Jeonju, South Korea – The city of Jeonju is gearing up to welcome the world’s first Drone Soccer World Cup as part of the FIDA World Cup Jeonju 2025, scheduled to take place from September 25–28 at the Jeonju International Drone Sports Center and Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Jeonbuk State, the City of Jeonju, and the International Drone Soccer Federation (FIDA), the event promises to be a global festival uniting sports, culture, and tourism under the theme: “Drone Soccer, Opening the Sky and Connecting the World.”
Drone Soccer: The Future of Sports
Drone soccer is a high-energy sport that fuses drone technology with soccer-style gameplay. Teams of five players — including one striker — compete in three-minute sets, aiming to fly drone balls through a suspended circular goal. With its rapid offensive and defensive shifts, the game delivers an electrifying spectacle for both competitors and fans.
The FIDA World Cup will feature two categories:
- Class 40 (National Teams)
- Class 20 (Club Teams)
The top 16 teams will advance to knockout rounds, competing for championship titles. Additional events, such as the Crashing Competition and Super Pilot Selection Competition, will showcase innovation and skill at the heart of drone sports.
A Festival of Technology, Music, and Culture
The four-day event is more than just a sports tournament. It will feature:
- K-pop & Trot Opening Performances: On September 25, artists including RIIZE, AHOF, ICHILLIN’, and Kim Hee-jae will headline the opening ceremony, alongside electronic string music and b-boy dance showcases.
- Drone Industry International Symposium: Held on September 25–26 at The May Hotel, this forum will explore the future of drone technology.
- Cultural & Artistic Programs: Street theater, opera, and dance will highlight Jeonju’s traditional and modern culture.
- Drone Experience Program: Hands-on opportunities for visitors to try drone activities.
- 2025 Buy Jeonju GOGO Festival: A spotlight on local products from Jeonju.
- Drone Light Show: A stunning nighttime spectacle planned for September 27.
- National Drone Soccer Tournament: Student athletes will compete on the final day, closing out the festival with future stars of drone sports.
Leaders’ Perspectives
FIDA President Ro Sang Heub emphasized the event’s importance:
“Hosting the world’s first Drone Soccer World Cup in Jeonju represents a significant step in promoting the city as the birthplace of drone soccer and advancing the global drone industry.”
Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-ki added:
“The FIDA World Cup Jeonju 2025 is more than a sports event. It’s a global festival combining cutting-edge technology, culture, and tourism, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.”
About the FIDA World Cup Jeonju 2025
- Dates: September 25 (Thu) – September 28 (Sun), 2025
- Venues: Jeonju International Drone Sports Center & Jeonju World Cup Stadium
- Hosts: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Jeonbuk State, City of Jeonju
- Organizer: International Drone Soccer Federation (FIDA)
- Theme: “Drone Soccer, Opening the Sky and Connecting the World”
The event is set to cement Jeonju’s status as the birthplace of drone soccer and introduce the sport to a global audience, blending innovation, entertainment, and cultural pride into one unforgettable festival.
