DALIAN, China, Sept. 19, 2025 – The 2025 FISU (International University Sports Federation) University World Cup Football officially commenced in Dalian, China, on September 17 at the Suoyuwan Football Stadium. Twenty-four premier university football teams, representing 17 countries across five continents, converged in this renowned “football city” to engage in an exhilarating and friendly football tournament.
China put forward four teams for this competition: the defending champions, Beijing Normal University Women’s Team; the 2024 AUSF (Asian University Sports Federation) Football Cup champions, Shanghai University of Sport Women’s Team; the host representatives, Beihang University Men’s Team; and the wildcard entrant, Yanbian University Men’s Team. In the opening match held that evening, the Shanghai University of Sport Women’s Team secured a decisive 4-0 victory over the University of Valencia Women’s Team.
The women’s football team from Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, being the first contingent to arrive, also participated in cultural and sports exchange initiatives at its partner institution, Dalian Minzu University, preceding the tournament.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Leonz Eder, President of FISU, conveyed his gratitude for China’s significant contributions to the advancement of university sports and its consistent backing of FISU. Through such dedicated efforts, China has cemented its status as FISU’s most vital and cherished partner.
This installment of the FISU World Cup Football represents another world-class youth football spectacle hosted by Dalian, following the successful ISF Football World Cup 2024. This edition not only gathered elite teams from traditional football powerhouses such as Spain, France, Brazil, and Chile, but also included highly-ranked universities like the University of Sydney and the University of Auckland, both listed within the top 500 of the 2025 QS World University Rankings, thereby highlighting the event’s rigorous standards and broad international appeal.
Source: Executive Committee of the 2025 FISU University World Cup Football
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