Have you ever watched a soccer match and wondered exactly how many players in a Soccer Team running around on this field? Whether you’re new to the sport or just curious about the details, understanding soccer team sizes is easier than you might think.
Soccer is played all over the world, from professional stadiums to school playgrounds. The number of players on a soccer team can change depending on the type of game being played. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about soccer team sizes, player positions, and the different formats of the game.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how teams are organized, what each player does, and why soccer is structured the way it is. Let’s get started!
How Many Players Are on a Soccer Team?
A standard soccer team has 11 players on the field during a match. This includes one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players. Both teams have 11 players each, making a total of 22 players on the field at the same time.
This 11-player format is used in professional leagues around the world, including the English Premier League, La Liga, and the World Cup. FIFA, the organization that governs international soccer, sets these rules to keep the game fair and consistent.
However, soccer isn’t always played with 11 players. Depending on the league, age group, or type of game, teams can have fewer players. Youth leagues and recreational games often use smaller teams to make the game more manageable and fun for younger players.
Here are some common variations:
- 11-a-side soccer: The standard format with 11 players per team
- 7-a-side soccer: Common in youth leagues, with 7 players per team
- 5-a-side soccer: Popular for indoor games and casual play, with 5 players per team
- Futsal: A fast-paced indoor version with 5 players per team
Each format offers a different experience, but they all share the same basic goal: score more goals than the other team!
Understanding Soccer Positions
Every player on a soccer team has a specific role. These roles are called positions, and they help organize the team so everyone knows what to do. Let’s look at the main positions and what each one does.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper, often called the “keeper” or “goalie,” is the only player allowed to use their hands. But there’s a catch: they can only use their hands inside the penalty area, which is the box around the goal.
The goalkeeper’s main job is to stop the other team from scoring. They need quick reflexes, good jumping ability, and strong communication skills to direct the defense. A great goalkeeper can win games by making incredible saves.
Defenders
Defenders protect the goal and try to stop the opposing team’s attackers. There are different types of defenders:
- Center-backs: These players stand in the middle of the defense. They’re usually strong and good at heading the ball. Their job is to block strikers and clear dangerous balls away from the goal.
- Full-backs (Left Back and Right Back): These defenders play on the sides of the field. They stop wingers from getting past them and sometimes run forward to help with attacks.
Good defenders are brave, smart, and excellent at reading the game. They need to know when to tackle and when to hold their position.
Midfielders
Midfielders are the engine of the team. They connect the defense and the attack, running up and down the field throughout the match. There are several types of midfielders:
- Central Midfielders: These players control the middle of the field. They pass the ball, create plays, and help both in defense and attack.
- Defensive Midfielders: Positioned just in front of the defense, these players break up the other team’s attacks by intercepting passes and making tackles.
- Attacking Midfielders: These creative players operate closer to the opponent’s goal. They create scoring chances and sometimes take shots themselves.
Midfielders need excellent stamina because they cover the most ground during a match. They must be good at passing, tackling, and reading the game.
Forwards
Forwards, also called strikers or attackers, have one main job: score goals! They play closest to the opponent’s goal and are always looking for chances to shoot.
- Strikers: The main goal scorers on the team. Strikers need to be quick, strong, and have excellent shooting skills. They’re always trying to find space in the opponent’s defense.
- Wingers: These players operate on the left and right sides of the attack. They use their speed to beat defenders and cross the ball into the box for strikers to score.
The best forwards are clever at finding space and calm under pressure. Scoring goals is difficult, so strikers need to practice constantly.
Different Soccer Formats Explained
While 11-a-side soccer is what you see in professional games, there are several other formats that make the game accessible to different age groups and skill levels.
11-a-side Soccer
This is the traditional format used in professional leagues and international competitions. Each team has 11 players on a full-sized field, which measures about 100-110 meters long and 64-75 meters wide.
Professional teams also have substitutes on the bench. Traditionally, teams could make three substitutions per match, but many leagues now allow five substitutions. If a team uses all their substitutions and another player gets injured, they must continue with fewer players.
7-a-side Soccer
Seven-a-side soccer is perfect for younger players, typically ages 6-12. With seven players per team (including a goalkeeper), children get more touches on the ball and more chances to be involved in the game.
The field is smaller than in 11-a-side soccer, making it easier for young players to cover the space. This format helps kids develop basic skills like passing, dribbling, and positioning without feeling overwhelmed.
5-a-side Soccer
Five-a-side soccer is popular for indoor games and casual play among adults. With only five players per team, the game moves quickly and everyone stays busy.
