If You Get 29/35 on This Soccer Quiz, You Can Fake Your Way as a World Cup Referee

By: Gavin Thagard
Image: pexels

About This Quiz

"The thing about soccer - the important thing about soccer - is that it is not just about soccer." - Terry Pratchett 

Rules, teamwork, and sportsmanship; so many things go into a game of soccer, and to make it as a referee, especially as a World Cup referee, it is important to understand all aspects of the game. Do you think you could fake your way as a World Cup referee? We've put this quiz together to help you find out. 

The World Cup is the highest stage for a soccer player. It's the Super Bowl of the soccer world. It's when the dreams of players finally culminate in an opportunity to win a championship, as the best soccer players in the world are pitted against one another. It's also the height of the profession for a soccer referee. For a soccer referee to be chosen for the World Cup, it means they have put in a significant amount of work to make sure they are doing their job at the highest level. 

Are you capable of doing a referee's job at that same level? Can you handle the pressure of ensuring the greatest team in the world wins? If you think you can, take this quiz and prove it! 

How many players are allowed on the field for a team at one time?

Soccer is definitely a team sport. Many times, the greatest players don't win championships.

How long is a soccer game?

Star players, of course, do impact the game. After all, it's obvious when one player is head and shoulders above the others.

Who can add time to a soccer game?

The first World Cup took place in 1930. Thirteen teams entered the tournament.

What's NOT a reason for adding time to a soccer game?

Uruguay hosted the first World Cup. They also won the tournament, with Argentina coming in second place.

A soccer game is broken up into what?

Uruguay has only won one additional World Cup since 1930. That occurred in 1950, when Brazil hosted the tournament.

What are the two lines that run the length of the field called?

Brazil has the most World Cup titles with five. This is partly because they've played in every World Cup since it started.

How wide is the soccer goal?

Brazil's first World Cup title came in 1958. Sweden hosted the tournament that year.

What's in the middle of the field?

Brazil has never won a World Cup at home. The team has won titles in Chile, Mexico and the United States.

What are the fewest players a team can have on the field?

Soccer is by far the most watched sport in the world. In 2014, over 3 billion people watched the World Cup.

Where does a substitute player enter from?

2018 will be the 21st World Cup. Russia will be hosting the tournament.

When can a player substitute?

Prior to 2018, Russia had never hosted a World Cup. They also have never won a World Cup.

Players can't wear what?

The closest Russia has come to winning a World Cup is fourth place in 1966. Their first year in the tournament was 1958.

Which position has to wear different colors than the other players?

Italy and Germany are behind Brazil for the most World Cup titles. They each have four.

Can a referee overturn a decision after play has restarted?

Italy won its first World Cup in 1934, the team's first year in the tournament. Their latest World Cup was in 2006.

How many assistant referees are allowed?

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after losing a playoff game to Sweden. This was the first time they didn't make the World Cup since 1958.

What is the maximum length for halftime?

Germany's first World Cup was in 1954. They also won the last World Cup in 2014.

How does a soccer game start?

Germany defeated Argentina in the final 1-0 in 2014. With the tournament hosted by Brazil, this was the first time a European team won in the Americas.

What determines who starts with the ball?

2014 was also the first time Germany won a World Cup since the country was reunified in 1990. Their previous title came in 1990 as West Germany.

If a referee has to stop play during a game, how is the game restarted?

The United States has never won a World Cup. They have made 10 appearances, though.

Is the ball out of play if it touches the goal line or touch line?

The closest the U.S. has come to winning a World Cup was third place. That occurred in the first World Cup in 1930.

What is it called if a player is nearer to their opponent's goal line than the ball and the second-last opponent?

The 2002 World Cup was hosted by South Korea and Japan. This was the first time two countries hosted the tournament.

What does the other team get for an offside offense?

Austria and Switzerland had the highest scoring World Cup in 1954. The final score was 7-5.

What is awarded if a player kicks their opponent?

Soccer games can end in a draw, unlike many other sports. No team has had more draws in the World Cup than Italy with 21.

Who's the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands?

No team has more losses in the World Cup than Mexico. They've lost 25 times.

How long can a goalkeeper hold onto the ball?

Mexico has appeared in 16 World Cups. Their best finishes were in 1970 and 1986 when they made it to the quarter-finals.

Where is an indirect free kick taken from?

Oleg Salenko holds the record for most goals in a World Cup match with five. He played for Russia.

What is given as a disciplinary sanction?

Oleg Salenko's five goals came during the 1994 World Cup against Cameroon. Russia won the game 6-1.

What color card means a player is cautioned?

The World Cup has been hosted in Europe 11 times. The 2018 World Cup is the first time it has been hosted in Eastern Europe.

What color card means a player is being sent off?

No Asian team has ever won the World Cup. The first Asian team to compete in the World Cup was Indonesia in 1938.

Is a red card given for spitting at an opponent?

Indonesia only played one game in the 1938 World Cup. They were eliminated by Hungary after a 6-0 loss.

During a free kick, how far must opponents be from the ball?

South Korea has the most World Cup appearances of any Asian country with 10. The country's first appearance was in 1954.

When is a ball in play during a free kick?

South Korea's best finish in the World Cup came in 2002. The team finished in fourth place, as Brazil won the title that year.

Can a kicker touch the ball a second time before another player during a free kick?

In 2014, Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball award. This award is given to the most outstanding player in the World Cup finals.

Where is a penalty kick taken from?

Lionel Messi plays for Argentina. He's the country's all-time leading goalscorer.

Can a goal be scored directly from a throw in?

Germany's Manuel Neuer was awarded the Golden Glove award after the 2014 World Cup finals. This award is given to the tournament's most outstanding goalkeeper.

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