The 2026 ISF Football World Cup is in full swing here in Suzhou! While the action heats up on the pitch, the magic is also happening off it. International stars are dropping by local schools to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture, turning this tournament into a true global celebration.

Coaches and players of the French team, guided by school teachers, learned Chinese martial arts moves and soaked up the appeal of Tai Chi through breath and movement. Afterward, they tried their hand at making lacquer fans, each taking home a one-of-a-kind creation.

Coach of the French team:

"It's been a wonderful experience. Practicing Tai Chi for the first time was both challenging and great fun. I'm delighted to have experienced Chinese culture—it left a deep impression on me."

Turkish team members, meanwhile, joined an "intangible cultural heritage class," where they learned brush calligraphy, made rubbings, painted Peking opera masks, and tried touhu (pitch-pot) and other traditional Chinese games—enjoying every minute.

Member of the Turkish team:

"This is my first time writing with a brush. The strokes are tricky, but it's a lot of fun."

Assistant coach of the Turkish team:

"Football brought us from Türkiye to Suzhou—and gave us a closer look at China."