Football Quiz For Kids

13 – 25 Questions 11 min

This football quiz for kids focuses on association football rules, positions, scoring, famous players, and major tournaments. It checks practical match knowledge that youth players, school team captains, junior referees, and PE teachers rely on during training and games. Use it to spot gaps before real match situations.

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Part 1 — Questions

Answer each question on paper. Do not turn the page until you are ready to check your work.

What shape is a normal outdoor football pitch?

Triangle
Square
Rectangle
Circle

Which player is allowed to use their hands inside their own penalty area in football?

Striker
Midfielder
Defender
Goalkeeper

In football, the match must start with a kick-off taken from the center spot.

True
False

Ali wants to pass the ball smoothly along the ground to a nearby teammate. Which skill should Ali use most?

Short passing
Powerful long shot
Heading
Throw-in

In many football leagues, how many points does a team earn for winning a match?

1 point
2 points
4 points
3 points

Which big tournament is played by national teams and is held every four years?

FIFA World Cup
UEFA Champions League
FA Cup
Copa del Rey

Defenders in football have the main job of scoring most of the goals for their team.

True
False

Mia is dribbling the ball and wants to get safely past a defender. Which skills should she use? Select all that apply.

A.Looking up to see space and teammates
B.Kicking the ball very far ahead
C.Changing direction quickly
D.Keeping the ball close to her feet

Your team wins the ball near your own goal and the other team’s defenders are still far up the pitch. To start a fast counter-attack, what should your teammates do first?

Stand in a straight line next to your goalkeeper
Walk back slowly into your own half
Make fast runs into open space upfield
Pass the ball back into your own goal

10.

When can a player be called offside in football?

When they are closer to the opponents’ goal than the ball and defenders as a teammate passes to them
Whenever they score a goal
Any time they stand near the halfway line
If they touch the ball with their hands

11.

Which of these actions will usually make the referee give a direct free kick against a player? Select all that apply.

A.Holding an opponent’s shirt
B.Accidentally bumping into someone while both chase the ball
C.Pushing someone hard with both hands
D.Kicking an opponent on purpose
E.Doing a normal throw-in

12.

When your team does not have the ball, it helps if everyone gets behind the ball and works together to close down space.

True
False

13.

Your coach tells you to stay near the other team’s defenders and try to score most of the goals. Which position are you most likely playing?

Central midfielder
Striker
Full-back
Goalkeeper

14.

If the ball hits the referee and goes straight to the other team, play must always continue without any stoppage.

True
False

15.

You have a throw-in near the other team’s corner flag, but no teammate is free very close to you. What is usually the safest choice?

Throw the ball straight into the penalty area with no target
Wait until the referee takes the throw-in for you
Throw it backwards toward a teammate in space
Drop the ball at your feet and start dribbling from the touchline

16.

A player is about to take a penalty kick. What should they focus on most to give themselves a good chance to score? Select all that apply.

A.Keeping their body balanced over the ball
B.Kicking as hard as possible without aiming
C.Choosing a corner of the goal to aim at
D.Striking the ball with the inside of the foot or laces
E.Watching only the goalkeeper’s eyes

17.

Your team is trying to play out from the back instead of always kicking the ball long from the goalkeeper. What is the main reason coaches like this idea?

To avoid ever passing the ball forward
To keep better control of the ball and build safe attacks
To make the goalkeeper do all the passing and running
To waste time until the match ends

18.

Your team is winning by one goal with only a few minutes left. What are smart things to do in this situation? Select all that apply.

A.Help each other by getting back behind the ball
B.Clear the ball far away when under strong pressure
C.Send all players forward and leave the defense empty
D.Keep the ball by making short, safe passes
E.Waste time by arguing with the referee

19.

Arrange these actions in the best order for taking an attacking corner kick that your team has practiced.

Put these in the correct order (write 1–5 beside each):

____Attackers try to head or shoot the ball toward goal
____Corner taker raises an arm as a signal
____Corner taker swings the ball into the box
____Players move into their planned positions in the penalty area
____Teammate places the ball inside the corner arc

20.

Your coach is teaching a high press near the other team’s goal. When is it best for your team to start pressing together? Select all that apply.

A.Right after your teammate loses the ball and your team is tired and spread out
B.When your team is still too far apart to help each other
C.When the defender’s first touch is poor and the ball is loose
D.When the defender is facing their own goal and cannot see you clearly
E.When you and nearby teammates are close enough to close down passing options

21.

Your team keeps losing the ball because defenders only kick it long. The coach adds a player who stays in front of the defenders, asks for passes, then turns or passes to the wings. Which position best matches this role?

Full-back
Winger
Defensive midfielder
Center forward

22.

Which country has won the most men’s FIFA World Cup titles so far?

France
Argentina
Brazil
Germany

Part 2 — Answer key

Compare your answers after you have finished Part 1.

