The world’s top Drone Soccer teams gather to compete for the Aerial Hercules Cup
Introduction
The 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championship (WDSC Shanghai) will be the world’s premier drone sports event this year.
Hosted at the Shanghai Gymnasium from November 15 to 18, 2025, this FAI Class A international competition will welcome more than 40 elite teams from 17 countries and regions to compete for the Aerial Hercules Cup — the highest honor in Drone Soccer.
Combining aeronautical engineering, STEM innovation, and team-based aerial tactics, the event marks a new milestone in the rise of Drone Soccer as an officially recognized FAI air sport discipline (F9A Class 20).
A Global Debut for the World’s Fastest-Growing Drone Sport
On October 8, the 2025 World Drone Soccer Championship Test Tournament successfully kicked off at the Shanghai Science and Sports Management Center’s Air Dome.
From open flight workshops that revealed the mechanics of drone control, to demonstrations of advanced “black technologies” behind the sport, and international-level test matches that showcased speed, precision, and tactics — all these marked that Drone Soccer has officially entered its ‘Shanghai time.’
A Fusion of Technology and Sports
The championship represents the highest level of FAI Drone Soccer competition in the world and the first Class A FAI event hosted in Shanghai in 31 years.
Blending drone technology with football-style teamwork, competitors pilot specially designed spherical drones in 5v5 or 3v3 real-time matches, displaying the precision of flight control and the team strategy of competitive sports.
It is a thrilling, visually captivating new discipline that embodies the future of technology-based athletics.
40 Teams from 17 Nations to Compete
The event will feature two divisions — F9A-A and F9A-B — attracting elite teams from China, South Korea, Japan, France, and more.
Each match will test pilots’ coordination, quick decision-making, and understanding of FAI Drone Soccer rules.
As the host nation, China will field two teams in each category, reflecting the country’s growing strength and innovation in Drone Soccer technology.
Interactive Technology and Innovation Zones
During the championship, Shanghai will host a series of public engagement and technology-focused activities around the event, including:
- Drone Soccer Experience Zones, where visitors can try flying drones inside safe arenas
- Technology Exhibitions, showcasing new drone designs, AI control systems, and educational applications
- Live Expert Commentary, explaining FAI gameplay rules, flight mechanics, and tactics in real time
These experiences are designed to make FAI Drone Soccer more accessible and inspiring to students, families, and future innovators.
Driving Shanghai’s Smart Sports and Low-Altitude Economy
By hosting the FAI Drone Soccer World Championship, Shanghai strengthens its reputation as a world-class sports city and a global hub for science, technology, and innovation.
The event is expected to:
- Promote public participation in STEM-oriented sports
- Advance the development of China’s low-altitude economy
- Accelerate the digital transformation of sports industries
- Inspire youth interest in aerospace and robotics education
The fusion of Drone Soccer and advanced drone manufacturing is also projected to drive growth in aeronautics training, drone safety standards, and AI-integrated flight systems.
Equipment, Arenas, and Global Standards
As Drone Soccer gains international recognition, professional suppliers like Oriental Navigation have developed complete FAI-compliant Drone Soccer systems — from inflatable arenas and LED goal rings to referee kits, charging stations, and training drones.
Their products fully align with the FAI F9A Class 20 specifications, enabling organizers and schools worldwide to host professional-level competitions safely and efficiently.
This growing alignment between global standards and educational technology is positioning Drone Soccer as both a STEM teaching platform and a professional sport of the future.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 FAI World Drone Soccer Championship in Shanghai marks a turning point for global drone sports.
As international collaboration deepens, more Drone Soccer leagues, training programs, and research initiatives are expected to emerge across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Manufacturers and educational partners such as Oriental Navigation will continue to advance FAI-compliant Drone Soccer equipment, supporting both competitive events and STEM-based drone education around the world.
From FAI-standard arenas and LED goals to advanced training drones and official accessories, Oriental Navigation is helping shape the next generation of Drone Soccer worldwide.
