The Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU), known in English as the International University Sports Federation, will be expanding African slots in the University World Cup Football, starting with next year’s edition.
This follows Ghana’s University for Development Studies’ (UDS) impressive run in the 2025 competition, where they defeated powerhouses such as the University of Granada (ESP) in the semifinals and defending champions Paulista University (BRA) in the final, becoming the first African university to lift the coveted trophy.
The Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) revealed this in a congratulatory message to UDS for their historic achievement.
“Beyond winning the trophy, your success has secured additional slots for African teams in next year’s edition, opening greater opportunities for our continent to shine even brighter on the global stage. This is a true milestone for African university sport,” the statement read.
They further expressed gratitude to the entire UDS community for this remarkable feat and for lifting Africa’s flag high.
“We salute you, your students, and the entire UDS community for flying the African flag so high. May this victory inspire even more growth, confidence, and excellence in university sports across our continent. Once again, congratulations to Professor Seidu, Coach Tanko Ibrahim, to UDS, and to Ghana,” the message concluded.
Football entered FISU in 1966 through a European University Championship, gained full acceptance into the Universiade between 1979 and 1985, and since 2019 has also been contested as a standalone tournament in the FISU University World Cup.
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Story by Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
