In soccer, there’s no permanent rule about which side a team starts on when the game kicks off. Instead, the coin toss before the match determines the direction of play. The referee calls both team captains to the center circle and flips a coin.
- The winning captain chooses which goal their team will attack first — essentially deciding which side of the field they’ll start on.
- The losing captain’s team automatically takes the opening kickoff to start the game.
This fair and random method ensures no team gains an advantage based on preferred field conditions, wind, or lighting.
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Why Teams Switch Sides at Halftime
After the first half, teams switch sides. This guarantees that both teams face identical conditions over the course of the game — whether that’s wind direction, sun glare, or uneven grass.
Switching sides also adds a sense of balance and fairness, particularly in outdoor stadiums where one side might have more sun exposure or slope.
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Strategy Behind Choosing a Side
Though the decision seems minor, experienced captains often factor in:
- Wind direction: A strong breeze can affect long passes or goal kicks.
- Sun position: Defenders don’t want to look directly into the sun.
- Pitch condition: Some parts of the field might be smoother or drier.
- Fan location: Teams sometimes choose to attack toward their supporters in the second half.
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The Second-Half Kickoff
At the start of the second half, the team that didn’t kick off in the first half takes the kickoff this time. This ensures fairness in possession opportunities as well.
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Key Takeaways
- The coin toss decides which side teams start on.
- The winner chooses direction; the loser kicks off.
- Teams switch sides at halftime for fairness.
- Strategy, weather, and fan positioning can influence the choice.