Successful kick-off of the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027: twelve host cities join forces for ‘Better Together’
With a joint kick-off at Rotterdam Ahoy on April 18, just ahead of the Korfball League final, the official launch of the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 in the Netherlands took place. Representatives of the International Korfball Federation (IKF), the Royal Dutch Korfball Association (KNKV), no fewer than twelve host cities, and various partners came together. Together, they share the ambition to grow the sport globally and strengthen it further at a national level under the motto: Better Together.
The IKF World Korfball Championship will take place from October 15 to 24, 2027, in the Netherlands and will be one of the most locally organized world championships ever. The first phase (October 15–17) will be played across eight locations throughout the country, followed by the second round (October 18–21) at three locations. The finals stage, including semi-finals and the final, will take place from October 22 to 24 at Rotterdam Ahoy. The event is organized by TIG Sports & Events, the KNKV, and the IKF.
One sport, one story
During the gathering, it became clear that korfball is rapidly evolving into a global sport, with growth across multiple continents and in new formats. Gabi Kool, President of the IKF: “Korfball is no longer a local sport with international ambitions. It is truly an international sport in full development.”
Elite sport and social impact
For the KNKV, the World Championship is about more than just the game. The tournament aims to create a lasting impact on clubs, volunteers, and the next generation of athletes. Irene van Rijsewijk, President of the KNKV: “There is no other sport where cooperation and inclusivity are so essential. Women and men form one team. That is quite unique in sport. The fact that you are not allowed to run with the ball also means you truly need each other.”
National head coach Ard Korporaal is also looking forward to the sporting stage: “A World Championship on home soil brings both energy and responsibility. We want to showcase attractive, dynamic, and effective korfball, with winning as the ultimate goal.”
Twelve cities, one shared promise
A unique element of this World Championship is its spread across twelve host cities, making it the most locally organized edition ever. The cities are: Rotterdam, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Ridderkerk, Zaanstad, Hoogeveen, Emmen, Ede, Almelo, Gorredijk, Drachten, Duiven, and Oss. Together, they form one story, in which each city contributes to the experience and visibility of the sport.
Rotterdam as the beating heart
The finals will take place in Rotterdam, which is using the World Championship as an opportunity to further strengthen sports participation and inclusion. Faouzi Achbar, Alderman for Sports of the Municipality of Rotterdam: “The Korfball World Championship in Rotterdam is much more than a top-level sporting event. It is an opportunity to show what we stand for as a city: living together, equal opportunities, and staying active. Korfball, as an inclusive team sport, fits perfectly with that vision. This World Championship offers a great opportunity to inspire and engage more people in Rotterdam and to let them experience how fun and unifying this sport is – from world-class level to the local neighborhood.”
