In this post, I’ll tell you the 5 KEY differences between a soccer field and a football field (NFL).
While both fields look similar at a glance, that’s not the case. There are several differences that set a soccer field apart from a football field.
And we’ll have a look at all of them in this article.
So, if you’re confused between a soccer and a football field, and want to clear up all your confusion. Then, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
Terminology
A soccer field is called a “pitch“, as opposed to a “field” in American football.
The term “pitch” comes from cricket, which is also played on a field called pitch. In fact, in the 1800s, soccer players would play on a cricket pitch when available.
So, that’s why the term “pitch” stuck in soccer even after it became an official game.
Learn more about why a soccer field is called a pitch in this article.
Dimensions
A soccer field is larger than a football field. Let’s look at their exact dimensions in more detail.
Soccer Field
The dimensions of a soccer field vary depending on the level of play.
For club-level or national games, the standard soccer field is:
- Length (touchline): 100-130 yards (91-119 meters)
- Width (goal line): 50-100 yards (46-91 meters).
But international matches have more specific dimensions:
- Length (touchline): 110-120 yards (100-110 meters)
- Width (goal line): 70-80 yards (64-75 meters).
The grassed area on a soccer pitch includes the field of play and extends beyond its boundaries. This is done to ensure player safety and avoid a change in surface immediately beyond the touchline/goal line.
FIFA recommends at least two meters of level surface for larger stadiums to avoid injuries.
Football Field
Unlike soccer, the dimensions of a football field are consistent across all levels.
- Total Length: 120 yards (360 feet or 109.7 meters)
- Width: 53.3 yards (160 feet or 48.8 meters).
But the actual playing field is not 120 yards in length. It is 100 yards long, with two 10-yard-long end zones at each end.
Markings
Markings on a Soccer Field
Touchlines/Sidelines
These are the two long lines on either side of the field. If the ball crosses these lines, it means that the ball is out of bounds and the play stops.
Goal Lines
These are the shorter lines at each end of the field, behind the goals.
If the ball crosses the goal line within the frame of the goal, a goal is scored. But if the ball crosses the goal line outside the frame of the goal then a goal kick or corner kick is awarded.
Center Line
The center line divides the field in half lengthwise. The game restarts with a kick-off at the center line at the start of a game or after a goal is scored.
Center Circle
The center circle is located at the center of the field where the center kick is taken. It has a radius of 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the center spot.
Goal Box (6-Yard Box)
The goal box, or six-yard box, is a rectangular area that extends 6 yards (5.5 meters) from each side of the goal.
The goal box helps to specify the location from which goal kicks are taken. It also limits how close to the opponent’s goal an indirect free kick may be taken from.
Penalty Area (18-yard box)
The penalty area, or 18-yard box, is a rectangular area on a soccer pitch that extends 18 yards (16 meters) to each side and in front of the goal.
This is the area where the goalkeeper can handle the ball with their hands.
Moreover, any foul by the defending team inside this area results in a penalty kick.
Penalty Arc
A Penalty Arc is an area outside the penalty box marked with a half-circle with a 10-yard radius.
It ensures that all players from the opposing team stand at least 10 yards away from the ball during a penalty kick.
Penalty Mark
A penalty mark is a white spot located 12 yards (11 meters) from the center of the goal line. It is the point from where penalty kicks are taken.
Corner Arcs
Corner arcs are the semi-circles on the four corners of the field. They specify the location from which corner kicks are taken.
Each corner arc has a 1-yard radius.
Markings on a Football Field
American football fields have a distinct set of markings that track progress. Here’s a breakdown of the key ones:
Yard Lines
Yard lines are white vertical lines that run the width of the field in 10-yard increments. They start from the goal line and end at the 50-yard line.
Each yard line is numbered, with arrows pointing towards the closest end zone.
Hash Marks
Hash marks are short lines (1-yard increments, 2 feet long) running parallel to the goal lines. They’re located on and inside the sidelines.
First Down Markers
First-down markers are yellow markers placed on the sideline after each successful first down. They show the smallest yardage the offense needs to gain for their next first down.
These markers move progressively down the field as the offense gains yards.
End Zones
These are the areas behind each goalpost, marked by solid white lines. They extend 10 yards deep from the goal line.
They are in-bounds and are where the players score touchdowns and safeties.
Goalposts
While both soccer and football have goalposts, they differ in their shape and size.
Soccer Goalposts
A soccer goalpost consists of a crossbar and two vertical posts.
The crossbar is 8 feet (2.44 meters) above the ground and the posts are 8 yards (7.32 meters) apart.
The ball needs to fully cross the line formed by the posts and the crossbar to score a goal. Each goalpost also has a net so it’s clear when a team scores a goal.
American Football Goalposts
In contrast, an American football goalpost can be either H-shaped or Y-shaped.
They contain two tall, yellow uprights extending at least 35 feet (10.67 meters) above the ground.
A horizontal crossbar connects these uprights which is 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the ground.
A player needs to kick the ball over the crossbar between the uprights for a field goal or earn an extra point.
Playing Surface
Soccer
Soccer is mostly played on natural grass.
But artificial turf is becoming common due to lower maintenance and year-round usability.
A soccer field also prioritizes a large, open space for unrestricted movement.
Football
American football is only played on artificial turf.
Some high school or college fields still use natural grass. But professional leagues use artificial turf for consistency and player safety.
A football field prioritizes strategic positioning and controlled movement within specific zones.
Can You Play Soccer Games on American Football Fields?
Yes. Despite all the differences, you can still play soccer on an American football field.
In fact, this is a common practice in the United States.
Many stadiums used by NFL teams are also used for MLS games and vice versa. For instance, both LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Chargers have used the StubHub Center as their ground.
Some stadiums are also designed to host both sports and can adjust the field markings. Tottenham’s Stadium in London is a good example of such a stadium.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you enjoyed learning the difference between a soccer field and a football field. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
I’d also like to hear what you have to say…
Which sport do you find more exciting to watch, soccer or American football?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!
And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
If you liked this article, you will love reading:
- Why Are Soccer Fields Different Sizes: Explained
- Why is a Soccer Field Called a Pitch? (Answer and History)
- 300+ Soccer Terms and Slang To Make You an Expert
- 15 Best Youth Soccer Academies in the World
- What Does MLS Stand For in Soccer? A Guide on Major League Soccer in The USA
