When Does a Soccer Game End
The length of a standard soccer game is restricted to 90 minutes. However, this does not necessarily mean that the match will end after this time period has elapsed. There are certain conditions that can affect when a soccer game is declared over.
Half Time Break
At the end of the first half, a 15-minute break is taken and the teams switch ends. After this break, the second half of the game will commence and the regular 90 minutes of play time resumes.
Injury & Substitution Time
Any injuries suffered during the game will cause delays and extend the game. Both teams will be permitted to make up to three substitutions and these can also cause stoppages in the play. The referee will add on the additional time taken due to injuries or substitutions and this will be displayed to the spectators at the end of the game.
Extended Time
If the game is tied at the end of the 90 minutes, the game will go into extra time. This consists of two 15 minutes halves, with an additional break of 5 minutes in-between. Depending on the type of tournament, a penalty shoot-out may be used to decide the winner if the scores are still level at the end of the extra time.
End of Game
At the end of standard time, extra time or penalty shoot-outs, the referee will declare the game over. All official game results will come into effect after this official declaration is made regardless of how much time is left on the clock.
Conclusion
So, the answer to when does a soccer game end is that there is no definitive answer. Depending on the type and circumstances of the game, a soccer game could finish anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes. In order for the game to officially end and all results to be validated, the referee must make the declaration and the clock must have ticked all the way through.
