QINGDAO (Qingdaonews.com), Nov. 9 (Reporter: Liu Wenchao) – The passionate shouts of players and the cheers of the crowd intertwine at Haishi Shanmeng Square in Qingdao this November, where a football festival for everyone is underway.
On November 8th, the 2025 Global 3V3 Football World Cup National Tournament kicked off amidst thunderous applause. Football enthusiasts from all over the country gathered on the streets of Qingdao's old town to compete fiercely on a unique field set in the historic urban area. Unlike the tension and solemnity of traditional football matches, the 3V3 tournament is filled with a relaxed and lively atmosphere. The pitches are set up among city landmarks, bringing football back to its street roots and realizing the concept of universal participation.
The Street is the Stadium, Everyone is a Star
On the morning of November 8th, the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global 3V3 Football World Cup National Tournament was held at Haishi Shanmeng Square in Qingdao. In the historic Shangjieli area, teams from sixteen cities, including Qingdao, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Jinan, made their appearance one by one, showcasing their high spirits. Leaders and guests from organizing bodies such as the Qingdao Football Association attended the ceremony. Following a solemn oath by players and referees, they jointly kicked off the first match, officially launching the passionate "everyone gets to play" showdowns.
On the field, every dribble, every precise pass, and every spectacular goal from the players drew waves of applause from the audience. The players' faces shone with a pure love for football, their sweat and smiles painting a vivid picture of the unique charm of grassroots football.
"You can form a team with just three people and play right outside your door. This is truly our kind of football!" said Sun Haoyang, a player from the Qingdao team, after a match. "It breaks the limitations of venues and numbers, bringing football back to its purest joy." The Global 3V3 Football World Cup adopts an innovative three-a-side format, significantly lowering the entry barrier and moving the sport from professional stadiums to neighborhood streets.
The 3V3 event blurs the line between spectators and players, creating an immersive "watching is participating" experience. On the sidelines, parents paused with their children to watch, while young people raised their phones to capture thrilling moments. Spectators of all ages could find their own enjoyment in the games.
More Than a Competition, It's a Joyful Party
In the afternoon, the event reached a new high. The host energetically interacted with the audience, turning the football competition into a city-wide carnival.
"Not only do you get to see high-level matches, but you can also win footballs and custom apparel through interactive sessions. This is the first time I've experienced the passion of football up close. It feels amazing!" said Wei Shengzeng, a member of the audience.
Interactive segments and prize giveaways transformed spectators from passive observers into active participants, allowing them to personally experience the unique appeal of 3V3 football. The 2025 Global 3V3 Football World Cup National Tournament is more than just a competition; it is a platform for cultural fusion. The event cleverly integrates elements of Qingdao's urban culture, allowing players and spectators to feel the unique charm of this century-old football city while enjoying the games. The perfect fusion of street pitches and urban landscapes transforms the sporting event into a tangible and participatory cityscape.
Integration and Growth: The Vision of a Homegrown Sports IP
The tournament brought together teams from across the nation, showcasing the rich tapestry of Chinese football styles. From the historical legacy of Zibo, the birthplace of football, to Shanghai's "technical Haipai (Shanghai Style)" which emphasizes footwork and teamwork; from Jinan's solid youth training foundation, resilient spirit and strong grassroots culture, to Changchun's "tough, practical, and youth-focused" pragmatism; from Chengdu's passionate football market, tenacious play, and robust youth development, to Guangzhou's "technique-rooted, pragmatic, and open" 'Southern School' dexterity and modern achievements—diverse football cultures collided and communicated, enriching the event's substance.
"Here, whether you are a grassroots player or a professional, you can find a stage to shine," shared Chen Hongyu from the Beijing team. The tournament features youth, adult, and professional categories, covering all age groups and truly embodying the "everyone can play" philosophy. As a homegrown Chinese sports IP, the Global 3V3 Football World Cup is charting a unique path from local cultivation to international export. Its innovative format and philosophy of universal participation offer new ideas for the development of China's sports industry.
Behind the event lies a restructuring of the sports industry ecosystem. Through a model of "IP-driven traffic, industry integration, and consumption conversion," it achieves deep integration of sports with culture, tourism, and commerce. The Global 3V3 Football World Cup National Tournament is not just a contest of skill, but a concentrated display of the nation's passion for fitness. Every participant on the field, regardless of age or skill level, is interpreting the event's spirit of "Glory, I Dare" with their actions.
Editor: Yuan Ruichen
