More than 280 university student volunteers and the players making up the 23 teams from 15 countries are all excited to get started. The event takes place from 17 to 28 September and can be followed on FISU.tv
The first FISU event opposing university teams of 2025 is about, the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football to start and all footballers have safely landed in China, started training and even tried a few original movements between two shoots on goal.
To ensure the event runs smoothly and efficiently, more than 280 university student volunteers are now fully prepared to step onto the stage. Volunteer recruitment began in early June, led by the Volunteer Department of the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football Executive Committee and the Dalian Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League.
Students were selected from six universities and colleges in Dalian, including Dalian University of Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian Ocean University, and Dalian Vocational & Technical College.
A culture-filled opening ceremony
The rehearsal for the opening ceremony radiated rich Chinese culture through contemporary China-chic spectacle. Vivid depictions of crashing waves and gliding seagulls showcased Dalian’s distinct maritime character. Over 1,200 student performers from Dalian Maritime University (DMU), Dalian Art College, Liaoning University of International Business and Economics, and other universities participated to this collective rehearsal.
Liu Jiaxin, a student majoring in Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is one of the flag bearers. In the flag-raising segment, his critical task is to present the national flag with utmost precision and solemnity, which is a seemingly simple act demanding extraordinary arm strength, core stability, and control. To ensure the national flag remains perfectly unfurled and steady during the procession, Liu and his teammates undertake four hours of daily post-class training, incorporating weight training and planks into their rigorous regimen.
As a native of Dalian, Liu feels immense honor and responsibility participating in a global event in his hometown, especially in such a solemn role. “I am fully confident in completing my task flawlessly,” Liu stated. “I also hope to use this platform to demonstrate the positive spirit of Chinese university students, showcasing that we are not only responsible and strong, but also respectful and warm-hearted.”
The French the first to arrive
At noon on 12 September, the women’s football team of Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (France) arrived at Dalian North Railway Station, the first team to reach Dalian. Head Coach Marapel said, “As the first team to arrive, I believe we are also the most well-prepared one, and I hope we can achieve good results.”
In the afternoon of the same day, over 20 players and coaches visited the Development Zone Campus of Dalian Minzu University, where they had a vivid and interesting exchange and competition with teachers and students of the university on cuqiu (ancient Chinese football) and tuoluo (spinning top), two traditional Chinese ethnic sports.
Mohamed Oussedrate, the team leader of the women’s football team from Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, said, “Culture and sports have always been interconnected. We have come to a new country and experienced cuqiu and tuoluo. These two sports are not available in Europe or France, and we are very happy about it.”
Zoom on the student-athletes
Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France will kick off the women’s tournament against the University of Sydney (Australia). It features seven 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 five 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.
Now there are only a few hours left before the referee will blow the whistle to start the first match. Good luck to all participating teams!
You can find the official schedule (CET + 6) as well as the results on the event’s official website and follow the matches live on FISU.tv (which is temporarily on YouTube).
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