What are the major sporting events confirmed for Poreč until 2029?

Confirmed events include the World Championships in karate, veterans wrestling, bridge, and dance, the WKF Karate World Cup, the European Cadet Judo Cup, and the World Deaf Futsal Championship in 2029.

When was Poreč named European City of Sport?

Poreč holds the title of European City of Sport for 2027.

What sports facilities does Poreč have for organizing these competitions?

The town has six public sports halls and two private sports halls at its disposal, with plans for the energy renovation of the Veli Jože hall and the construction of a new training hall.

How do sports competitions affect tourism in Poreč?

Major sports competitions significantly contribute to tourist traffic and the occupancy of accommodation capacities outside the main tourist season.

Skiing

Poreč to Host a Series of World Championships Until 2029

S.K. · Prije 3h | 3 min

From cornhole to deaf futsal, the Istrian town confirms a packed calendar set to attract thousands of athletes and extend the tourist season.

Summary

From autumn 2026 to spring 2029, Poreč will host a series of world and European championships in sports such as karate, wrestling, bridge, and dance.
The town has been named European City of Sport for 2027, and the calendar also includes traditional events like Ironman 70.3 and Istria300.
Mayor Loris Peršurić highlights that the events are the result of investment in six public and two private halls, as well as cooperation with sports federations.
Thousands of athletes are expected, with a significant boost to tourism outside the main season.

Poreč is positioning itself as one of the key hubs of sports tourism in Croatia in the coming years. Thanks to its extensive sports infrastructure, which includes six public and two private halls, and years of experience in organizing major events, the town will host a series of world and European championships, as confirmed by the City of Poreč.

The calendar is filled through spring 2029, with a special highlight being the title of European City of Sport, which Poreč will hold in 2027. Mayor Loris Peršurić emphasizes that this is the result of continuous work. "Poreč is a city of sport all year round. The large number of international competitions is the result of long-term investment in infrastructure, cooperation with sports federations, and a quality tourist offer," Peršurić told Glas Istre.

From Autumn 2026 to the End of 2027, A Calendar Packed with World Competitions

As early as autumn 2026, Poreč will host the Cornhole World Cup, the international Valamar Cup in wrestling, the World Karate Do Championship, the Croatian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship, the Croatian DanceSport Championship, and the Karate Euro Cup. The end of the year will be marked by traditional Christmas tournaments in football, handball, and basketball, as well as a match featuring the Croatian national handball team.

The sports rhythm continues unabated into 2027. January brings the Croatia Cup in handball, followed by the European Cadet Judo Cup in March. June features the WKF Karate World Cup, while September is reserved for the World Veterans Wrestling Championship. October is dedicated to the World Bridge Championship, and the year will conclude with the World Dance Championship. For spring 2029, hosting the World Deaf Futsal Championship has already been confirmed.

Infrastructure and Recreational Spectacles

In addition to competitive sports, Poreč also nurtures major events for recreational athletes. The town hosts the demanding Ironman 70.3 Poreč triathlon and the Istria300 cycling spectacle, which attracts participants from across Europe. To keep pace with ambitious plans, the energy renovation of the Veli Jože hall and the construction of a new training hall are planned.

Mayor Peršurić stresses the multifaceted benefits of such events. "Our goal is to continue creating conditions where athletes, clubs, and organizers feel welcome, and our citizens have the opportunity to watch top-level sports competitions in their own town," he concluded. Major competitions significantly contribute to filling accommodation capacities outside the main tourist season and to promoting Poreč on the international stage.