What Are Friendlies In Soccer? – Everything You Need To Know

Soccer is a beloved sport worldwide, and international friendlies are an essential part of the game. But what exactly are these matches? And why do they matter? 

In this comprehensive guide to soccer friendlies, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these exciting contests – from the rules that govern them to their history and importance in today’s sporting landscape. So let’s get started on our exploration of international friendly matches!

Friendlies in soccer, also known as international friendlies or non-competitive fixtures, are games between two teams with no points awarded or official prizes at stake. Instead, these matches allow coaches to experiment with new strategies and tactics while seeing how different players work together. They also provide an excellent opportunity for fans to watch their favorite international stars compete against each other without the pressure of competitive outcomes. Friendlies can be held in any country worldwide and often attract large crowds of passionate supporters who want to support both sides involved in the match.

Why Is It Called A Friendly Match?

Friendly matches, also known as exhibition games or non-competitive matches, are an important part of a soccer team’s preparation for the regular season. But why are they called “friendly”? The reason is rooted in the history of the sport.

In the early days of soccer, teams would often play each other in casual, non-competitive matches, simply for the love of the game. These matches were typically organized between teams from the same area or community, and were often played simply for the fun and enjoyment of the players. These matches were known as “friendlies”, as they were played in a friendly, non-competitive spirit.

As the sport of soccer grew in popularity and professional teams were formed, the concept of friendly matches remained. These matches were still organized between teams, but instead of being played for fun, they were used as a way for teams to prepare for the regular season, test their abilities and strategies, and to simply have a casual match against another team. 

The term “friendly” was kept to reflect the non-competitive nature of these matches, and to differentiate them from regular league or tournament games.

How Do Friendly Matches Work?

Friendly matches, also known as exhibition games or non-competitive matches, are a way for soccer teams to get some practice and experience in before the start of a new season, or to simply have a casual match against a different team. These matches are typically organized by the teams themselves, and are not part of any official league or tournament.

When a team wants to schedule a friendly match, they will usually reach out to another team and arrange the details of the match. This can include the date, time, and location of the game, as well as any other specific agreements or arrangements that need to be made. Once the details are finalized, the teams will play the match, which is usually played under normal soccer rules and regulations.

It’s important to note that friendly matches often have a different intensity than regular league or tournament games. This is because the main goal of a friendly match is to provide practice and experience for the players, rather than to win the game. 

As a result, teams may choose to rotate their players or try out different strategies during friendly matches, which is not typically done in regular games. Additionally, friendly matches may be played with less intensity than regular games, as players may not be as focused on winning the game, but rather on working on specific skills or trying out new strategies.

Do Friendly Matches Affect Rankings?

Friendly matches are an important part of a soccer team’s preparation for the regular season, but do they have an impact on a team’s official rankings? The short answer is no, friendly matches do not affect a team’s official rankings.

Official rankings are determined by a team’s performance in official leagues, tournaments, and competitions. These matches are organized and regulated by official governing bodies such as FIFA, UEFA, or the different national soccer associations. 

These matches are the ones that count towards a team’s official record and are used to determine their ranking in the official standings. Friendly matches, on the other hand, are not organized or regulated by official governing bodies and therefore do not count toward a team’s official record or ranking.

It’s important to note that friendly matches are an important way for teams to prepare for the regular season, test their abilities and strategies, and to simply have a casual match against another team. In addition, friendly matches allow teams to get familiar with the playing style of other teams and to improve their own game. 

However, while friendly matches may be a good way to prepare for the regular season, the results of these matches do not affect a team’s official ranking. Instead, friendly matches are simply an opportunity for teams to get some practice and experience in before the start of the regular season, and to work on specific skills or strategies.

Number Of Subs In Friendly Matches

When it comes to friendly matches, one of the key differences between them and regular league or tournament games is the number of substitutes allowed. This is because friendly matches often have different rules and regulations than regular games, including the number of substitutes a team can make during the game.

According to FIFA regulations, teams are allowed to make up to six substitutions in a friendly match. This is different from regular league and tournament games, where teams are typically only allowed to make three substitutions. This increased number of substitutions allows teams to rotate their players more frequently during friendly matches, and to allow more players to play.

It’s important to note that friendly matches are usually more relaxed than regular league or tournament games. This is because the main goal of friendly matches is to provide practice and experience for the players, rather than to win the game. 

As a result, teams may choose to rotate their players or try out different strategies during friendly matches, which is not typically done in regular games. The increased number of substitutions allows teams to do this more easily and gives more players an opportunity to play.

Manuel Esposito

Hello everyone! My name is Manuel and I've recently got my PhD in Sport and Excercise Science at the University of Portsmouth. I'm raised and born in New York, and I've been a big fan of soccer my whole life. Soccer is the reason why I got my PhD in Sport and Excercise Science, and my goal with this blog is to help you improve your soccer techniques, strategies, and knowledge!

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