Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, is the most popular sport on the planet. If you’re new to the game, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How many soccer players are on the field?” The answer is simple: each team starts with 11 players, making a total of 22 players on the field at one time. However, different formats of soccer—such as youth leagues and indoor soccer—may have different numbers of players. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the number of players, positions, substitutions, and what happens when a team has fewer players.
How Many Soccer Players Are on the Field at a Time?
In a standard soccer game, each team has 11 players on the field, including the goalkeeper. This means that at the start of a match, there are a total of 22 players on the field—11 for each team.
According to FIFA rules, a team must have at least seven players to continue the game. If a team falls below this number due to injuries, red cards, or any other reason, the match is usually forfeited.
What Happens If a Team Has Fewer Players?
In professional soccer, if a team loses a player due to injury or a red card, they must continue playing with fewer players—they cannot replace that player unless they have a substitute available.
- If a team has less than seven players, the match is usually stopped and forfeited to the opposing team.
- If a team receives multiple red cards, they could be forced to play with nine, eight, or even seven players.
- If a player is injured and the team has already used all its substitutes, the team must continue with fewer players.
Losing players puts a team at a serious disadvantage because soccer requires a lot of running, positioning, and teamwork.
Positions of Players on a Soccer Field
Each of the 11 players on a soccer team has a specific role. The three main categories of positions are:
Goalkeeper – The Last Line of Defense
The goalkeeper, or goalie, is the only player allowed to use their hands (but only inside the penalty box). Their main job is to stop the ball from entering the goal. Goalkeepers wear a different color jersey from the rest of the team so they can be easily recognized.
Defenders – Protecting Their Side
Defenders play closest to their own goal and try to stop the opposing team from scoring. There are different types of defenders, including:
- Center-backs – Positioned in the middle of the defense to block attackers.
- Full-backs – Play on the sides (left-back and right-back) to stop wingers from crossing the ball.
- Sweeper (optional) – Some teams use a sweeper, a defender who plays behind the other defenders for extra protection.
Midfielders & Forwards – Creating and Scoring Goals
Midfielders control the game by passing the ball and helping both defense and attack. They are often the most versatile players on the field.
- Central Midfielders – Control the tempo of the game and distribute passes.
- Defensive Midfielders – Help the defenders and break up the opponent’s attacks.
- Attacking Midfielders – Focus on creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Forwards are responsible for scoring goals. They include:
- Strikers – The main goal scorers, positioned near the opponent’s goal.
- Wingers – Fast players who play on the sides and cross the ball to strikers.
Each of these positions is crucial in maintaining a team’s strategy and gameplay.
How Many Substitutes Are Allowed in Soccer?
In most professional soccer matches, teams are allowed to make five substitutions per game. However, in some competitions like the FIFA World Cup, the rule allows an extra substitution in extra time.
- Teams usually have 7 to 12 substitute players on the bench.
- Once a player is substituted, they cannot re-enter the game (except in some youth and amateur leagues).
- Substitutions are important for tactical changes and to replace tired or injured players.
Some leagues, such as youth and amateur competitions, may have different substitution rules.
What Happens If a Player Gets a Red Card?
A red card means a player is immediately sent off the field, and the team must continue playing with one fewer player.
- If a goalkeeper receives a red card, a substitute goalie must replace them (if allowed) or an outfield player must take over as goalkeeper.
- A red card can be given for serious fouls, violent conduct, or receiving two yellow cards in one game.
- The team cannot replace the sent-off player and must finish the match with fewer players.
A red card often changes the course of a game, as the team with fewer players must work harder to defend and attack.
How Many Players in Youth and Indoor Soccer?
Not all soccer games have 11 players per team. Some variations of the game have fewer players.
Youth Soccer – Fewer Players, More Fun!
In youth soccer, the number of players on the field depends on the age group:
- U6 to U8 (Under 6-8 years old): 4v4 (4 players per team, no goalkeeper).
- U9 to U10: 7v7 (7 players per team, including a goalkeeper).
- U11 to U12: 9v9 (9 players per team, including a goalkeeper).
- U13 and older: 11v11 (standard soccer rules).
Smaller teams help younger players develop skills and get more involvement in the game.
Indoor Soccer – Faster & Smaller Teams
Indoor soccer is played on a smaller field, and the number of players is reduced:
- Most indoor soccer games are 5v5 or 6v6, including the goalkeeper.
- Walls often surround the field, so the ball rarely goes out of play.
- The game is faster and more focused on skill and quick passing.
What Happens If a Player Gets a Red Card?
In indoor and youth soccer, a red card usually means the player must leave the game, but the team may bring in a substitute after a certain time. Rules can vary depending on the league.
Simple Answer for Soccer Players on the Field
In a standard soccer game, there are 22 players on the field at the start—11 per team. However, different leagues and game formats may have fewer players, especially in youth and indoor soccer. If a team loses players due to injuries or red cards, they must continue playing with fewer players, and if they drop below seven players, the game is usually forfeited.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the number of players on a soccer field is essential for anyone new to the game. Whether you’re watching professional matches, playing youth soccer, or enjoying an indoor game, the number of players varies depending on the format. The standard rule is 11 players per team, but youth soccer and indoor leagues may have fewer.
