School football World Cup opens in Suzhou with 51 teams
(ECNS) -- The 2026 International School Sport Federation Football World Cup opened Sunday evening at Suzhou Sports Center Stadium in eastern China's Jiangsu Province.
Themed "We Are Together," the ceremony blended elements of local culture, including Suzhou gardens, Su embroidery and Kunqu opera, with the energy and vitality of school football and young athletes.
Wang Wei, executive vice president of the organizing committee and mayor of Suzhou, delivered a welcome address. Shen Jianrong, vice governor of Jiangsu Province, officially declared the tournament open.
The opening match followed, with China Team 1 facing Czechia Team 2. More than 10 matches will be played daily across 17 venues over the coming week.
The tournament has attracted 51 teams from 31 countries and regions, including 35 men's teams and 16 women's teams, representing Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. This marks the largest edition of the competition to date.
The World Cup is one of the world's largest and highest-level international football competitions for secondary school students. China has secured hosting rights for three consecutive editions in 2024, 2026 and 2028.
(By Gong Weiwei)