How Many Points is a Goal Worth in Soccer?
A team scoring in soccer will receive one point for the goal.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
- A goal in soccer is worth 1 point no matter how it is scored.
- The entire ball (not part of it) must cross the goalline to be considered a goal.
- A referee can call back a goal if a player was offside or committed a foul before the shot.
The scoring system in soccer is very simple and resembles sports such as hockey.
Again, no matter how a goal is scored, it is worth one point.
There are no 3-pointers, 2-point conversions, or grand slams.
What Are the Rules for Scoring a Goal?
Soccer goals are scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, under the crossbar, and does all of this simultaneously.
I want to draw your attention to a few crucial points here:
- A referee in a professional match can confirm a goal thanks to the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment used in soccer. In youth soccer, the ref has to determine it at the moment.
- It matters what a team does just before a goal. Even though the ball has crossed the goal line, the referee may determine that a foul was committed by the offensive team. Or, that there was an offside, in which case the goal is nullified.
Ready to learn more? Here’s a helpful article on scoring more goals in a soccer match.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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