01
The pitch
Futsal is played on a marked hard court with 3 m × 2 m goals. An international-size court is generally 20 m × 40 m, creating a fast, close game.
The WCFC guide
What is futsal?
Five-a-side football built for speed, skill and smart decisions. The smaller court puts every player in the action and makes every touch matter.
Know the game
The court and the laws
Futsal has its own ball, court markings and restart rules. Here are the essentials players and families will see on match day.
02
The ball
The futsal ball is smaller and has a reduced bounce. It stays close to the floor and rewards clean control, quick passing and accurate technique.
03
Rolling substitutions
Teams can make rolling substitutions through the marked substitution area. Players may leave and re-enter, keeping the pace high from start to finish.
04
Kick-ins
When the ball crosses the touchline, play restarts with a kick-in rather than a throw-in. The ball must be still and correctly placed before play resumes.
05
Four-second rule
Kick-ins, corners, free kicks and goalkeeper restarts must be taken promptly. The referee counts four seconds once the player is ready to restart.
06
Five-metre distance
Opponents must allow five metres at free kicks, corners, kick-ins and penalties, giving the player in possession room to restart safely.
07
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers can move throughout their penalty area and may join the attack. Goal clearances are thrown, and special possession rules keep the game moving.
08
Accumulated fouls
Direct free-kick fouls are counted in each half. After the fifth, later fouls can lead to a direct attempt without a defensive wall.
09
Match time and timeouts
The FIFA format uses two 20-minute halves with the clock stopped when the ball is out of play. Each team may request one 60-second timeout per half.
10
Tackles and discipline
A slide is not automatically a foul, but careless, reckless or excessive contact is. Serious offences may bring a red card and a temporary two-player-minute penalty.
11
Match officials
Futsal is managed by two on-court referees, supported in full international matches by a third official and a timekeeper.
This is a quick introduction. Competition rules may vary by age group and venue. See the official FIFA futsal documents and PLF competition rules for full details.
Player development
10 reasons WCFC plays futsal
The game develops football intelligence through constant, realistic decisions.
More touches
Small teams and a compact court keep every player involved.
Sharper control
Limited space builds close control and confidence under pressure.
Faster decisions
Four-second restarts teach players to scan, choose and act quickly.
Better movement
Constant transitions reward support runs and intelligent positioning.
Quick combinations
Short passing and give-and-go play develop teamwork and awareness.
Stronger technique
The low-bounce ball encourages accurate passing, receiving and striking.
More attacking moments
Players repeatedly practise creating chances and finishing near goal.
Defensive learning
Everyone must press, recover, track runners and protect space.
Continuous involvement
Few stoppages and rolling substitutions keep players active.
A lot of fun
Fast, competitive games give every player meaningful moments on the ball.
Ready to play?