Kick-offs: Conceding possession high to win it back and counter

• Teams intentionally kick the ball out of play from kick-off

• Prioritisation of opportunity to press high in the opponent’s half over possession in own half

• Press the restart high in an organised pressing structure to regain possession closer to the opponent’s goal and counter-attack

Compared to FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™, where there were no such instances, in 2025, 20 individual kick-offs went straight out of play in the attacking half. Uganda, Morocco and New Caledonia used this approach most consistently throughout the tournament. However, Uganda only kicked the ball out of play when the kick-off started a match half, but did not do so after conceding a goal.

Additionally, finalists Austria and Portugal both used the strategy of kicking the ball straight out for a goal kick, on the expectation that their opponents would play out from the back. They considered the opportunity to press high a favourable approach, evidencing the preparation teams went into both before and during the competition.

Our football data supports these observations, with a 10% decrease in pass completion rates from kick-offs in addition to a longer average pass length (+3.7 metres). Teams were looking to concentrate play in the opposition’s defensive territory by either competing to regain possession immediately after a direct pass or by allowing the opposition possession from subsequent restarts of play.

Across the 48 teams, we saw subtle variations in how they prioritised gaining territory high up the pitch over possession retention in deeper areas. These strategies demonstrated teams’ confidence in their ability to win the ball back quickly and launch a counter-attack. Our data shows that, from 62% of kick-offs, teams gained controlled possession in the final third before their opponents could do so.

Kick-off straight out of play – Throw-in

Uganda, Morocco and New Caledonia all used the strategy of kicking the ball straight out of play to press from a throw-in. In clip 1 below, we see an example of Uganda’s approach during their group-stage match against Chile.

As soon as the ball goes out of play, Uganda’s players push up and condense their pressing structure on the left side of the pitch. Chile fail to retain possession from the subsequent consecutive throw-ins before Uganda launch a fast counter-attack that results in an attacking free kick in a very dangerous area.

The intent to move forward quickly, as soon as the ball was kicked, was clearly visible in how some teams set up prior to the kick-off.

In clip 2 below, the Republic of Ireland set up aggressively on the halfway line, with the clear intention of pushing high quickly to press the resulting throw-in. The players organise and communicate proactively, demonstrating their clear understanding of roles, responsibilities and the intention behind the action.

Kick-off straight out of play – Goal kick

Tournament finalists Austria and Portugal both used the strategy of kicking the ball straight out of play for a goal kick during the tournament. This intentional action was taken in order to provide the opportunity to high press their opponent’s goal kick in order to force a turnover.

In clip 3 below, taken from the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 final match, we see how runners-up Austria used this tactic. As soon as the ball is played forward, players accelerate up the pitch and assume their positions within their high-pressing structure. They demonstrate a clear understanding of Portugal’s preference to play short and build up their play and explosively activate their press as soon as the first pass is played. Austria successfully intercept the ball on the third attempted pass and have five players in the final third to support their counter-attack, which results in a blocked attempt at goal and a corner.

This innovation in kick-off strategy demonstrates an aggressive intention at the very start of the game, half or following the concession of a goal. The idea of being comfortable with conceding possession in order to win it back high up the pitch puts the opposition team under immediate pressure, even though they have the ball. This approach demonstrates growing confidence in teams’ ability to control and dictate the game without the ball, as well as improved tactical understanding and awareness among players.