Energy echoed through Lied Recreation Center Nov. 1 and 2 as the International Student Council (ISC) hosted its annual World Soccer Tournament, bringing together students from across the globe for two days of high-intensity matches and cultural connection.
The event, a long-standing tradition at Iowa State, transformed the gym into a lively gathering of flags, jerseys and cheering crowds. Teams were formed by students from various countries, many of whom were meeting for the first time but quickly built chemistry on the field.
“It was great to see how much energy everyone brought,” ISC Treasurer and director of this year’s tournament, Amod Sabnis, a junior in aerospace engineering, said. “The atmosphere at Lied Rec was lively the entire weekend. It felt like a big celebration of cultures through soccer.”
Despite the competitive environment, Sabnis said the sportsmanship stood out most.
“Every team played with a lot of passion,” Sabnis said. “But after the final whistle, players would shake hands, laugh together and take photos. It showed how much respect they had for each other.”
The tournament has roots dating back to the early 2000s. ISC recently rediscovered rulebooks from 2001 and 2002 — proof of how deeply this event is woven into ISU’s international community.
This year brought moments no one expected. One team did not show up to their knockout match after assuming they wouldn’t advance. To keep the bracket fair, ISC gave a wildcard spot to a third-place team, which went on to win the entire tournament.
According to Mayank Ranjan, president of ISC and a junior in materials engineering, the surprise only added to the excitement.
“The atmosphere was electric,” Ranjan said. “We worked hard to make sure the matches were balanced, and it really paid off. We barely had any one-sided games.”
With fewer committee members this year, Ranjan and others spent much of the weekend working behind the scenes, coordinating referees, assisting with contract details, taping fields and setting up equipment.
“It was a team effort,” Ranjan said. “Seeing everything come together and watching everyone enjoy the event was the most rewarding part.”
For ISC, the tournament means more than scoring goals. The council sees it as an opportunity for students to share their love for soccer, connect with new people and celebrate the diversity that shapes the Iowa State community.
“It gives international students a chance to feel part of something bigger on campus,” Sabnis said. “It gives domestic students a way to experience the global culture campus here.”
ISC plans to expand the event next year, potentially adding individual awards such as top goal scorer or best goalkeeper and welcoming more teams as interest grows.
With its mix of competition, camaraderie and cultural pride, this year’s World Soccer Tournament once again showcased how the power of sport can bring Cyclones together, on and off the field.