If you love soccer or want to learn more about the game, one of the first things to know is how many players are on a soccer team. Let’s dive into the details in a way that’s easy to understand, fun, and helpful!
Total Players on the Field in Soccer
In a standard soccer game:
- Each team has 11 players on the field at the same time.
- That means there are 22 players total on the field during a match—11 from one team and 11 from the other.
Table of Players on the Field
| Position | Number of Players Per Team | Total Players on the Field (Both Teams) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 1 | 2 |
| Defenders | 4-5 | 8-10 |
| Midfielders | 3-5 | 6-10 |
| Forwards | 1-3 | 2-6 |
What Are the Player Positions?
Here’s a quick breakdown of who does what in a soccer team:
- Goalkeeper (1 player)
- Stays near the goal and tries to stop the ball from going in.
- Wears a different uniform from the rest of the team.
- The only player allowed to use their hands (but only in their penalty area).
- Defenders (4-5 players)
- Protect the goal by stopping the opposing team’s forwards.
- Usually stay closer to their side of the field.
- Midfielders (3-5 players)
- Play in the middle of the field.
- They help both defenders and forwards by passing the ball and trying to keep control of the game.
- Forwards (1-3 players)
- Their main job is to score goals.
- Forwards are often the fastest players on the team.
Rules About the Number of Players
- Minimum Players
- A team must have at least 7 players on the field to play a match.
- If a team has fewer than 7 players (due to injuries, red cards, etc.), the game is forfeited.
- Substitutions
- Teams can make 5 substitutions in most professional matches.
- Substituted players can’t return to the game (in most competitions).
Fun Fact: Are All Soccer Games 11 vs. 11?
Not always! Sometimes soccer games have fewer players:
- 5-a-side Soccer: Played indoors or on small fields.
- 7-a-side Soccer: Popular for younger players or casual games.
- Beach Soccer: Played with 5 players per team on sand.
Key Points to Remember
- Standard Team: 11 players (1 goalkeeper + 10 outfield players).
- Minimum Needed to Play: 7 players.
- Substitutions: Up to 5 in most matches.
Diagram: Soccer Field with Player Positions
Here’s a simple diagram to show where players usually stand:
FORWARDS
X X
MIDFIELDERS
X X X
DEFENDERS
X X X X
GOALKEEPER
X
Why Does Soccer Have 11 Players?
The 11-player rule has been around for a long time! It comes from how the game was originally played in England in the 1800s. Eleven players seemed like the right balance to make the game exciting and fair.
Common qustions you might have
How many players are on the field in total?
There are 22 players total on the field—11 from each team.
Can a soccer team play with fewer than 11 players?
Yes, but they must have at least 7 players to continue the game. If they drop below 7 due to injuries or red cards, they forfeit the match.
What happens if a team gets too many red cards?
If too many players are sent off and the team has fewer than 7 players, the referee will stop the game, and the team will lose by forfeit.
How many substitutes are allowed in a soccer game?
Most professional games allow 5 substitutions per team. Once a player is substituted, they can’t come back into the game.
Are there different team sizes in other types of soccer?
Yes! In smaller versions of soccer:
- 5-a-side soccer has 5 players per team.
- 7-a-side soccer has 7 players per team.
- Beach soccer has 5 players per team.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how many players are on a soccer team and what they do! Soccer is a fantastic sport, and understanding these basics will help you enjoy the game even more. Whether you’re playing, watching, or just curious, you’ve got all the answers.
