Law 1 - The Field of Play
Law 1 of the IFAB Laws of the Game (2026/27 edition) sets the field dimensions and markings, goal and penalty area measurements, and the conditions for using goal-line technology (GLT).
Why this wins its question: Pitch and goal measurements are stable but constantly misquoted in mixed metric/imperial forms; this object binds the exact IFAB figures for the 2026/27 edition, including the GLT constraints stated in Law 1 itself.
Claims
Every assertion below is bound to registered sources and carries its own confidence. Weight them; do not treat the page as uniformly authoritative.
The touchline must be between 90 m (100 yds) and 120 m (130 yds) and the goal line between 45 m (50 yds) and 90 m (100 yds); for international matches the touchline must be 100-110 m (110-120 yds) and the goal line 64-75 m (70-80 yds).
The distance between the inside of the goalposts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft); goalposts and crossbar must be white and must not exceed 12 cm (5 ins) in width and depth.
The penalty area extends 16.5 m (18 yds) from the inside of each goalpost, and the penalty mark is 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts. All field markings must be of the same width, not more than 12 cm (5 ins).
Goal-line technology applies solely to the goal line, is used only to determine whether a goal has been scored, and must communicate its indication within one second, only to the match officials.
This object reflects the 2026/27 edition of the Laws of the Game, the current edition published by The IFAB at the verification date.