MCQ Detailed View

In a standard football (soccer) match, each team is allowed 11 players on the field at one time. This includes 10 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. The number is defined by FIFA, the international governing body for football, and applies to all official competitions around the world.

Football is the most popular sport globally, with over 250 million players in more than 200 countries. The game is played in two halves of 45 minutes each, and every team must start with 11 players. If a team has fewer than 7 players due to injury or red cards, the match can be stopped.

Standard positions in football include:

• Goalkeeper: The only player allowed to use hands within the penalty area, responsible for stopping goals.


• Defenders: Usually 4 players who guard their goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring.


• Midfielders: Typically 3–5 players who control the flow of the game, support both defense and attack.


• Forwards (Strikers): 1–3 players who are positioned to score goals and apply offensive pressure.

Teams may use different formations like 4-4-2, 4-3-3, or 3-5-2 depending on strategy. But no matter the tactic, the total number of players on the pitch for each team remains 11. This structure creates balance, allowing teams to defend, build plays, and attack effectively.

From local leagues to major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Champions League, the 11-player rule is strictly followed. It maintains fairness and consistency in the game, making football a structured and globally standardized sport.