ISF Football World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in China with 51 Teams from 31 Countries

By Emmanuel Sekago

The International School Sport Federation (ISF) Football World Cup 2026 officially opened on Sunday evening at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium in China, bringing together 51 school football teams from 31 countries and regions for a week of competition, cultural exchange and international friendship.

Held under the theme “We Are Together,” the opening ceremony blended Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage with the energy and excitement of youth football, setting the stage for a tournament that brings together sport, education and global unity.

The ceremony featured performances inspired by traditional Chinese football, known as Cuju, alongside Kunqu Opera, Suzhou embroidery and the city’s renowned garden culture. Contemporary music, dance and spectacular light displays added to the celebrations.

The parade of participating delegations showcased the diversity of the teams gathered in Suzhou, while the event mascots, Susu and Yuanyuan, welcomed the young athletes to the international competition.

The ceremony brought together participating delegations, local authorities and spectators to mark the beginning of the global school football event.

ISF President Željko Tanasković addressed the gathering alongside Chen Dongsheng, Vice-President and Secretary-General of the Chinese University and School Sports Federation (FOCUSS), and Wang Wei, Mayor of Suzhou and Executive Vice-President of the Local Organising Committee.

Shen Jianrong, Vice-Governor of Jiangsu Province, officially declared the tournament open.

Following the colorful ceremony, the opening match saw China 1 overcome Czechia 2 by 4-1 in front of 18,625 spectators at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Czechia 2 scored the first goal of the tournament before China 1 responded with a diving header to restore parity. The Chinese side subsequently took control in the second half, scoring three additional goals to secure an emphatic victory and make a winning start to the competition.

Among the scorers was Zhao Songyuan, who made history as the first player in Chinese football history to be selected for the national team while still studying in high school.

The opening fixture provided an exciting start to the tournament, with the host nation celebrating a convincing victory in front of its home supporters.

The 2026 edition features 35 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams representing Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Competition runs from October 19 to 25, with the boys’ and girls’ finals scheduled for October 25 at Suzhou Sports Centre.

Beyond the pursuit of trophies, the tournament aims to promote international friendship, cultural understanding and educational exchange through school sport.

More than 660 local volunteers have been recruited to support the organisation of the event, providing practical assistance to participating teams and helping ensure the smooth running of the competition.

In another initiative designed to strengthen cultural ties, 33 schools in Suzhou will be paired with visiting delegations for activities that include school visits, football exchanges and opportunities to experience local traditions.

Participants will also have the chance to explore Suzhou’s historical heritage and modern development through cultural programmes organised alongside the tournament.

The activities are intended to ensure that the visiting student-athletes gain more than sporting experience, allowing them to build friendships and learn about different cultures.

With the tournament now underway, Suzhou has become a meeting point for young footballers from across the world, united by their passion for the game and the shared values of teamwork, respect and fair play.

As the competition continues towards the October 25 finals, the ISF Football World Cup 2026 is expected to provide a platform for emerging school football talent while strengthening the connection between sport, education and international cooperation.