How do substitutions work in soccer?

Q: How do substitutions work in soccer?

At the World Cup each team can make up to five substitutions per game, but only across three stoppages (plus half-time), so coaches often swap two or three players at once. Once a player is subbed off, they cannot return — unlike the free substitutions in American sports.

Soccer substitutions are far more limited than American sports, and that scarcity is a big tactical lever for coaches.

At the World Cup, each team can make up to five substitutions in a match. But there's a catch: they can only do it during three separate stoppages (half-time is a free extra window). That's why you often see a coach send on two or three players at the same time — to avoid wasting an opportunity.

Crucially, a substitution is permanent. Once a player comes off, they're done for the day and cannot return. On top of the five, competitions can allow extra permanent concussion substitutions for head injuries, which don't count against the normal limit.

At the 2026 World Cup: teams get up to five substitutions in three windows during normal time (half-time doesn't count), plus one extra substitution if the game goes to extra time — six in total. A new rule gives a substituted player just 10 seconds to leave the pitch, and separate concussion substitutions are also allowed.