A World Cup journey full circle

When Chen Zhanghuan received his FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer certificate after two months of service, it meant far more to him than recognition. It marked a journey from watching the World Cup to playing a part in making it happen.

"In the past, I experienced sporting events as a spectator and a learner," said the 26-year-old graduate student at Shanghai University of Sport.

"This time, I wanted to step onto the global sports stage as a member of China's younger generation — not just watching history unfold but helping to shape it."

The seeds of that ambition were planted in 2018. Fresh out of high school, Chen traveled alone to Russia for his first World Cup. When he lost his tickets and passport on a train, Russian volunteers and local officials coordinated across cities to retrieve his missing documents from Moscow.

"That was an incredibly meaningful experience for me," Chen recalled. "I was terrified and helpless in a foreign country, and the volunteers stepped in without hesitation. Their kindness left such a deep impression on me that I remember thinking: one day, I want to be that person for someone else."

That opportunity came when FIFA opened applications to volunteer at the 2026 World Cup in August 2025, drawing more than 1 million applicants worldwide. After months of anticipation and an interview, Chen was selected as an international volunteer in Kansas City, Missouri.

His family initially worried about him traveling abroad alone, but their concern gradually gave way to pride.

"When they watch the matches on TV, my parents tell their colleagues that although their son never played in the World Cup, he is there helping out behind the scenes," Chen said.

Assigned to transport services, Chen helped clear routes before team buses arrived, maintain order along VIP and media corridors and manage large crowds on match days.

"I came to realize that behind the exhilarating 90 minutes fans see on the pitch is a massive, meticulously coordinated operation," he said.

His shifts routinely lasted more than six hours and could stretch to 10 with the added demands of managing spectators entering and leaving the venue.

Two matches stood out in Chen's memory.

The first was Argentina versus Algeria, which also marked Lionel Messi's first appearance at this World Cup. For Chen, being so close to the energy and intensity of a World Cup match was unforgettable.

The second was Ecuador versus Curacao, which held greater personal significance. Chinese referee Ma Ning officiated the match, with Zhou Fei, a faculty member at Shanghai University of Sport, serving as an assistant referee.

"Seeing Chinese referees command the pitch at the World Cup filled me with immense pride — as a young Chinese citizen and especially as a student of the same university as Zhou," Chen said.