What Is the Difference Between Football and Futsal?

Football and futsal share the same roots, yet they have evolved into distinctly different sporting disciplines. While traditional football remains the world’s most popular outdoor game, futsal has carved out its own identity as a fast-paced, technically demanding version played on a much smaller scale. Understanding the differences between the two helps explain why futsal has grown rapidly, particularly in urban and indoor sporting environments.

What is futsal?

Futsal is a condensed form of football that places strong emphasis on close ball control, quick passing and rapid decision-making. Matches are played on a small court with five players per team, including the goalkeeper. Although only five players are on the court at any one time, squads may include up to 12 players, and substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any moment during play. This rolling substitution system keeps the tempo high throughout the match.

Origins and development

The game’s origins can be traced back to the 1930s, when it began to be played in South America and parts of Europe. Designed for confined spaces, futsal quickly became popular in cities where full-sized football pitches were not always available. Over time, it developed a formal set of rules and gained global recognition.

Pitch dimensions, ball and match duration

One of the most visible differences between football and futsal is the playing surface. A futsal court is significantly smaller than a standard football pitch. Typically, it measures between 27 and 42 yards in length and between 17 and 27 yards in width. Matches are usually played on artificial turf or hard indoor surfaces such as vinyl or plastic.

Futsal uses a size-four ball weighing between 400 and 440 grams. The ball has reduced bounce, making it easier to control in tight spaces. A match lasts 40 minutes in total, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each, with a break at half-time.

Distinctive rules

Futsal has several unique regulations. Penalties are taken from a spot six metres from the goal. If a team commits six or more fouls in one half, the opposition is awarded a direct penalty opportunity. Goalkeepers must release the ball within four seconds of gaining possession, otherwise a free kick is awarded to the opposing team. Instead of throw-ins, play is restarted using kick-ins.

Global competitions

Like football, futsal is governed by FIFA. The FIFA Futsal World Cup has been organised since 1989, with editions held at varying intervals of three to five years. Brazil are the most successful nation in the competition’s history, having won the title six times. In Asia, Iran dominate the continental scene with a record 13 championship victories.

Futsal in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, futsal is primarily played at amateur and corporate levels. Several clubs and academies offer training and regularly organise tournaments, contributing to the sport’s steady growth.

Internationally, Bangladesh’s men’s futsal team made its debut in a major competition during the Asian Cup qualifiers in September 2025. The women’s team, however, reached the international stage earlier, participating in the AFC Championship in 2018. A historic milestone was achieved in January 2026 when Bangladesh won its first SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship. During the same period, the men’s team finished fifth among seven participating nations.

Football vs futsal at a glance

In essence, football rewards endurance and long-term tactical planning, while futsal thrives on speed, precision and creativity in confined spaces. Both games complement each other and continue to enrich the global footballing culture.