In a standard soccergame, each team fields 11 players, including one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players. The outfield players are typically divided into defenders, midfielders, and forwards, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Defenders protect the goal, midfielders control play and connect defense to attack, while forwards focus on scoring goals. This setup has been standard in soccersince the late 19th century. Each team also has a designated number of substitutes, ranging from 3 to 12, depending on the competition's rules​.

Total Number of Players on a Soccer Team

A soccer match always starts with 11 players per team on the field, as per official rules. However, the total roster size may include substitutes, bringing the total number of players available for a match to 14-23, depending on the league. For most professional competitions, teams can make three substitutions during a match, although recent rules allow up to five substitutions in some tournaments. Regardless of the roster size, the number of players on the field remains 11, and the match cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than 7 players.

Number of Players on the Field During a Match

A standard soccer match is played with 11 players per team on the field. This includes one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players, divided into defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The game's official rules require each team to have exactly 11 players on the field during play. If a team falls below 7 players due to injuries, red cards, or other reasons, the match can be stopped. However, the number of field players may vary in youth or recreational leagues​.

Substitute Players and Bench Limits

In professional soccer, teams are allowed to have up to 12 substitutes on the bench, but the number of substitutions during the game is typically limited to 3 or 5, depending on the competition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many leagues allowed 5 substitutions to reduce player fatigue. Substitutes are generally used to replace injured players, provide fresh energy, or make tactical adjustments. Substitutions must be made with the referee's permission and during a stoppage in play. Players who are substituted cannot return to the field during that match​.

Position Breakdown: Roles of Players on the Field

A soccer team is divided into several positions, each with specific roles:

• Goalkeeper: The only player allowed to use their hands within the penalty area, primarily responsible for stopping shots on goal.
• Defenders: These include center-backs and full-backs. Their main role is to protect the goal by preventing the opposition from getting close to scoring.
• Midfielders: They control the flow of the game, linking defense and attack. Defensive midfielders focus on breaking up opposition attacks, while attacking midfielders and wingers create goal-scoring opportunities.
• Forwards/Strikers: Positioned closest to the opponent’s goal, their primary responsibility is to score goals​.

Differences in Player Count Between Leagues and Levels

While 11 players per team is the standard in professional soccer, smaller-sided games are common at youth levels and recreational leagues. For example, youth teams might play with 6, 7, or 9 players depending on the age group, as smaller field sizes are more appropriate for young players' physical abilities. Other forms of soccer, like futsal or beach soccer, use teams of 5 players on the field​.

Soccer Team Rules for Player Substitutions

Substitution rules vary across competitions. In most professional leagues, a team can make 3 substitutions during a match. Recent updates in certain tournaments allow for 5 substitutions. An additional substitution is allowed during extra time in knockout tournaments. Substitutes must be named before the match, and once substituted, a player cannot return to the game.

Impact of Red Cards on Team Player Count

When a player receives a red card, they are immediately sent off the field, leaving their team to play with one fewer player. A team can still play as long as they have at least 7 players. Accumulating two yellow cards results in a red card, leading to the player’s expulsion from the match. If multiple players are sent off and a team drops below 7 players, the match is abandoned​.

7-a-Side and 5-a-Side Soccer: How the Numbers Change

In 7-a-side soccer, each team consists of 7 players, which includes a goalkeeper. The game is played on a smaller field, typically measuring 50-60 yards in length and 30-40 yards in width, which creates a faster-paced environment than the traditional 11-a-side game. Teams can have a total of 12 players for the match, with 5 substitutes. To start a game, a team must have at least 5 players on the field.

Similarly, in 5-a-side soccer, each team fields 5 players, including one goalkeeper. This version of soccer is even faster and is often played indoors or on smaller, enclosed pitches. The reduced number of players allows for more direct involvement with the ball, increasing the intensity of the game. Typically, 5-a-side games have 5 starters and several substitutes, with at least 4 players needed to start the match​.

How Many Players Are Needed to Start a Match?

In a standard 11-a-side soccer match, a team must have at least 7 players on the field to begin a game, according to official soccer rules. This includes the goalkeeper, and if a team cannot field at least 7 players, the match cannot proceed. Teams typically have 11 players on the field, but they can play with fewer players in case of injuries or disciplinary actions, as long as the number does not fall below 7​.

In both 7-a-side and 5-a-side formats, the minimum number of players required to start a match is 5 and 4, respectively. These variations of the game offer more flexibility, making it easier to organize casual or recreational matches.