Road to the World Cup

U.S. Drone Soccer National Championships 
and the 2024 FAI Drone Soccer World Cup



DS U19 Youth - 20cm Class (weight 300g)

This industrial skills training program provides an immersion in aviation as students build, program, innovate, and learn to fly open-source aircraft as a team. Full-contact gameplay takes place inside a netted arena that fits in any school. Over 115 institutions have joined our national league with competitions happening across the country, serving as a feeder program for aviation careers. Aligned with the FAI F9A-B rulesets, all teams have a path to become the 20cm U.S. National Team and compete in the 2024 World Cup. 


Tentative Schedule

Mon-Tues, April 22nd - 23rd, 2024 

  • ​U.S. Drone Soccer U19 National Championship Tournament (20cm)

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 

  • U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship Tournament
  • ​2024 FAI F9A Drone Soccer World Cup 20cm Group Stage

Thursday, April 25th, 2024

  • ​2024 FAI F9A Drone Soccer World Cup 20cm Elimination Rounds and Final


2023-24 Academic Season

Oct
National Championships and 2024 World Cup Announced

Qualifications and tournament bid dates announced October 3

Aug

U.S. Drone Soccer Academic Season Kickoff

October 23, 2023
Public virtual town hall meeting for all league administrators and coaches.


Oct

Korea 2024 World Cup Qualifying Tournament

Top teams from around the world will attend this World Cup Event alongside the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) World Drone Racing Championships.

October 6-9th, 2023 - Namwon, Korea 

U.S. State and District Tournament Bids Due

Organizations can apply to host a State or District Tournament by October 31st, 2023.

Dec
Germany Qualifier Application Due

Organizations that want to travel as an additional team for the international tournament in Hannover, Germany must submit an application by Dec 31st.

Jan

Germany 2024 World Cup Qualifying Tournament

The second qualifying event hosted at the ABF Festival. 

Jan 31st - Feb 4th, 2024 - Hannover, Germany. 

U.S. Drone Soccer State Tournament Registration Cutoff

All U.S. Teams must register for state or district tournaments by January 31st, 2024. 

October

U.S. Drone Soccer State and District Championships 

Held in various states between January 1 through March 31, 2024. 
National Championship slots will be granted to the top 32 teams from these events. 

October

U.S. Drone Soccer National Championships 
and the 2024 FAI F9A Drone Soccer World Cup


The winning team will serve as the U.S. National Team during the 
FAI F9A 2024 Drone Soccer World Cup