The 2026 International School Sport Federation (ISF) Football World Cup opened in Suzhou on October 18. The ISF Football World Cup is the world’s highest-level and largest football tournament for secondary school students. Originally launched in 1972 as the World Schools Football Championship, the event was upgraded to the ISF Football World Cup in 2022. China won the hosting rights for three consecutive editions in 2024, 2026 and 2028, with the inaugural edition of the upgraded tournament held in Dalian, Liaoning Province.

This year’s tournament brings together 51 teams from 31 countries and regions, including 35 in the boys’ division and 16 in the girls’ division, spanning four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Under the theme “We Are Together”, the opening ceremony blended cultural elements such as Suzhou’s classical gardens, Suzhou embroidery and Kunqu Opera, and featured the debut of the mascots “Susu” and “Yuanyuan”. From October 18 to 25, more than 10 matches will be played each day across 17 pitches at venues including the Suzhou Sports Center, the Taihu Football Sports Center and local school campuses. During the tournament, the organizing committee will also arrange for participating teams to visit Suzhou’s classical gardens, cultural sites and museums, step into local senior high schools, and take part in exchange programs such as “Cultural Activity Day”, “Cultural Night” and “Campus Visits”. Serving as a window, the tournament will enable Suzhou to showcase its achievements in integrating sports and education to nurture young talent, build a platform for dialogue and exchanges between Chinese and international youth, foster friendship through football, and present Suzhou to the world.