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how many subs can you make in the world cup

Quick answer

In the FIFA World Cup, each team can make five substitutions during normal time , plus one extra substitution if the match goes to extra time in knockout stages.

How the substitution rules work in the 2026 World Cup

Number of subs allowed

  • Normal time (90 minutes):
    • 5 substitutions per team
  • Extra time (knockout matches only):
    • +1 additional substitution per team (so up to 6 total if it goes to extra time)
  • Concussion substitute:
    • 1 extra substitution allowed specifically for a suspected head injury, in addition to the normal five (and the extra-time one if applicable)

Substitution “windows” (when you can use them)

It’s not just “five changes anytime”; there are limits on when they can be made:

  • Teams have three substitution windows during normal time.
  • Within those three windows, a coach can bring on up to five players (for example: 2 players in one window, then 2, then 1).
  • Half-time substitutions do not use up a window. So you can change players at half-time and still have all three windows for the second half.
  • If both teams substitute at the same time , that counts as one window each , not a shared window.

For extra time:

  • If the match goes to extra time, teams get one additional substitution and one additional window.

Squad size and bench options

  • Each team can name 26 players in their World Cup squad.
  • That means 15 players can be on the bench , but only 5 (or 6 with extra time) can be used as subs in a single match under normal rules.

How this compares to past World Cups

  • 1998–2014: 3 substitutions per match.
  • 2018 (Russia): 3 subs in normal time, +1 in extra time.
  • 2022 (Qatar): 5 subs in normal time, +1 in extra time (introduced partly due to heat and schedule density).
  • 2026 (USA/Mexico/Canada): Same basic structure as 2022 (5 + 1 in extra time), with added emphasis on concussion subs and a new 10‑second delay rule for certain delayed substitutions.

Mini timeline of a typical match

In a standard 90‑minute game:

  1. Coach starts with 11 players, 15 on the bench.
  2. During the match, they can make up to 5 changes , but only across 3 stoppage “windows” (plus any half-time changes).
  3. If it’s a knockout game and it goes to extra time:
    • They get 1 more sub and 1 more window.
  4. If a player has a suspected concussion:
    • A separate concussion sub is allowed, not counting against the five (or six).

Bottom line

  • Maximum regular subs per team in a World Cup match: 5
  • With extra time: 6
  • With a concussion: potentially 7 in an extra-time game (5 normal + 1 extra-time + 1 concussion).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.