What shape is a normal outdoor football pitch?
Rectangle
Which player is allowed to use their hands inside their own penalty area in football?
Goalkeeper
In football, the match must start with a kick-off taken from the center spot.
True
Ali wants to pass the ball smoothly along the ground to a nearby teammate. Which skill should Ali use most?
Short passing
In many football leagues, how many points does a team earn for winning a match?
3 points
Which big tournament is played by national teams and is held every four years?
FIFA World Cup
Defenders in football have the main job of scoring most of the goals for their team.
False
Mia is dribbling the ball and wants to get safely past a defender. Which skills should she use? Select all that apply.
Looking up to see space and teammates; Changing direction quickly; Keeping the ball close to her feet
Your team wins the ball near your own goal and the other team’s defenders are still far up the pitch. To start a fast counter-attack, what should your teammates do first?
Make fast runs into open space upfield
When can a player be called offside in football?
When they are closer to the opponents’ goal than the ball and defenders as a teammate passes to them
Which of these actions will usually make the referee give a direct free kick against a player? Select all that apply.
Holding an opponent’s shirt; Pushing someone hard with both hands; Kicking an opponent on purpose
When your team does not have the ball, it helps if everyone gets behind the ball and works together to close down space.
True
Your coach tells you to stay near the other team’s defenders and try to score most of the goals. Which position are you most likely playing?
Striker
If the ball hits the referee and goes straight to the other team, play must always continue without any stoppage.
False
You have a throw-in near the other team’s corner flag, but no teammate is free very close to you. What is usually the safest choice?
Wait until the referee takes the throw-in for you
A player is about to take a penalty kick. What should they focus on most to give themselves a good chance to score? Select all that apply.
Keeping their body balanced over the ball; Choosing a corner of the goal to aim at; Striking the ball with the inside of the foot or laces
Your team is trying to play out from the back instead of always kicking the ball long from the goalkeeper. What is the main reason coaches like this idea?
To keep better control of the ball and build safe attacks
Your team is winning by one goal with only a few minutes left. What are smart things to do in this situation? Select all that apply.
Help each other by getting back behind the ball; Clear the ball far away when under strong pressure; Keep the ball by making short, safe passes
Arrange these actions in the best order for taking an attacking corner kick that your team has practiced.
Correct order: Teammate places the ball inside the corner arc → Players move into their planned positions in the penalty area → Corner taker raises an arm as a signal → Corner taker swings the ball into the box → Attackers try to head or shoot the ball toward goal
Your coach is teaching a high press near the other team’s goal. When is it best for your team to start pressing together? Select all that apply.
When the defender’s first touch is poor and the ball is loose; When the defender is facing their own goal and cannot see you clearly; When you and nearby teammates are close enough to close down passing options
Your team keeps losing the ball because defenders only kick it long. The coach adds a player who stays in front of the defenders, asks for passes, then turns or passes to the wings. Which position best matches this role?
Defensive midfielder
Which country has won the most men’s FIFA World Cup titles so far?
Brazil

1What shape is a normal outdoor football pitch?

2Which player is allowed to use their hands inside their own penalty area in football?

3In football, the match must start with a kick-off taken from the center spot.

True / False

4Ali wants to pass the ball smoothly along the ground to a nearby teammate. Which skill should Ali use most?

5In many football leagues, how many points does a team earn for winning a match?

6Which big tournament is played by national teams and is held every four years?

7Defenders in football have the main job of scoring most of the goals for their team.

True / False

8Mia is dribbling the ball and wants to get safely past a defender. Which skills should she use? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

9Your team wins the ball near your own goal and the other team’s defenders are still far up the pitch. To start a fast counter-attack, what should your teammates do first?

10When can a player be called offside in football?

11Which of these actions will usually make the referee give a direct free kick against a player? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

12When your team does not have the ball, it helps if everyone gets behind the ball and works together to close down space.

True / False

13Your coach tells you to stay near the other team’s defenders and try to score most of the goals. Which position are you most likely playing?

14If the ball hits the referee and goes straight to the other team, play must always continue without any stoppage.

True / False

15You have a throw-in near the other team’s corner flag, but no teammate is free very close to you. What is usually the safest choice?

16A player is about to take a penalty kick. What should they focus on most to give themselves a good chance to score? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

17Your team is trying to play out from the back instead of always kicking the ball long from the goalkeeper. What is the main reason coaches like this idea?

18Your team is winning by one goal with only a few minutes left. What are smart things to do in this situation? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

19Arrange these actions in the best order for taking an attacking corner kick that your team has practiced.

Put in order

1Attackers try to head or shoot the ball toward goal

2Corner taker raises an arm as a signal

3Corner taker swings the ball into the box

4Players move into their planned positions in the penalty area

5Teammate places the ball inside the corner arc

20Your coach is teaching a high press near the other team’s goal. When is it best for your team to start pressing together? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

21Your team keeps losing the ball because defenders only kick it long. The coach adds a player who stays in front of the defenders, asks for passes, then turns or passes to the wings. Which position best matches this role?

22Which country has won the most men’s FIFA World Cup titles so far?

