Build your 8v8 soccer lineup (7 field players plus a goalkeeper) with the free lineup maker below. Pick one of 5 common 8v8 formations, type your players and drag them into place, then save the lineup as an image, print it or share a link with the team. Leave the names empty for a free 8v8 soccer lineup template with every position.
Who plays 8v8?
8v8 (seven field players plus a goalkeeper) is used by some youth leagues as a bridge between 7v7 and 9v9, and by many adult small-sided and rec leagues.
Field size: 8v8 fields usually sit between 7v7 and 9v9 sizes: around 60–75 yards long and 40–50 yards wide, depending on the league. Always check your league’s own rules.
The best 8v8 formations
Formations count the field players from the back to the front. The goalkeeper is not part of the numbers, so every 8v8 formation adds up to 7. Choose one in the lineup maker above to load it.
| Formation | Shape |
|---|---|
| 3-3-1 | Three defenders, three midfielders and a striker. Balanced and the easiest 8v8 shape to learn. |
| 2-3-2 | Two defenders, three midfielders and two strikers. Attacking; the wide midfielders must work hard. |
| 3-2-2 | Three defenders, two central midfielders and two strikers. Solid at the back with a strike partnership. |
| 2-4-1 | Two defenders, a midfield four and a lone striker. Controls possession through the middle. |
| 3-1-3 | Three defenders, a holding midfielder and three forwards. Lots of pressure high up the field. |
8v8 positions and numbers
These are the positions in each formation with the traditional shirt number the lineup maker uses when you leave a number blank. Wide players are listed from left to right.
8v8 3-3-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9)
8v8 2-3-2
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9), ST (10)
8v8 3-2-2
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: CM (8), CM (6)
Attack: ST (9), ST (10)
8v8 2-4-1
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: CB (4), CB (5)
Midfield: LM (11), CM (8), CM (6), RM (7)
Attack: ST (9)
8v8 3-1-3
Goalkeeper: GK (1)
Defense: LB (3), CB (4), RB (2)
Midfield: CM (8)
Attack: LW (11), ST (9), RW (7)
Coaching tips for 8v8
- The 3-3-1 gives you three clear lines with a player in each channel, a natural step up from a 7v7 2-3-1.
- In a 2-3-2, the wide midfielders have to track back. Without that, two defenders get overloaded quickly.
- With seven field players you can rest one player per half without changing the shape: plan your subs by position.
Other formats
Need a different team size? Open the soccer lineup maker with every format, or go straight to 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11.
Organizing a tournament? Make a bracket for the knockout rounds or a round robin schedule for pool play.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on a 8v8 soccer team?
8 on the field for each team: 7 field players and a goalkeeper. Most 8v8 teams carry 10–13 players so everyone gets rest.
What is the most common 8v8 formation?
The 3-3-1. Three defenders, three midfielders and a striker. Balanced and the easiest 8v8 shape to learn.
Can I add substitutes to the lineup?
Yes. Type more than 8 players and the extra names appear on the bench. Tap a starter and then a substitute to swap them.