutions happen π
- Players waste time β³
- VAR is used πΊ
The referee watches everything and adds time at the end to make it fair.
π§ββοΈ Injuries and Substitutions
When a player gets hurt, the game stops. The time is not counted, so the referee adds it later.
When coaches change players (called substitutions), it takes time too. Sometimes players walk slowly off the field on purpose!
VAR means Video Assistant Referee. It helps the referee check if something unfair happenedβlike a goal or a foul.
- It takes time to watch replays.
- The referee may stop the game for a few minutes.
- This adds more time to the match.
VAR is fair but can make games longer.
π°οΈ What Happens When the Game is Tied?
In some matches, like tournaments or finals, games canβt end in a tie.
So, we have:
π Extra Time
- 2 halves of 15 minutes
- Thatβs 30 minutes more!
π― Penalty Shootout
If itβs still tied, each team kicks 5 penalties. That takes around 10β15 minutes.
π§οΈ Delays and Disruptions
Sometimes the match stops because of problems:
- Heavy rain or lightning π©οΈ
- Fans running onto the field π¨
- Bad lights or power cuts π‘
These are rare but can make the match very long or even stop it completely.
πΊ What Happens on TV?
When we watch on TV, there are also:
- Introductions
- Team line-ups
- National Anthems
- Interviews
This all adds about 20β30 minutes before and after the game.
πΆ Youth Football Matches in the Philippines
For kids and younger players:
- Matches are shorter
- Usually 30β60 minutes total
- More breaks to rest
- Rules may change by age group
This helps kids enjoy the game without getting too tired π₯΅.
ποΈ Futsal and Indoor Football
In the Philippines, many kids play futsal (indoor football). Itβs a bit different:
- 2 halves of 20 minutes
- The clock stops every time the game stops
- This makes the game longer, but more exciting indoors! π’
π Is Football Really Just 90 Minutes?
Nope!
Even though people say β90 minutes,β most matches last:
- Between 2 to 3 hours
- That includes all breaks, extras, and delays
So next time someone says itβs just 90 minutesβ¦ now you know the truth! π
π’ Fun Stats About Match Time
Hereβs a look at how long football can take:
Event | Time Added |
---|---|
Halftime | 15 minutes |
Stoppage Time (2 halves) | 6β10 minutes |
VAR Reviews | 2β5 minutes each |
Extra Time | 30 minutes |
Penalties | 10β15 minutes |
Delays (weather, fans) | 10β60+ minutes |
π§Ύ Real Match Examples
- Longest Match Ever: Over 3.5 hours! (Because of weather and fights)
- Shortest Match: Stopped after 45 minutes due to too few players
π Training and Friendly Matches
When players practice or play friendly games:
- The coach decides how long the match will be
- It can be 20, 30, or 45 minutes per half
- Itβs more relaxed and fun π
π‘ New Technology to Keep Time Fair
FIFA is testing smart clocks:
- They stop when the game stops
- Helps avoid unfair time-wasting
- Keeps matches more honest β±οΈ
ποΈ How Long Does It Take to Watch a Match?
If you go to a stadium in the Philippines:
- You arrive early
- Wait in line
- Watch the full match
- Leave with the crowd
This can take 4 to 5 hours total! But itβs worth it for football fans π
π Conclusion: Football Time is More Than Just 90 Minutes
Football matches are full of energy, drama, and fun. While many think the game is just 90 minutes, there is so much more happening behind the scenes.
From injuries to penalties, from youth matches to pro games, every second counts.
Now you know what really happens in a football match. So the next time you play or watch one in the Philippines, youβll understand why time is such an important part of the beautiful game β½β³.
Read More Exciting Article at PinoyBetting Today!
β οΈ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is made to help young Filipino readers understand football match time in a fun and easy way. Always follow official match rules from FIFA or local sports organizations.
π€ AI Disclosure Agreement
This article was created with the help of AI tools to make the content more helpful, accurate, and easy to understand.
Human editors also reviewed it to make sure everything is right for readers, especially kids in the Philippines who love football π§ π.
β User Reviews
Juan Miguel, Age 10, Quezon City:
βI always thought football was just 90 minutes! Now I understand why my kuya stays so long at the stadium π. Salamat po!β
Mariel D., Football Coach, Cebu:
βThis guide is super useful for kids! It helps young players and parents know what to expect in a match. Simple but complete!β
βFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is football not exactly 90 minutes?
Because of stoppages, injuries, and added time. The referee adds extra minutes at the end of each half to make the game fair.
What is extra time in football?
Extra time happens when a game is tied in a tournament or final. Itβs 30 more minutes divided into two 15-minute halves.
What is VAR and how does it affect time?
VAR checks important plays using video. It takes 2β5 minutes each time, which adds more time to the match.
Are youth matches shorter?
Yes, games for kids are often 30β60 minutes long, depending on their age and league rules.
How long does a full match day take?
Including travel, waiting, and watching, a full match day can take 4β5 hours, especially in big stadiums or tournaments.
Letβs play, learn, and enjoy football the smart way! π΅πβ½

Millie Charlton is a seasoned PinoyBetting analyst and writer with a sharp eye for odds, strategy, and value. With years of experience covering sports betting markets, she delivers clear, insightful content to help readers make smart, data-driven betting choices. Whether breaking down trends or simplifying complex odds, Millie empowers bettors with the knowledge they need to wager confidently.