Make your soccer lineup in a minute: free, no sign-up. This soccer lineup builder is also a formation creator and a printable soccer lineup template, with room for subs. Pick the format and formation, type your players with their jersey numbers, and drag them where you want them on the field. Then save the lineup as an image for the team chat, print it for the bench or share a link with parents.
How to make a soccer lineup
- Choose the format. 5v5 up to 11v11. The number always counts the goalkeeper, so 7v7 means six field players plus a keeper.
- Pick a formation. Formations are read from the back: 4-3-3 means four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The goalkeeper is never part of the numbers.
- Type your players, one per line, with the jersey number first: 1 Sam, 4 Riley. Put the goalkeeper first, then the starters from the back line forward. Every name after the starters goes on the bench as a substitute.
- Adjust on the field. Drag any player to a new spot. Tap one player and then another to swap them, or tap a starter and then a substitute to make a change.
- Send it to the team. Save image gives you a PNG for WhatsApp, GroupMe or TeamSnap. Share lineup sends a link that opens this exact lineup. Print gives you a sheet for the bench or the referee.
Leave the names box empty and you get a blank formation template with the position of every player and the traditional shirt numbers. It’s handy for teaching positions at practice.
Lineups by format
Each format has its own page with the most common formations, the position of every player and the field size used in US youth soccer:
Soccer player positions and numbers
Shirt numbers in soccer started as a guide to positions. Modern players pick any number, but the classic numbering still shows up in youth teams and in how coaches talk about roles. When you leave a number blank, the lineup maker uses these defaults:
| No. | Position | Short | Main job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goalkeeper | GK | Stops shots and organizes the back line |
| 2 | Right back | RB | Defends the right side and supports attacks down the wing |
| 3 | Left back | LB | Same job on the left side |
| 4, 5 | Center backs | CB | Win headers and tackles in front of the goal |
| 6 | Defensive midfielder | CDM | Shields the defense and recycles the ball |
| 8 | Central midfielder | CM | Links defense and attack, covers the most ground |
| 7, 11 | Wingers / wide midfielders | RW, LW, RM, LM | Beat defenders on the outside and cross the ball |
| 10 | Attacking midfielder | CAM | Creates chances behind the striker |
| 9 | Striker | ST | Scores goals and holds the ball up |
Every formation in the lineup generator shows the players’ positions on the field, and the default soccer player numbers by position follow this table. Tick Show positions and the lineup shows the position above each player, so younger kids can see exactly where they start.
Choosing a formation for your team
- Start with your back line. If your defenders are still learning, play an extra one: a 3-2-1 in 7v7 or a 3-3-2 in 9v9 is safer than a 2-3-1 or a 2-4-2.
- Match the formation to your best players. A fast forward suits a lone striker (2-3-1, 4-2-3-1). Two strikers who play well together suit a 3-2-2 or a 4-4-2.
- Keep it simple for young players. Under 10, clear lines (defense, midfield, attack) are easier to understand than diamonds and wing-backs.
- Plan your subs before kickoff. List the bench in the order you’ll bring players on. Many rec leagues expect equal playing time, so plan which starters come off at each break.
Running a whole tournament day? Put the teams in a tournament bracket or schedule a league with the round robin generator, where every team plays every other team once.
Frequently asked questions
Is this soccer lineup maker free?
Yes. No account, no app to download and no limit on lineups. It runs in your browser, and your last lineup stays saved on your device.
Can I use it as a soccer roster template?
Yes. Type your whole squad with jersey numbers: the starters go on the field and everyone else is listed under it. Print it and you have a team roster with the lineup on the same page.
Can I add substitutes?
Yes. Anyone listed after the starters appears on the bench, under the field in the image and as buttons below it. Tap a starter, then a substitute, to swap them.
Can I move players to a custom position?
Drag any player anywhere on the field. Reset positions puts everyone back in the formation.
How do I send the lineup to my team?
On a phone, Save image opens the share menu so you can save the lineup to your photos or send it straight to a chat. Share lineup sends a link instead, and anyone who opens it sees the same lineup and can print it.
Which format should my team play?
Most US youth programs follow US Soccer’s small-sided standards: 4v4 for the youngest players, 7v7 at U9–U10, 9v9 at U11–U12 and 11v11 from U13. Your league’s rules always come first.