Football quiz questions: the beautiful game

Football is the world's most popular sport, played in nearly every country on Earth. Here are ten questions that go beyond the basics - covering quirky rules, strange records and the moments that make the beautiful game so fascinating.

1What is the semi-circular arc on the edge of the penalty area used for?

Answer:The "D" is there to keep players min. 10 yards from the penalty spot during a penalty kick. In other words, all other players must be behind it(click to reveal)

2What is the minimum number of players a team must have on the pitch to continue a match?

Answer:7(click to reveal)

If a team drops below this number of players through red cards or injuries, the referee must abandon the match.

3In football, what is the informal name for a goal scored directly from a corner kick without another player touching the ball?

Answer:An Olympic goal (or "Olympico")(click to reveal)

4Which goalkeeper holds the record for the longest goal scored in a competitive match, at over 96 metres?

Answer:Asmir Begovic (for Stoke City in 2013)(click to reveal)

5The "Hand of God" goal was scored in a 1986 World Cup match by whom?

Answer:Diego Maradona(click to reveal)

6Which club has won the most European Cup/Champions League titles?

Answer:Real Madrid (15 titles as of 2025)(click to reveal)

7In the laws of the game, what is the only position that must be occupied at all times during play?

Answer:Goalkeeper(click to reveal)

8Which Premier League team has the largest pitch?

Answer:Nottingham Forest - City Ground - 105 x 71 metres (source)(click to reveal)

9What is the highest number of goals ever scored in a Football World Cup game?

Answer:12 goals - Austria 7-5 Switzerland, 26 June 1954(click to reveal)