How does a football match start?
B · Beginner · Kick-offs, free kicks, penalties and other restarts · 10 of 17A coin toss decides the start. The winner chooses which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick-off; the other team gets the other choice. The ball is on the centre mark, every player in their own half and opponents 9.15 metres away. The ball can go in any direction, and a goal can be scored straight from it.
How it works
- Kick-offs start each half, each half of extra time and restart play after a goal.
- The team that chose ends at the toss kicks off the second half. The teams change ends at half-time.
- After a goal, the team that conceded kicks off.
- All players except the kicker stay in their own half; opponents stay 9.15 metres away until the ball is in play.
- The ball must be still on the centre mark. It is in play once it is kicked and plainly moves.
- The kicker may not touch it again until another player has.
Tricky cases
Can a goal be scored straight from the kick-off?
Yes, against the opponents. If the ball goes straight into the kicker's own goal, it is a corner kick to the opponents.
Does the kick-off have to go forward?
No. The ball can be kicked in any direction.
The kicker touched the ball twice. What happens?
An indirect free kick to the other team, or a direct free kick if the second touch was a handball.
Why the rule exists
It restarts from a neutral position that gives neither team an advantage except the ball.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L8.1 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 8.1, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).