France will host the ITTF Individual World Table Tennis Championships in 2027 and 2028, securing two editions of one of the sport’s marquee global showcases following months of formal negotiations with international governing bodies, according to announcements from the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT).
The opening event is scheduled for March 29 to April 4, 2027, at the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier, coinciding with the Fédération’s centenary celebrations. Paris will then stage the 2028 edition during an Olympic year, with specific dates and venues under review by federation planners.
Montpellier Secured for 2027 Centenary Showcase
The 2027 tournament brings the world championships back to a domestic venue accustomed to high-stakes matches. The Sud de France Arena in Montpellier has hosted the WTT Champions event annually since 2024, functioning as a regular tour stop for top-tier players. FFTT President Gilles Erb noted that securing the event required nearly a year of discussions with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the competition’s commercial promoter, World Table Tennis Management Group.
According to Erb, the bid for the World Table Tennis Championships represents a deliberate pivot after France missed out on hosting the 2027 World Championships to Astana, Kazakhstan. “We wanted to organize one of the biggest competitions in table tennis,” Erb stated, pointing to the centenary milestone as a primary motivator for landing the tournament.
Paris Prepares to Host in 2028 Olympic Year
Following the Montpellier tournament, the event shifts to the capital in 2028. While precise scheduling and arena assignments remain unconfirmed, federation officials have indicated that large-scale facilities such as the Arena Porte de la Chapelle in northern Paris or the Accor Arena in Bercy are among the locations under consideration.
Player Perspectives and Development Goals
Félix Lebrun described the tournament as one of the sport’s premier tests outside of the Olympic Games and World Championships, characterizing the multi-year hosting agreement as a significant catalyst for domestic participation.
“It’s an incredible boost,” Lebrun said regarding the announcement. “I hope it will allow table tennis to develop even more in the future.” Fellow national team member Prithika Pavade emphasized the competitive advantage of home support, noting that performing in front of local crowds changes the dynamic for developing contenders.
The federation confirmed that preparations for both editions will continue alongside the ongoing national calendar, with official venue announcements for the 2028 Paris tournament expected as planning progresses.
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