Draw completed for Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football

The Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football is fast approaching, with its start planned for 17 September in the People’s Republic of China. Another step along the path to the tournament’s opening kickoff took place this week with the announcement of the team draw.

The women’s tournament features eight teams, including two returning squads that competed in the first two FISU World Cups of Football in 2019 and 2023. Defending champions Beijing Normal University (CHN) return and will head up Group B. This group also includes the other three-time tournament participant, the University of Sydney (AUS) which placed fourth in 2023 and sixth in 2019. The six other participating universities are newcomers to the FISU World Cup Football, including host university, Shanghai University of Sport.

16 universities will compete for gold in the men’s tournament led by 2023 champions Paulista University of Brazil. They will be in Group B along with returnees from 2023 Ramon Llull University of Spain. 2023 silver medalists the State University of Trade and Economics (UKR) and the University of Auckland (NZL) both also return in 2025. The University of Split (CRO) is in Group D and joins Paulista University as the only schools to compete in all three editions of the FISU World Cup Football.

Tournament preparations continue in the Chinese port city of Dalian as they ready to play host to the world’s top university football sides. With the draw completed, the tournament schedule will be the next important milestone with its announcement planned for the coming weeks.