A typical football game lasts approximately three hours in real time, but the actual playing time is around 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute quarters. However, numerous stoppages occur due to timeouts, halftime, and plays that require review or resets. The intermittent nature of the game contributes to the overall length, as the clock stops frequently when the ball is out of play. This makes football a game of strategy, with teams using time management effectively to maximize their chances of success during the competition.