How to do substitutions
When you make a substitution in Match Control, Mingle Sport will automatically pause the minutes for the player coming off, start the minutes for the player coming on, create a new lineup version with the updated formation, and add a substitution icon to the player's stats.
Step 1: Open Match Control
Go to your match in the Mingle Sport app. Tap Match Control from the match overview screen. This is your hub for all in-match actions: substitutions, goals, cards, and more.
Step 2: Create your starting line-up
Substitutions require a lineup. If you haven't created one yet, you'll need to set up your starting lineup first, add bench players to the squad, and start the match timer.
👉 Learn how to create a lineup here
Step 3: Select Substitution.
Swipe up on the Match Control screen to reveal the action menu. You'll see options for goals, cards, and substitutions. Tap Substitution. Select the players you want to substitute. You can also rearrange the players currently on the field.
Step 4: Enter the Match Minute
Select the minute when the substitution happened. If you're using the match timer, the current minute will be pre-filled, but you can adjust it.
Step 5: Confirm the Substitution
Review your selection and tap Confirm. The substitution is now recorded. You'll see the swap reflected in your lineup, the player list will update with substitution icons, and minutes played will adjust automatically.
Tip: If a player is substituted multiple times during a match, we'll show the number of times next to the substitution icon.
Tracking Minutes Played
One of the biggest benefits of using substitutions in Match Control: automatic playing time tracking.
When you substitute a player out, their minutes played will pause. When you bring a player on, their minutes will start. At the end of the match, every player's total playing time is calculated for you — no spreadsheets needed.
👉 Learn more about tracking game time here
Substitutions and Red Cards
If a player receives a red card (or two yellow cards), their playing time automatically stops. The player will be marked with a red card icon in your lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a substitution?
Yes. If you made an error, you can edit or remove the substitution in Match Control.
Do I need the match timer running to make substitutions?
No, but it's recommended. Without the timer, you'll need to manually enter the match minute, and automatic playing time tracking won't be as accurate.
Can I make substitutions on desktop?
Substitutions are made in the Mingle Sport mobile app (iOS and Android). You can review and edit minutes played data on Homebase (desktop).
What happens if I substitute the same player multiple times?
Each substitution is tracked. If a player goes off and comes back on, their minutes will pause and resume accordingly. The substitution icon will show the number of times they've been subbed.
