🔄 SUBSTITUTIONS & THE SQUAD
PAGE 1 OF 5 - FRESH LEGS ON THE PITCH
SWAP TIME
WHAT IS A SUBSTITUTION?
A substitution is when a coach swaps one player on the pitch for another from the bench. Football is exhausting: players sprint, tackle, and jump for ninety minutes or more. When legs get heavy and lungs burn, fresh players can bring new energy, speed, and ideas. The player coming off jogs to the touchline and leaves the field completely before the substitute may enter. Coaches use subs to rest stars, change tactics, or respond when someone is injured. At World Cup 2026, smart substitutions can turn a tired draw into a late victory.
⚡ DID YOU KNOW?
Substitutes must wait at the halfway line and can only enter when the referee signals. If a sub runs on too early, the team can get punished. Patience at the touchline is part of the rule.
SWAP!
THE BOARD
🔢 Fourth official shows numbers
📋 Who goes off, who comes on
📋 Who goes off, who comes on
PLAYER OFF
🏃 Tired player jogs to sideline
👋 Leaves the pitch first
👋 Leaves the pitch first