What is the minimum number of players required in a full-sided match?

In a full-sided soccer match, the minimum number of players required on each team is 11. This number is set to ensure that the game retains its proper structure, competitive balance, and flow. A full-sided match features 11 players per team, which includes a goalkeeper and ten outfield players.

While 7 is often considered the minimum number of players required for a 7-a-side game or a smaller format, it does not apply to standard full-sided matches. Similarly, options 5 and 9 are below the actual requirement for a full-sided format and would not allow for a legitimate match based on the laws of the game. Thus, the only correct understanding here is that a full-sided match is defined by having 11 players per team.