Soccer holds a unique place in the hearts of millions of people. The glossy turf with a ball rolling, bouncing, and leaping between the legs will give you a thrilling adrenaline rush. However, if you’re a novice, this game might be a little complex for you, leaving you with multiple questions like “How many players on a soccer team?”
A crisp and clear answer to this question is—there are 11 field players from each team, with a few reserved ones waiting outside the ground. Read here to get a detailed answer for how many players are on a soccer field and decode the complex field formation and regulations of the game.
How Many Players on a Soccer Field?
The doubt over how many players on a soccer field can be resolved by understanding the multiple facets of the game. Let’s understand them.
Soccer is played between 2 teams, with each team having 11 players. These 11 teammates are broadly divided into 10 field players and one goalkeeper.
The International Football Association Board has mandated that the maximum and minimum number of players in soccer must be 11 and 7 in the field, based on the type of the game. Their position on the field varies according to their expertise and the off-field team’s planning.
A player’s position in the field is signified by the terms forward, midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper.
So that now you know how many players on a soccer team, let’s discuss their positioning and field arrangements comprehensively in the subsequent sections.
Position of Players in Soccer Field
The players are positioned on the field based on their game expertise and past performance. However, their position can be rearranged as per the needs of the game and the proficiencies of the team members.
A soccer field is broadly divided into the attack, midfield, and defense. The agile players, immersed in sportsmen spirit, strive and synchronize in these field sections to score a goal, making it one of the most popular sports in the world. The players playing in the concerned area are designated by similar names.
1. Forward
They are the primary attackers of a team. Their basic responsibility is to get the ball in the opponent’s goalpost and score the goal. Forwards are further categorized into strikers (central forward) and wingers (wider forward).
Being in the most responsible and offensive position, the footballers here remain in the spotlight. All popular faces belonging to this game, such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Neymar (Brazil), and Kylian Mbappe (France), play in this position.
2. Defenders
These players play near the team’s goalpost to prevent a goal. Usually, 2–4 defenders remain just in front of the goalkeeper. They are further divided into the center back, full back, wing back, and sweepers depending on their position in the defense field. Some popular players playing in this position are Philipp Lahm (Germany) and Sergio Ramos (Spain).
3. Midfielder
The midfielder is wedged between the forward position and defender on the field. They are responsible for keeping sync between the forwards and defenders, acting as a buffer between the team players in two halves of the field. David Beckham (England), the famous footballer, used to play in this position.
4. Goalkeeper
As the term suggests, the goalkeeper is the protector of the 24 ft x 8 ft. goalpost. It is the last line of defense, and he is the man of last resort to avert a goal. Being in a pivotal position in a soccer game. A Goalkeeper has the freedom to obstruct the ball from entering the goalpost, using his hands to stop the ball.
The Goalkeeper can be differentiated from other team members based on the distinct jersey and gloves, which differ from the uniform color of the team members. They play their part with others to stop the ball from getting into their goalpost.
All the above-mentioned players are part of the on-field game. However, they are not the only members of the soccer team, as there are some reserved ones also waiting, all prepared to take over the charge in case an emergency hits in.
So let’s discover how many players on a soccer team are there in total in the following section and also learn about the regulations concerning the reserved squad members.
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Substitute Players in the Soccer Team (The Bench)
Another pensive question that arises is, “How many people on soccer team including reserved players?”
To precisely answer this question, we need to count the off-field teammates as well.
A group of substitute players is always kept ready outside the field by both teams. This group is also called ‘the Bench.’ Their number varies from team to team, but a minimum of 3 team members are required to be kept on the bench at a time.
Earlier in the 1950s, the game rule allowed only one substitute in the game. But this was gradually increased to a minimum of 3.
In general, the number of members on the bench depends on the level of the game and the league. As per the soccer game rules, a total of 5 game substitutions are allowed for a team. The ultimate aim of having a bench group is to keep a group on standby in case any player gets injured during the game.
Additionally, the rules mandate that the substitution of the player is allowed only by the referee. When an on-field team member is substituted with the one on the bench, he will not get the chance to enter the field in that match.
Other Key Figures in Soccer Match
Apart from teammates, certain other game members are there who are very instrumental in ensuring the game conforms to the rules. They are:-
- Referee: He ensures the game is played by the rules, and he additionally has the supreme authority to penalize players for the match’s foul or misconduct. Furthermore, it is also the final authority over any match decision.
- Linesmen: They are the assistant referees who assist the referee in his decision-making. Typically, linesmen keep a flag with themselves to alert the referee of some action. The soccer rules call for at least 2 linesmen in a game.
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): These referees review the contentious match situation using video recordings and replays to assist the referee in making judgments. Such use of technology helps make more precise decisions in the game.
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Conclusion
Soccer is an enticing and engrossing game by all means. Its craze is interminable, which booms during the FIFA season to cheer the teams.
Strict rules bind the entire game, making soccer one of the hardest sports in the world. However, how many players on a soccer team are required depends on the reserved policy of the tournament. The bench team members also need to be considered while practicing for an international game.
Understanding these fundamentals will be the first step for a naive to approach the seasoned pro level.
FAQs
How many players on a soccer field are kept as substitutes?
Ans: A minimum of 3 substitute players are required in a soccer game. However, their number may vary as per the team’s requirements.
What is the role of linesmen in soccer?
Ans: Linesman acts as an assistant referee who helps referees in enforcing the rules in games.
Do all players of a soccer team have the same jersey?
Ans: No, the jersey of a goalkeeper is different from the jersey of another team player.
How many players in the soccer field play as forwards?
Ans: Generally, 1-3 team members play in the forward position. This varies based on the player’s expertise and the decision of the coach.
Can a substitute be sent against a player who has received a red card?
Ans: No, a team member that received a red card can’t be substituted with the one on the bench. That player had to leave the game without being replaced by any teammate from the bench.
What is the role of the midfielder, and how many players in soccer play as the midfielder?
Ans: A midfielder in soccer provides a buffer between forward and defender, thus linking the front half and back half of the field. Generally, there are 2-4 midfielders in a soccer game.
How many players on a soccer team play in the forward position?
Ans: 1-3 team members play at the forward position in the soccer field. The actual number is decided off-field by the coach and team administration.
