The Netherlands to host the 2027 Korfball World Championship

In October 2027, the Netherlands will host the Korfball World Championship for the second time in history. To organize the event, the Royal Dutch Korfball Association (KNKV) is partnering with TIG Sports, with the International Korfball Federation (IKF) also closely involved. The organizers see the World Championship as a unique opportunity to put korfball in the spotlight in the year the sport celebrates its 125th anniversary, while connecting it to a broad social program under the motto: Better Together.

The championship will take place from October 14 to 24, 2027. The tournament will not only showcase elite sport, but also highlight the core values that korfball embodies, such as equality and teamwork. Standing strong together is something the sport continues to prove time and again.

The most locally organized korfball tournament ever

The 2027 Korfball World Championship will be the most locally organized edition in history. The group stage will take place in eight cities across the Netherlands, followed by an intermediate stage in two cities. The semifinals and the final will be played in Rotterdam. This approach brings the sport to korfball fans nationwide while actively involving local clubs, provinces, and municipalities.

The organization is currently in talks with cities applying to host group or intermediate stage matches. For these cities, it is a unique opportunity to profile themselves as leading sports hubs. The bidding process is now open, and interested cities are invited to apply through the KNKV.

Programs and side events

The organizers aim to make the World Championship more than just a top-level sporting event. Creating social impact through the values of korfball is central to the vision. Alongside the competition, various programs and side events will focus on themes such as equality, inclusion, and sustainability. Examples include training programs for female coaches and referees, initiatives for schools and businesses, and the integration of disability korfball (G-korfbal).

125 years of korfball

The 2027 World Championship coincides with a remarkable milestone: korfball’s 125th anniversary. The tournament will therefore not only crown the world champion but also celebrate the sport’s history and meaning in the Netherlands and beyond. Korfball was invented in the Netherlands 125 years ago and today has a strong foundation with more than 85,000 members and over 400 clubs. Internationally, the sport is now played in 70 countries. What makes korfball unique at the elite level is its mixed-gender format, with men and women playing together on the same team.

Building the future of korfball together

KNKV director Kees Verhoeven looks forward to the 2027 World Championship and the partnership with TIG Sports:
“Korfball is a sport on the move, and the 2027 World Championship is a unique opportunity to take the next step,” he says. “Not only in terms of performance, but also in governance, membership growth, and visibility. Players, coaches, and volunteers will all have the chance to develop further during the World Championship. Together, we are building the future of our growing sport.”

TIG Sports is also enthusiastic about the collaboration. Director Noor van der Lugt says:
“For us as an organization, it is very special to now also be involved in korfball. Korfball is a gem of Dutch sport—unique in its mixed-gender character and with a rich tradition. We are proud to work alongside the KNKV and the IKF to bring this global tournament to the Netherlands.”

© Gertrude de Vries – Winners’ photo, World Games 2025, China