Each team is allowed 5 substitutions in a World Cup match during regular time. In knockout games that go to extra time, teams usually get 1 additional substitution , so that can become 6 total.

Quick rules

  • Regular time: 5 substitutions per team.
  • Extra time: 1 more substitution if the match goes into extra time.
  • Concussion cases: some rules allow an extra change for head injuries.

Simple example

If a team uses 4 subs in normal time and the match goes to extra time, it can still make 2 more changes under the standard 2026 rules: 1 unused regular sub + 1 extra-time sub.

Extra note

Teams are also limited in how many stoppages they can use for substitutions, so they usually make changes in batches rather than one by one.