The smaller team size means players touch the ball more often, which improves their ball control and decision-making. Many recreational leagues use this format because it fits well in sports halls and indoor facilities.
Futsal
Futsal is a special variation of soccer played indoors on a hard court. Like 5-a-side soccer, futsal teams have five players including a goalkeeper. However, futsal has unique rules that emphasize technical skills.
The ball in futsal is smaller and heavier than a regular soccer ball, which helps players develop better control. Many professional soccer players grew up playing futsal because it teaches excellent dribbling and close-control skills.
Team Formations and Tactics
Coaches organize their 11 players using formations, which are arrangements that determine where players position themselves on the field. Formations are described using numbers that represent defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Here are some popular formations:
- 4-4-2: Four defenders, four midfielders, two forwards. This balanced formation is easy to understand and defend with.
- 4-3-3: Four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards. This attacking formation puts pressure on the opponent’s defense.
- 3-5-2: Three defenders, five midfielders, two forwards. This formation uses wing-backs who defend and attack.
Coaches choose formations based on their team’s strengths and the opponent’s weaknesses. Some teams prefer defensive formations that protect their goal, while others use attacking formations to score more goals.
Substitutes and Squad Size
While only 11 players from each team are on the field, professional teams have larger squads. A full squad can include 23-30 players, though only a certain number can be on the bench during a match.
The number of substitutes allowed on the bench varies by competition:
- Most professional leagues allow 7-12 substitutes on the bench
- Youth leagues often have fewer restrictions
- Some competitions allow unlimited substitutions
During a match, teams can usually make five substitutions (this was increased from three due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Once a player is substituted, they cannot return to the field in professional games, though youth leagues sometimes allow “return substitutions.”
If a player receives a red card and is sent off, their team must continue with one fewer player. If a team drops below seven players due to red cards, the match is abandoned and the team forfeits.
Special Rules and Situations
Soccer has some interesting rules about player numbers that are worth knowing:
Minimum Players: A team needs at least seven players to start or continue a match. If they drop below seven, the game is forfeited.
Goalkeeper Rules: Only the goalkeeper can use their hands, and only inside their penalty area. If the goalkeeper leaves the penalty area, they must follow the same rules as outfield players.
Injury Time: If a player is injured and needs treatment on the field, the referee adds extra time at the end of the half to make up for the stoppage.
Emergency Substitutions: If a goalkeeper gets injured and all substitutions have been used, an outfield player can put on the goalkeeper’s gloves and take over in goal.
Why Team Size Matters
The number of players on a soccer team affects how the game is played. With 11 players per side, the field stays open with spaces for players to run into. This creates opportunities for both attacking moves and defensive strategies.
Smaller formats like 7-a-side and 5-a-side keep players more active because there’s less space to cover. Young players benefit from this because they touch the ball more often and develop skills faster.
The 11-player format has remained consistent for over 150 years because it provides the perfect balance. Enough players exist to create complex tactics, but not so many that the field becomes crowded.
FAQ
How many players can a soccer team have in total?
While only 11 players are on the field, a professional soccer team’s full squad usually includes 23-30 players. This allows for substitutes and accounts for injuries or suspensions.
Can a soccer team play with less than 11 players?
Yes, if players are sent off or injured after all substitutions are used, a team can continue with fewer players. However, they need at least seven players to avoid forfeiting the match.
What happens if a team doesn’t have 11 players?
A team must have at least seven players to start a match. If they have between seven and eleven players due to injuries or other circumstances, they can still play, but they’ll be at a disadvantage.
How many substitutes are allowed in soccer?
Most professional leagues now allow five substitutions per match. Youth leagues may have different rules, sometimes allowing unlimited substitutions.
What is the goalkeeper’s role?
The goalkeeper protects the goal and is the only player who can use their hands (but only in the penalty area). They organize the defense and start attacks by distributing the ball.
Why do youth leagues use fewer players?
Smaller teams help young players develop skills more quickly. With formats like 7-a-side, children touch the ball more often and learn positioning without feeling overwhelmed.
Understanding Soccer Team Structure
Now you know that a standard soccer team has 11 players on the field, with each player filling a specific position. From the goalkeeper protecting the net to the strikers hunting for goals, every player contributes to the team’s success.
Different formats like 7-a-side and 5-a-side soccer make the game accessible to younger players and casual enthusiasts. Whether you’re watching the World Cup or playing with friends at the park, understanding team sizes and positions helps you appreciate the beautiful game even more.
Next time you watch a soccer match, pay attention to how players move into position and work together. You’ll notice the tactics, formations, and teamwork that make soccer one of the world’s most popular sports!