How many substitutes are allowed at euro 2024? New regulations introduced for bench players in Germany as squad size is increased

In a jam-packed season which has seen the domestic club season across Europe only just ended – there has been little to no rest for Europe’s top footballers.

Players have already jetted out to Germany and played their opening games for Euro 2024, adding more minutes to their legs. 

Many coaches, athletes and fans have criticised the congested football calendar which has been full to the brim ever since the 2020 Euros were delayed due to Covid 19 which had a ripple effect on the World Cup. 

To combat and try assist teams with the increased fixture list, UEFA and FIFA have had to make considerable changes in recent years to reduce the risk of player injuries and burnouts.

The most important and arguably the most valuable change to come from FIFA and UEFA was their rules involving how many substitutes a manager can make in one game. Here is the substitution rule for Euro 2024.

Since 2020 UEFA have changed their rule around how many substitutes a manager can make in one game

 How many subs are allowed at Euro 2024?

UEFA have confirmed that Euro 2024 will follow the same rule that has been introduced in all major leagues and tournaments since 2020. 

Meaning coaches will be permitted to make five substitutes per game.

However following the same format of the 2022 World Cup, the five changes can only be made in a maximum of three stoppages in play per team (this excludes half-time and other match delays).

That being said if any subs are made during drink breaks from the hot weather, these changes will be counted as stoppages.  

Coaches will be permitted to make five substitutes per game at Euro 2024

However the five changes can only be made in a maximum of three stoppages in play per team

Substitution rules at Euro 2024 

Any player that is taken off the pitch and replaced due to a suspected head injury will not count as using one of the fives subs permitted.

Sub rule for extra-time

If a game ends level at full-time and the game is forced to go to extra time, teams will be allowed to make a sixth substitution. 

It is also noteworthy to mention that any unused subs from regular time are carried over into extra time. 

For example if a side only made four subs in the full 90 minutes, they will be allowed to make two changes in extra-time. 

If a game is forced to go to extra time, teams will be allowed to make a sixth substitution

Squad size 

UEFA’s plan for Euro 2024 was to revert teams back to a 23-man squad following Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup which had larger squad.

However the national competitions committee voted in favour of the expanded 26-man squad, forcing UEFA to reconsider.

Following deliberation is was decided and confirmed by UEFA that the teams involved would be permitted to have a 26-man squad for the tournament in Germany this summer.