How Many Players Are in a Football Team?
Ever wondered how many players make up a football team or squad? It may seem simple, but it’s a good fact to know. We’ve got the answer for you, along with some expert betting recommendations for those interested in football betting.
In short, there are 11 players on a football team, generally divided into four positions: goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
How Team Sizes Have Changed
Since football was formalized in 1870, teams have had a limit of 11 players on the field. This has remained consistent. However, changes in the number of matches, concerns about player welfare, and the impact of COVID-19 have led to adjustments in squad sizes and substitutions.
The number of substitutions allowed during games has increased, especially after the pandemic. Sportsboom.com is here to provide an update on team sizes for the European Championship, Champions League, and Premier League.
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Euro 2024 Team Size
UEFA has announced that for Euro 2024 in Germany, each team will have a squad of 23 players. This is a reduction from the 26-player squads allowed for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup due to the pandemic. Each team must have three goalkeepers, making squad selection a challenge for managers.
The tournament will be held from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
Champions League Squad Size
In the Champions League, each club submits two player lists: List A and List B. List A allows a maximum of 25 players, including at least two goalkeepers, with eight of the spots reserved for locally trained players (either club-trained or association-trained).
List B is for players born on or after January 1, 1995, who have been with the club for at least two years. Clubs can register an unlimited number of List B players during the season.
Before the knockout stage, clubs can add up to three new players to List A, while keeping the 25-player limit. Only one player who has played in the Europa League group stage can be included.
Players can’t represent two clubs in the Champions League from the group stage onwards, and each team is allowed five substitutes per match.
Premier League Squad Size
The Premier League allows a larger squad size than Euro 2024, with 25 players per club. Of these, no more than 17 can be non-homegrown players, while the rest must meet the “Home Grown Player” criteria—registered with an English or Welsh club for at least three years before turning 21.
Since the pandemic, the number of substitutes allowed has increased from three to five, with nine substitutes available on the bench. Previously, only 18 players were named for matchday squads, but this was expanded.
Due to a rise in muscle injuries in recent seasons, it’s possible that the number of substitutes could increase further in the future.
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