Frequent Mistakes Kids Make on Football Quiz Questions

Mixing Up Basic Match Rules

Many kids confuse similar situations. For example, they think every foul in the box is a red card, or that handball by accident is always a penalty. Remind them that the referee checks intent, seriousness, and goal scoring chances before choosing yellow, red, or no card.

Penalty vs free kick: Penalty only if the foul is inside the defending team’s penalty area.
Throw in vs corner: Corner is given when a defender touches the ball last over their own goal line, not the touchline.

Confusing Offside and Positioning

Children often think a player is offside simply for standing behind the defenders. They forget that offside matters only when the ball is played to that player and that being level with the second last defender is allowed. Practice drawing simple pitch diagrams to fix this.

Club vs Country Confusion

Another common error is mixing club and national teams. A question might ask, “Which country does this player represent” but students answer with the club name. Train them to read if the question says club, country, league, or tournament.

Misreading Tournaments and Trophies

Kids often swap league, cup, and world tournaments. They might say UEFA Champions League for a national league title or World Cup for a continental championship. Encourage them to link each trophy with its level. World, continent, or single country.

Kids’ Football Rules and Facts Quick Reference Sheet

Use this kids’ football quick reference as a summary of key rules and facts. You can print it or save as a PDF for practice before matches or quiz sessions.

Match Basics

Duration: Standard adult match is 90 minutes, split into two 45 minute halves. Youth games can be shorter.
Players: Each team has 11 players on the pitch, including 1 goalkeeper.
Objective: Score more goals than the opponent by getting the ball completely over the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.

Key Rules

Kick off: Starts each half and restarts after every goal from the center spot.
Throw in: Awarded when the ball crosses the touchline. Taken with both hands behind the head. Both feet must stay on or behind the line.
Goal kick: Given when attackers touch the ball last before it crosses the defending team’s goal line without a goal.
Corner kick: Given when defenders touch the ball last over their own goal line without a goal.
Offside: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last defender when the ball is played to them, except in their own half or from a goal kick, throw in, or corner.

Cards and Fouls

Yellow card: Serious foul or unsporting behavior. Two yellows equal a red.
Red card: Very serious foul, violent conduct, or denying a clear goal chance. Player must leave the field.

Competitions and Roles

Club football: Teams like Barcelona or Manchester City play in domestic leagues and cups.
International football: National teams like Brazil or Spain play tournaments such as the World Cup and continental championships.
Basic positions: Goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, forwards.

Worked Football Quiz Question Examples for Kids

Example 1: Offside Situation

Question: A striker is behind the second last defender when a teammate passes the ball to them. They are in the opponent’s half and receive the pass. Is this offside

Step 1: Check location. They are in the opponent’s half, so offside is possible.

Step 2: Compare to second last defender and the ball. The striker is closer to goal than both.

Step 3: The ball is played to them at that moment. No corner, throw in, or goal kick exception.

Answer: Yes, this is offside.

Example 2: Penalty or Free Kick

Question: A defender trips an attacker just outside the penalty area. What should the referee award

Step 1: Identify the foul. Tripping is a direct free kick foul.

Step 2: Check location. The contact happened outside the penalty area.

Step 3: Penalties only apply to direct free kick fouls inside the penalty area.

Answer: Direct free kick, not a penalty.

Example 3: Club vs Country Question

Question: A quiz asks, “Which country won the FIFA World Cup in 2022” and offers club names like Real Madrid plus country names.

Step 1: Notice the word “country” and “World Cup” which is a national team event.

Step 2: Remove any club names from consideration.

Step 3: Choose the correct national team from the options.

Answer: Pick the national team that won the 2022 World Cup, not a club side.

Football Quiz For Kids Study FAQ

Is this football quiz for kids about soccer or American football

This quiz focuses on association football, often called soccer in some countries. Questions cover FIFA style rules, World Cup style tournaments, and standard 11 a side match situations.

What age group is this kids football quiz best for

The quiz suits children who already watch matches or play in school or local teams. It usually fits upper primary and lower secondary ages, roughly 9 to 13, but keen younger or older learners can still benefit.

Which topics appear most often in the football trivia for kids questions

Most questions focus on basic rules, scoring, common referee decisions, player positions, famous trophies, and recent international tournaments up to the 2025 season. Some items test knowledge of famous players and their roles on the pitch.

How can I help a child improve at football quiz questions

Encourage them to watch full matches, not only highlight clips. Pause important incidents and ask what the referee should decide. After games, talk through offside calls, fouls, and why certain players play in specific positions. Short review sessions work best.

Does this quiz help with real match performance

Yes. Strong rules knowledge helps kids avoid careless fouls, position themselves better, and understand referee signals. That creates more confident play and fewer arguments on the pitch.

How up to date are the rules used in this kids football quiz for 2025

The quiz reflects standard Laws of the Game used around 2025, including concepts like VAR in top level competitions. For local youth leagues, always check any special rule adjustments such as shorter match times or rolling substitutions.