How Many Players on a Soccer Field? 11 per Team
By the Poteau Team · updated
IN SHORT
A soccer team has 11 players on the field, one of them the goalkeeper, so 22 in total. Under the Laws of the Game, a game can't start or continue if a team has fewer than 7. Small-sided formats use fewer players: 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9 are common in youth soccer and pickup games.
How many players on a soccer team?
Each team has 11 players on the field, one of them the goalkeeper. That makes 22 on the field at kickoff.
Law 3 of the Laws of the Game also sets a minimum: a game can't start or continue if a team has fewer than 7 players.
The positions on the field
The 11 split into a goalkeeper and 10 outfield players: defenders, midfielders and forwards.
The split depends on the formation. A 4-4-2 has four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards. A 4-3-3 has three midfielders and three forwards.
How many substitutes?
Most top competitions allow five substitutions, made in no more than three stops plus halftime. Lower leagues and friendly games often allow more, or let players come back on.
A player who is sent off can't be replaced.
Youth soccer: fewer players, smaller fields
US Soccer uses smaller formats for younger players:
4v4 up to under-8
7v7 for under-9 and under-10
9v9 for under-11 and under-12
11v11 from under-13
Fewer players means more touches each, which is the point.
Small-sided games for adults
Adults play small-sided too. 5v5 and 7v7 on turf or indoor fields are the most common pickup formats, with small goals and no offside.
Indoor soccer and futsal usually play 5v5 or 6v6, goalkeeper included.
How big is the field?
Law 1 allows a range. The touchline runs 90 to 120 meters (about 100 to 130 yards) and the goal line 45 to 90 meters (50 to 100 yards).
International games use a tighter range: 100 to 110 meters long and 64 to 75 meters wide. Most pro stadiums sit around 105 by 68.
What if a player is injured?
A team can bring on a substitute if it has changes left. If not, it plays on with one fewer, and the game only stops for good if a team falls below 7.
How many players for a pickup game?
Ten is enough for 5v5, fourteen for 7v7. The hard part is getting them all there at the same time.
On Poteau, you see the open games near you, the format, the level and how many spots are left, and you join without knowing anyone.
The Poteau Team