Law # 8
FIFA Law #8: The Start and Restart of Play: Kick-off occurs at the start of each half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at the center of the halfway line.
In the past, all kick-offs required the ball to move forward, into the other team’s half, before allowing the team in possession to pass back. This often required two teammates standing at half, with one tapping the ball forward and then passing the ball back to the rest of the team. However, as of 2017, FIFA adapted this rule to allow the ball to be played in any direction on a kick-off!