What does the toss decide in football?
In association football (soccer), the referee tosses a coin before the match. The captain who wins the toss normally chooses which end to attack in the first half, and the other team takes the kick-off. In the second half, the teams swap ends and the other team kicks off.
The details can vary by league or competition, so check the rules for your match. Friendly games and park kickabouts usually follow the same simple pattern.
How to run the toss
- The away or visiting captain calls heads or tails before the flip.
- Tap the coin or press Space.
- If the call is correct, that captain chooses the end or the kick-off. Otherwise, the other captain chooses.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the end when there is wind, a strong sun or a sloping pitch you want on your side.
- Choose the kick-off if you want the first touch of the ball and the chance to set the tone.
In most conditions the toss gives only a very small edge, so do not agonise over the choice.
Other sports
The same fair coin works for other sports where a toss starts the game. In American football the winner usually chooses whether to receive, kick or defend a goal, while in cricket the winner chooses whether to bat or bowl. See our general coin toss page for more.
More free tools
Frequently asked questions
Who calls the coin toss in football?
Usually the visiting or away captain calls, but friendly games often just agree it between the two captains.
What does the winner of the toss get?
In soccer, the winner normally chooses which end to attack, and the other team kicks off.
Is an online coin toss allowed in official matches?
Official matches use the referee's coin. This tool is for friendlies, training and casual games.
Is the digital coin fair?
Yes. It uses your browser's secure random number generator, so heads and tails each have exactly a 50% chance.