Home » America Travel News » China, Indonesia, Russia, United States, Germany, Argentina, Portugal, and Colombia Unite at World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025 to Drive Unprecedented Growth in Asia’s Football Industry with Over 2,000 Global Leaders and Innovators
Published on
September 2, 2025
Since its inception, the World Football Summit (WFS) has pursued a clear and ambitious mission: to unite the driving forces shaping the future of football worldwide. Originally launched in Madrid, Spain, as a focused initiative to bring together the sport’s key stakeholders, WFS has quickly evolved into the premier global community for football business leaders, innovators, and influencers. Today, it serves as a vital platform where thousands of top executives from 171 countries—including Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, India, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom—connect, collaborate, and forge the next chapters of football’s remarkable evolution.
From Madrid to the World Stage: The Remarkable Rise of World Football Summit
The journey of WFS reflects football’s global expansion as a cultural phenomenon and a complex, dynamic industry. What began as a passionate gathering of professionals in Madrid has blossomed into a series of landmark international events spanning continents, uniting delegates from every corner of the globe.
Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, the United States, Uruguay, and Vietnam are among the diverse voices shaping the Summit’s success. These events have become essential hubs for networking, deal-making, and the exchange of visionary ideas—welcoming over 4,000 female leaders, more than 360 speakers, and countless pioneers.
WFS continuously expands its impact initiatives, now numbering over 250 programs dedicated to promoting social change, sustainability, and equality in football. Each summit strengthens this global community, bridging sectors ranging from grassroots clubs and national federations to international media, technology innovators, and governing bodies.
Core Pillars Driving Football’s Inclusive and Sustainable Future
At its heart, WFS is about more than football business. It champions a sport that is fairer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible. Every summit emphasizes three foundational pillars:
Gender Equality: Addressing historic gender gaps in football, WFS spearheads programs such as the Female Leaders Program and La Menina to empower women at all levels of the sport. These initiatives enhance visibility, provide mentorship, and develop leadership, while dismantling systemic barriers in governance and management. Countries like Norway, Canada, Germany, and Australia exemplify leadership in advancing women’s roles in football.Inclusion and Diversity: Football’s universal appeal lies in its ability to bring people together. WFS fosters diversity and accessibility, ensuring football reaches all social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Initiatives like The Most Inclusive Match demonstrate how the sport unites communities and celebrates diverse identities. Nations such as South Africa, India, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom are active proponents of this vision.Environmental Sustainability: Amid growing climate concerns, WFS champions green policies and sustainable practices within football. From reducing event carbon footprints to promoting responsible resource management across supply chains, sustainability is integral to football’s future. Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand are notable leaders in implementing eco-friendly football initiatives.World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025: Asia’s Football Industry in the Spotlight
Asia’s football market has surged over the past decade, and WFS Hong Kong is set to harness this dynamic growth. Scheduled for September 3-4, 2025, at the Asia World Expo, the event will welcome over 2,000 attendees, including more than 100 speakers, 200 rights holders, and 70 media outlets from 70 countries.
The summit bridges Asia’s passion for football with its expanding commercial infrastructure. Football executives, marketers, broadcasters, and policymakers from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines will engage in strategic discussions focused on unlocking the region’s vast potential through innovative partnerships, investment, and grassroots development.
Women’s Football Week Bilbao: Celebrating Progress and Empowerment
Women’s football is among the fastest-growing segments globally. WFS’s Women’s Football Week in Bilbao captures this momentum with a dedicated week-long event emphasizing inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. Over 1,200 attendees and 108 expert speakers from 38 countries—including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, England, the United States, and Canada—participate in this pivotal gathering.
Seven intensive days of networking address challenges such as visibility, funding, and infrastructure while celebrating milestones in the women’s game. Featuring 30 panels and 18 activities, the event fosters best practice sharing and collaborative solutions, propelling women’s football forward worldwide.
Other Major WFS Events Bridging Football’s Global RegionsWFS Monterrey, Mexico (June 9-10, 2025): Representing the Americas, this summit attracts over 1,700 participants from 80 countries, including 150 rights holders and 80 media professionals. It focuses on strengthening football’s commercial environment and fan engagement across North and South America, spotlighting leagues and markets in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, Canada, and Chile.WFS Madrid, Spain (October 15-16, 2025): The flagship European event draws more than 2,500 attendees, 130 speakers, and 500 rights holders. As Europe remains football’s innovation hub, the summit spotlights trends in technology, broadcasting, fan experience, and commercial partnerships. Attendees hail from Germany, France, Italy, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Russia.WFS Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (December 10-11, 2025): Marking the Middle East’s rising football prominence, this event gathers over 2,000 leaders and 150 speakers. Riyadh’s summit highlights the kingdom’s investments in major tournaments, club ownership, and grassroots programs. Delegates represent Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.World Cup of Healing, New York City (July 10, 2025): Beyond business, this unique event harnesses football’s power to unite communities and promote healing. Athletes, social activists, and leaders from the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and beyond gather for a day focused on peace, trust-building, and social cohesion.World-Class Transport and Hospitality Supporting Seamless Global Participation
WFS’s international reach is supported by top-tier transportation hubs and hospitality tailored for its diverse audience.
Hong Kong International Airport stands as a major gateway connecting Asia with Europe, the Americas, and beyond, ensuring smooth access for attendees worldwide.Shanghai Pudong International Airport connects key Asian markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and India.Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport facilitates travel for southern China’s commercial hub, supporting football professionals’ inbound and outbound journeys.
Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines offer a range of premium and affordable options. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, boasts extensive global routes and luxury services, while HK Express caters to budget-conscious travelers with efficient regional flights.
Premium Accommodation Blending Comfort and Convenience
WFS attendees enjoy stays at renowned Hong Kong hotels:
Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai offers over 1,000 rooms, from intimate suites to large residences, ideal for business travelers and delegations.The Hari Hong Kong, a boutique luxury hotel, features 210 rooms with panoramic city views near Causeway Bay and the convention center.The Cityview in Yau Ma Tei provides easy access to local markets and shopping, perfect for blending business with cultural exploration.B P International (Baden-Powell International House) offers over 500 guest rooms with scenic Victoria Harbour views.Discover Hong Kong’s Cultural and Entertainment Highlights
Beyond the summit, visitors can explore iconic attractions:
Hong Kong Disneyland offers magical experiences with the Castle of Magical Dreams, parades, and immersive character shows.Victoria Peak provides stunning skyline and harbor views, with scenic walks, dining, and the historic Peak Tram.Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) is a peaceful retreat surrounded by cultural sites and vegetarian restaurants.Ocean Park features thrilling rides, a vast aquarium with a shark tunnel, a panda habitat, and captivating animal shows.
The Future of Football Starts Here
World Football Summit is more than a conference—it is the heartbeat of football’s global business and cultural ecosystem. By fostering meaningful connections, inspiring innovation, and championing values of equality and sustainability, WFS empowers football communities from Europe to Asia, the Americas to Africa, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for the world’s most beloved sport.