2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championships

For those who haven’t yet experienced Drone Soccer, this futuristic 3D football game is amazing to watch and even more amazing to play!

The 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championships (WDSC) will be hosted in Shanghai city, People’s Republic of China. The WDSC will be organised by the Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC), and the Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Management Center, established in March 2019, which reports to the Shanghai Sports Bureau.

The Championship is held in the FAI Class F9A (Drone Soccer), which comprises two subclasses:

• F9A-A – Drone ball with a diameter of 40 cm
• F9A-B – Drone ball with a diameter of 20 cm

Awards & Classification

• The highest-placed team will be awarded the title of FAI Drone Soccer World Champion for that subclass.
• FAI medals and diplomas will be presented to the Team Manager and to each player of the teams ranked first, second, and third.

Venue

The competition will stand in the Shanghai Stadium located in Xujiahui Sports Park (Xuhui District).

About Drone Soccer

Drone Soccer, an emerging Aeromodelling sport, combines precision flying, teamwork, and strategy in a thrilling, fast-paced competition.

What sets it apart in air sports is its real-time, head-to-head gameplay, where teams actively compete to score goals while defending against opponents.

This dynamic format not only challenges pilots but also makes it an exciting sport, with fast action, strategic manoeuvres, and intense rivalries that keep audiences engaged.

The 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championships will feature two classes: F9A-A (l40cm diameter drone balls) and F9A-B (20cm drone balls), with teams competing for the ultimate title in FAI-sanctioned drone soccer.

For the first time in FAI history, the F9A-B category will introduce a dedicated women’s division, encouraging broader participation and fostering gender equality in drone sports.

FAI President Greg Principato expressed excitement about the championship:

"Drone soccer is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, and the 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championships will set new standards for the sport. Shanghai’s top-tier venue, combined with cutting-edge technology, ensures a thrilling and unforgettable competition for athletes and spectators alike." The 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championships represents a significant step forward in the evolution of competitive drone sports, bringing together innovation, skill, and international collaboration.