The Late Kick-Off ("we", "us", "the site") is an independent, spoiler-free way to catch up on the 2026 World Cup. We try to collect as little about you as possible. This policy explains what limited data is involved when you use thelatekickoff.com, and who the third parties are.
The short version: we don't ask you to sign up, we don't run advertising, and our own analytics use no cookies and collect no personal data. The main data processing happens only when you choose to play a highlight, which loads YouTube.
The site is operated as The Late Kick-Off, an independent project based in the United Kingdom. For any privacy questions or requests, contact us at contact@thelatekickoff.com.
We do not operate user accounts and do not ask you for personal information. We do not set our own tracking cookies. The limited data involved falls into these categories:
Some features rely on third parties. When you use those features, those providers handle data under their own privacy policies:
| Service | Used for | Their policy |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube / Google | Playing match highlights. Embeds load only after you consent, and we use YouTube's privacy-enhanced (no-cookie) mode. When you play a clip, Google may process data and set cookies. | Google Privacy |
| Cloudflare | Hosting/content delivery and privacy-first, cookieless analytics. | Cloudflare Privacy |
| Open-Meteo | Live weather shown for stadiums (based on stadium location, not yours). | Open-Meteo Terms |
| API-Football | Fixtures, scores, standings and line-up data. Requests are made by our server, not your browser. | API-Football |
This site uses YouTube API Services. By playing clips you also agree to the YouTube Terms of Service, and Google's Privacy Policy applies to data Google receives.
Where the law requires a basis for processing: anonymous analytics and keeping the site secure rely on our legitimate interests in running and improving the site; loading YouTube relies on your consent, which we ask for before any YouTube content loads.
We do not set cookies for our own analytics or advertising. If you choose to play a highlight, YouTube may set its own cookies once its player loads. You can avoid these by not playing embedded clips.
We do not sell your data and do not share it with anyone except the service providers listed above, who only process it to provide their part of the service.
Under UK data protection law you have rights including access, correction, erasure and objection. Because we hold little or no information that identifies you, there may be little to action — but you're welcome to contact us at contact@thelatekickoff.com. You can also complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
This is a general-audience football site and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
We may update this policy as the site evolves. The "last updated" date above will change when we do.