After a three-year break, the best youth fistball teams reunite to compete in the World Championship in Llanquihue, Chile, from October 31 to November 3, 2024. This event marks the return of the competition to Chilean soil after eighteen years, as the last world championship in this category was held in 2006. The competition will feature 8 teams in the men’s category and 6 in the women’s category, with young athletes from around the world arriving with their eyes on the title.

The venue, Club Gimnástico Alemán Llanquihue, is known for its stunning location on the shore of Lake Llanquihue with views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes: “The joint U18 men’s and first U18 women’s world championships in 2006 were a great success,” says Jörn Verleger, President of the International Fistball Association (IFA). With this past experience, the club and the Chilean federation have gained the trust of the fistball world to deliver another unforgettable event.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND TOURNAMENT FORMAT

This year, 14 teams will compete in Llanquihue, representing various continents. In the men’s category, defending champion Germany will face strong teams such as Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Namibia. In the women’s category, along with Germany, teams from Austria, Switzerland, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina will compete. Following India’s withdrawal, intense rivalry is expected in both categories as these young players battle for the world title.

The championship format will allow each team to face every other nation in a preliminary round before advancing to the final rounds. All matches will be played in a best-of-five format, ensuring thrilling games and an opportunity for young players to gain experience in international competition, as explained by Gastao Englert, Chairman of the IFA Sports Commission.

LIVE BRODACAST LIVE FOR FANS

For fans who cannot attend the event in Chile, the organization, in cooperation with the IFA, has prepared a live broadcast program from the three playing fields: “This is the first time that all matches from a U18 Fistball World Championship will be streamed,” says Sönke Spille, IFA Head of Events and TV Production. Field 1 will feature live commentary in English, allowing viewers worldwide to choose between three simultaneous broadcasts to enjoy the action.

This initiative aims to make the championship accessible to global fans and elevate the profile of this sport, which continues to gain popularity among young athletes.

ACTIVITIES AND PRE-CHAMPIONS EVENTS

In addition to exciting matches on the field, the organizing committee has planned various activities to enhance the experience for participants and attendees. On October 29, the IFA Youth Congress will take place, led by Emma Dallinger, Chair of the Youth Commission. The following day, October 30, the welcome dinner will mark the official opening of the tournament.

During the four days of competition, Club Llanquihue will also offer a program of activities, including a big party for fans, aiming to create a unique atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Rodrigo Böttger, from the organizing team, states: “We will do everything we can to ensure that delegations and fans feel at home here in Llanquihue.”