In Dalian, the Chinese show up on and off the pitch

With more than 21,000 people attending the opening ceremony on 17 September and only one out of four Chinese teams losing their opening game, the host country once again shows its great love for football.

With 23 teams all aiming at the trophies of the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup, many matches need to be played over the next ten days. This is why the women’s tournament started even before the superb opening ceremony, with the University of Sydney defeated Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France 3-2 in the opening match.

But then, it was China’s time to shine! With more that 1,200 university and primary and secondary students from Dalian taking the stage, and more than 21,000 spectators in the Suoyuwan Stadium, the opening ceremony was stunning.

Some pictures from the opening ceremony

Previous Next

The stage rippled like waves and gulls soared — youthful vitality and the coastal city’s maritime rhythm fused perfectly, transforming the city’s open and inclusive temperament and its warm welcome of guests from the five continents into a powerful visual symphony.

In the performance of Jasmine, artists from the Dalian Song & Dance Theatre interpreted the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture with graceful dance. The Dalian Acrobatic Troupe incorporated youth-filled choreography into the theme song “We Want to Win” putting on a high-energy show that pushed the atmosphere to its climax.

Wang Jiayi, Vice Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football, declared the tournament open

In his address, FISU President Leonz Eder thanked China for its outstanding contributions to the development of university sport and for its long-term, steadfast support of FISU. He said China has become one of FISU’s most important and treasured partners. The motto “excellence in mind and body” is not only a core ideal upheld by many universities but also inspires young people to pursue progress in both academics and sport. He expressed the hope that this tournament will display excellent competitive standards, and adhere to the principle of fair play.

And then it was time for the first Chinese team to play as the host university Shanghai University of Sport took on University of Valencia from Spain. After six minutes only, the home team scored the first of their 4 goals, making the crowd proud.

After the match, Sun Fangxin, who completed a hat-trick, admitted that it was normal for the players to feel a bit nervous in the first half of the opening game. In the second half, the whole team gradually took control of the game with smooth passes and aggressive tackling, and the result of a landslide victory was ultimately satisfying.

Zhao Haotong, a freshman from Dalian Minzu University who comes from Guangxi, is passionate about football. It was his first time coming to Dalian and Suoyuwan, and he was overwhelmed with excitement. “As a guy who loves playing football in daily life, being able to come to Suoyuwan and experience the on-site atmosphere is an extremely exciting and joyful thing for me. The atmosphere at Suoyuwan Football Stadium is truly fantastic. No one who loves playing football can resist the temptation to play on this pitch!”

The best university football from around the world

The following day, 18 September, nine more matches were played, showcasing the very best of university football. After this first day, the University of Granada (ESP), the State University of Trade and Economics (UKR), the University for Development Studies (GHA) and the University of Split (CRO) lead their respective groups in the men’s tournament (detailed results here).

Pictures from 18 September

Previous Next

On the women’s side, Shanghai University of Sport (CHN) and The University of Sydney (AUS) are both in the lead. Three matches are scheduled on 19 September for an exciting evening ahead.

For the next days more than ever, Dalian really owns up to its nickname, the “City of Football.”

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).