A standard soccer match lasts 90 minutes of regulation time, split into two 45-minute halves. In real life, it usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours once you include halftime and stoppage time.

How it breaks down

  • Regulation time: 90 minutes.
  • Halftime: usually 15 minutes.
  • Stoppage time: added at the referee’s discretion, often a few minutes per half.
  • Extra time: in knockout matches that end tied, there can be 30 more minutes, split into two 15-minute halves.

Simple rule of thumb

  • League or regular match: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours total.
  • Knockout match: can run well past 2 hours if extra time or penalties are needed.

If you want, I can also give the match length for youth, college, or high school soccer.