According to International Federation of Association Football rules, A standard football ground measurement should be 105 x 68 meters. However, various football ground sizes are there but it can never be smaller than the certified length and breadth by the international football body.
Football ground is an essential part of the most popular sports game in the world, i.e. football. With the Football World Cup 2022 around the corner, the fantasy football fever is going to be high in the coming months.
Football Ground Dimensions (In Meters)
Coming to the football ground dimensions, the long length of the field, called ‘the touchline’ must be between 90 to 120 m, while the shorter width known as ‘the goal line’ is between 45 to 90 m. The football pitch is split with a half-way line. Below is the standard football ground diagram.
Football Ground Dimensions: Corner Area and Corner Flags
Corner flags, also known as flag poles, are placed at each corner of the rectangular football field and must be at least 1.5 m tall. An arc of 1-meter radius is marked around each flag, facing the field from where a corner kick is taken. A corner kick is taken if the ball crosses the goal line with the last touch being of the defending team player.
Football Ground Measurement: Goal Area and Goal Posts
Two goal posts are designated to be on the two opposite goal lines of the football field. Goals are located on the center of each goal line and are 7.32 m wide and 2.44 m high above the pitch. As a result, the area that players shoot at is 17.86 sq. m. Nets are usually placed behind the goal, though are not mandatory according to the Laws.
The goal area, also known as the "6-yard box", is a small box close to the goal posts and goal lines. The goal area is 5.5 m deep and originates at 5.5 m from each goal post.
Football Ground: Penalty Area and Penalty Kicks
The penalty area is the goalkeeper’s area and is marked by a rectangular box. The penalty area is 16.5 m deep and originates at 16.5 m from each goal post. The distance between the two penalty area lines remains at 40.3 m. This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being that the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball inside the area.
A penalty kick is awarded when a player is fouled inside the penalty area. The penalty shot is needed to be taken from a penalty mark drawn for the purpose. The mark is at 11 m distance from the goal line and lies exactly in the middle of the two goal posts.
Football Ground Size: Center Spot and Center Circle
A football ground has a center circle of radius of 9.15 m. A football game starts/resumes with a kick-off from the center spot at the start of each half and after the scoring of every goal. The team that concedes a goal restarts the play.
Football Ground Measurement: Technical Area
There are also two technical areas located on the “touchline” side of the pitch where the reserve players, coaching staff and other members sit and provide instructions to on field players. Only the manager or the coach is authorized to advise the players on the field from the designated box or area.
Football Ground: Playing Surface
While grass is the typical playing surface, football can also be played on artificial turf or on dirt surfaces. Different kinds of artificial surfaces are there and many well-known stadiums in the world have artificial turf pitches.
Football Ground Measurement: How It Has Changed Over The Years
Although the basic football dimensions and size of a football ground haven’t changed much, a lot of things have been introduced like the drainage system, advanced soil and grass system, underground heating and many more.
In earlier days, there were no specific markings on the playing surface and only a boundary line used to separate the field of play from the viewers or audience. Most domestic league matches, international matches and world cup tournaments are being held in modern football stadiums with all kinds of safety features (for players as well as audience).
FAQs
What is the recommended football ground size for an 11-a-side match?
According to the football association’s rules, the length should be between 90 to 120 m and the width should be between 45 to 90 m. Here are the suggested football ground measurements for 5-a-side, 7-a-side, 9-a-side and 11-a-side football.
What is the size of a standard football goal post?
A football goal post is 7.32 m wide and 2.44 m high above the pitch. As a result, the area that players shoot at is 17.86 sq. m. Also, the goalposts and crossbars should not be wider than 12 cm. Nets are usually used behind the goal post, though are not mandatory.
What is the football ground measurement of some of the famous football stadiums around the world?
Some famous stadiums and their football ground dimensions:
- Old Trafford, Manchester: 105 × 68 m
- Anfield, Liverpool: 101 × 68 m
- Wembley, England: 105 × 68 m
- Camp Nou, Barcelona: 105 × 68 m
- Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid: 105 × 68 m
- Allianz Arena, Munich: 105 × 68 m
- San Siro, Milan: 105 × 68 m
- Maracanã, Rio: 105 × 68 m
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City: 105 × 68 m
- Rose Bowl, Los Angeles: 105 × 68 m
