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The number of soccer players on-field changes through the youth stages. In different competitions, there can be more players on the bench. However, the number of players on a team must be the same unless a player is sent off or there is an injury and no substitutions left.
The rules are different for the different levels for when a substitute can take place. There are strange events when someone runs onto the field that should not be there. We take a look at all you need to know.
- how many players on a soccer team
- What's the minimum number of players on a soccer team?
- Number of soccer players per team for each age group
- Number of Soccer Substitutions
- What happens if there are too many people on a soccer field?
- Number of players per squad for each league
- Overview of Number of Players for All Competitions
- How to substitute a soccer player?
how many players on a soccer team
There are 22 players on a soccer field; that’s 11 for each team. Both teams have a goalkeeper, and the game cannot occur if a team has fewer than 7 players. Soccer is a team game and relies on the players working as a group. If a team has less than 11 players, it takes dedication, unity, and tactics to get something from the game.
There are, however, several situations where fewer or more people will be on the field at one time. This article looks at the total number of players, officials, and people allowed on the field simultaneously. Here are the types of people that can be found on a soccer field;
- On-Field
- Substitutions
- Extra players
- Squad players
- Officials
- Fans
- Media
For youth teams, there are fewer players on the field. We’ll look at how many players are required for each age group later.
What’s the minimum number of players on a soccer team?
If a team is reduced to less than 7 players during a game due to injury or a player going off, play will continue until there’s a stoppage. For the game to restart, both teams must have a minimum of 7 players. Before a soccer match, both teams must be given to the officials. This includes the starting 11 and the substitutes. If the players are not named before the game, they cannot participate.
- The number of players is set out by IFAB, a governing body of FIFA.
Number of soccer players per team for each age group
| Competition | Number of Players |
| Over 12’s | 11 |
| Under 12’s | 9 |
| Under 10’s | 7 |
| Under 8’s | 4 |
| Under 6’s | 3 |
Number of Soccer Substitutions
This number will be based on the rules set out by FIFA. Teams can name per game 3 – 12 substitutes, depending on the competition. The number of substitutes that can be named for a match depends on the association that governs the league.
- Some competitions allow for an additional substitute during extra time
If the game is not between two ‘National A-Teams’. The teams can agree on several substitutes before the game if the referee is informed. If no agreement is made, the maximum number of substitutes is 6.
Substitution Rules
The EPL, MLS, and UEFA restricts the number of times a team can make a substitute to 3 times during a game, with the option at half time. This is to stop teams using this as a way to interrupt the game as a tactic to stop the opposition gathering momentum.
In the Champions League and other European competitions, you have 3 occasions to make substitutions until the second half where you only have two opportunities to make a substitute.
The MLS allow for two additional substitutes for players who are concussed.
Number of Soccer Substitutes for each competition
| Competition | Substitutes |
| Major League Soccer | 9 |
| English Premier League | 9 |
| La Liga | 12 |
| UEFA Champions League /EL | 12 |
| UEFA Europa League | 12 |
| World Cup | 12 |
- *In the finals for the European competitions, teams are allowed 12 players on the bench to be inclusive for all the team to get a chance to play. Plus, it gives the managers more options.
What happens if there are too many people on a soccer field?
Before a match, the referee will count the number of players on the field to ensure there are not too many. If there are too many players on the soccer field, the referee will follow the procedure;
- Stop the game if the player gets involved in the game.
- Instruct the player to be removed when the play stops.
- Discipline if needed
When the game stops because there are too many players, the ball will be returned to the team with possession.
- They get a direct free kick or penalty. If the ball is not in possession by one team, a dropped ball will occur.
If one of the squad members, coaching staff, or officials enter the field of play during a match, the referee will stop the game and award a free kick or penalty to the team in possession.
- If a person not involved in the game comes onto the field, the play is stopped, and a dropped ball is given.
During an attacking play, the ball might be heading for the goal when an extra player enters the field. In this case, if the ball goes into the goal, the goal stands even if the extra personal touches the ball.
