start of a match; kickoff; beginning of a game
Used in sports and competitive contexts to refer to the moment a match or game begins. Often seen in announcements, schedules, and commentary.
The whistle for the start of the match sounded.
The game begins at 3 p.m.
キックオフ is a loanword specifically for the kickoff in soccer or American football, while 試合開始 is a broader term for the start of any match or game.
開始 is a general word for 'start' or 'beginning' of any event or activity, whereas 試合開始 specifically refers to the start of a match or game.
Compound of 試合 (match, game) and 開始 (start, commencement).