Let's Go! The 1st FAI World Drone Soccer Championship opens in style
"Let's go!" was the dynamic message at the spectacular Opening Ceremony for the inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championship in Shanghai, China on 15 November 2025.
The ceremony took place inside the Shanghai Stadium, where the matches will be played. After the international team parade and introductions to the officials and representatives, spectators enjoyed an impressive dance show, followed by the Chinese national anthem and speeches, including the athletes' and judges' oaths.
Team China during the parade
FAI representatives present at this brand new FAI team sport event included Secretary General Markus Haggeney and Bruno Delor of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM), and CIAM President Antonis Papadopoulos took to the stage to thank the hosts and welcome visitors, proclaiming the event a "remarkable occasion". Referring back to first FAI World Drone Racing Championship hosted by China, he continued by saying that, "We can be confident that drone soccer will follow the same successful path." Papadopoulos also highlighed the high number of younger players involved in this new team sport, stating: "It is inspiring to see that many competitors are juniors, it is a promising sign for this exciting new discipline."
The Opening Ceremony was livestreamed via the FAI Youtube channel:
COMPETITION Schedule
At the dedicated team meeting earlier in the day, Bruno Delor hosted the draw for the matches (also livestreamed) in both the F9A-A and F9A-B subclasses.
Sunday 16 & Monday 17 November:
- Competition group stage (1st & 2nd rounds)
- Competition round of 16
Tuesday 18th November
- Quarter finals, semi finals and finals
- Prizegiving & Closing Ceremony, Buffet Dinner
Young Drone Soccer players
How to follow the event
Images: Courtesy of event organisers
