Karlsruhe (GER) will host The World Games 2029, from 19-29 July, becoming the first city to organise the multi-sport event twice since its inception. A proven host with a strong track record, Germany has hosted the 3rd edition of The World Games in 1989 in Karlsruhe and the 7th edition in 2005 in Duisburg, as well as countless other major international sporting events.
After nomination by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the south-western German city, located at the heart of Europe near the French border, will host the IWGA flagship event in the summer of 2029, 40 years after it organised TWG 1989.
Following a bidding process and careful consideration by the IWGA Executive Committee, the delegates ratified the Executive Committee’s recommendation. The announcement was made in Esslingen (GER) at the International World Games Association (IWGA) Annual General Meeting on 1 May 2024.
The Karlsruhe 2029 Sports Programme was ratified on 25 April 2026. The 13th edition of The World Games will welcome around 4,000 world-class athletes from more than 110 countries and regions to compete in about 35 sports.
Sports programme ratified at the Annual General Meeting 25 April 2026:
Air Sports - tbc
American Football
Archery
Billiards
Boules Sports
Canoe
Cheerleading
Climbing
DanceSport
Fistball
Floorball
Flying Disc
Gymnastics
Handball
Hockey
Ju-Jitsu
Karate
Kickboxing
Korfball
Lacrosse
Life Saving
Muaythai
Orienteering
Powerlifting
Roller Sports
Squash
Sumo
Tug of War
Underwater Sports
Waterski/Wakeboard
Wushu
Additional sports under consideration, pending further final IWGA ExCo approval by 1 July 2026:
Baseball/Softball
Bowling
Racquetball
Sambo
A second phase later in 2026 will complete the programme, including the announcement of disciplines and medal events, selection of additional disciplines chosen by the host and the inclusion of para-sports.