2028 Petanque World Championships · Men’s host bid

Four days of petanque.Ghent is bidding.

Our bid aims to bring the men’s Petanque World Championships to Ghent. Our proposal: 6–9 April 2028 at the Topsporthal. The host decision has not yet been confirmed.

View the schedule About the tickets

Proposed: 6–9 April 2028 Topsporthal Ghent

Gravensteen castle · discover Ghent from aboveDiscover Ghent · 1:30

Watch the film full screen ↗Image sources & licences

ScheduleThe four match days at a glance

TicketsOptions and proposed prices

Plan your visitTransport, location and accommodation

This website is still in preparation. The dates, venue, schedule and ticket prices for 2028 are provisional.

Belgian petanque players during a match in front of an audience

The championship

Close to the game.

Ghent already hosted the World Championship from 13 to 16 April 2017. Doubles and mixed doubles made their World Championship debut then.

Follow the bid to host the World Championship here. As soon as the match schedule and the participating teams are known, you will find them on this website.

Looking back at Ghent 2017

The atmosphere around the court

The game. The tension.
The crowd.

A look at the players, the stands and the people around the court. View the photos and feel the match atmosphere.

Belgian female player in a red kit during a petanque throw — Belgium in actionThe throw

Petanque players in red kits in front of a packed stand — Close to the gameTogether on the court

Petanque player with boules in front of a packed stand — All eyes on the gameFocus

Petanque player in throwing stance on an indoor match court — Ready to throwOn the court

Overview of indoor petanque courts, players and a camera crane — From the standsOverview

Camera crew and match organisation beside the petanque court — Behind the scenes tooAround the court

Supplied archive and atmosphere images; these photos do not show matches from 2028. Four images have been digitally retouched. Spectators in the stands have been digitally added to three atmosphere images.

Follow the matches

The score at your fingertips.

During the championship you will find the results and the match schedule here. The live centre now shows an example of the match display.

View the example

Your visit to Ghent

Off the court too.

Staying a day longer? Stroll along the Graslei, visit Gravensteen castle or find a terrace in the city centre.

On the visitor page you will find the map, information about the Topsporthal and ideas for your stay.

Plan your visit

The Graslei and Korenlei in Ghent at night

World Petanque Championships — Ghent 2028 — Candidate City

Our mascot

Hello, Belfor.

You will recognise him by his tower: Belfor is inspired by the Belfry of Ghent. Get to know the mascot of our host bid.

Meet Belfor

Stay overnight

Start your championship day
well rested.

If Ghent is awarded the championship, the organisers intend to handle hotel bookings with breakfast. Hotels and conditions are part of the proposal.

Breakfast included

Van der Valk

Van der Valk Hotel Ghent

A comfortable base for your days at the championship and your visit to the city.

Akkerhage 10 · 9000 Ghent

Booking via our organisationComing soon

Breakfast included

Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent

Stay overnight in a modern room or suite and have breakfast together the next morning.

Akkerhage 2 · 9000 Ghent