What happens if a goal is scored and there’s an extra person on the field?
If a goal is scored and the referee does not realize there’s an extra person on the field, the goal will be disallowed when;
- The person is a squad player or coaching staff member = direct free-kick from.
- Another person = dropped ball.
The goal is allowed when there’s an extra player on the field when;
- The additional player of staff member was part of the team that conceded.
- A fan or someone outside the game did not interfere with the play.
Number of players per squad for each league
Soccer squads are determined before the season starts. There are different time scales for cup competitions. Most leagues will allow additional players to be added to the squad from the youth team.
The numbers will need to remain the same, but there can be changes. Each squad must submit to the relevant authorities before the competition occurs. The squad sizes allow replacement players for each position, and there are normally 3 goalkeepers per squad.
| Competition | Squad Players |
| Major League Soccer | 28 |
| English Premier League | 25 |
| La Liga | 25 |
| UEFA Champions League /EL | 25 |
| UEFA Europa League | 25 |
| World Cup | 23 |
Overview of Number of Players for All Competitions
| Competition/Level | Players in Team | Substitutions Allowed | Squad Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 11 | 5* (3 opportunities) | 23 |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 5* (3 opportunities) | 25 |
| English Premier League | 11 | 5 (3 opportunities) | 25 |
| Major League Soccer (MLS) | 11 | 5** | 30 |
| La Liga (Spain) | 11 | 5 | 25 |
| Bundesliga (Germany) | 11 | 5 | No limit |
| Serie A (Italy) | 11 | 5 | No limit |
| Ligue 1 (France) | 11 | 5 | No limit |
| UEFA Youth League | 11 | 5 | 40 |
| U.S. Youth Soccer U-6/U-7 | 4-6 | Unlimited (rolling) | Varies |
| U.S. Youth Soccer U-8 | 6-8 | Unlimited (rolling) | Varies |
| U.S. Youth Soccer U-10 | 7-9 | Unlimited (rolling) | Varies |
| U.S. Youth Soccer U-12 | 9-11 | Unlimited (rolling) | Varies |
| U.S. Youth Soccer U-14+ | 11 | Unlimited (rolling) | Varies |
How to substitute a soccer player?
Along with the squad, the substitutes will be named before the game so that the referee is aware of who is on the bench before the game. For a substitution to take place during the game, the referee must be made aware of it, and the following rules are to be applied;
- Referee’s permission
- During a stoppage/interval
- The player that comes on is at the halfway line
- Leave the field at the nearest point unless instructed to leave at the halfway line
- The player being substituted must leave the field, or play continues
- The substituted player must go to the technical area/dressing area or sanctioned place
If a player is injured, the referee will indicate the best procedure for taking off the player. If the player is already off the field, then steps 1-3 occur.
Goalkeeper substitutions
The same procedure happens for goalkeepers; when an outfield player changes place with the goalkeeper, the referee must be informed.
- Both players are cautioned if the referee is not informed of the change.
If a player is named as a substitute but starts the game, the player that was starting can go onto the substitute bench, and there are no sanctions, but the referee will inform the authorities. Players can be sent off before a game. If this happens, the player cannot participate in the game.
Youth Game Substitutions
For some youth games, substitutions can be made during a match. Later on, during the game, the player can be brought back into the game when another substitution is made. This can be done several times to allow the youth players to adapt to the game – giving the coaches flexibility.
- It’s a good way to try things out during a game with your team. Some players may need a break from play, or others can be given coaching advice to help your team.
Be careful not to make too many changes, as this can disrupt the balance of your team and cause the payers on the field to become in doubt as to where their partner players are. Know the number of soccer players on the field and team, so you can prepare for the fixtures and injuries that build up throughout the season. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.
Related Question
How many players on a high school soccer team?
There are 1 goalkeeper and 10 outfield players making a total of 11 players for a high school soccer team.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
