The French pétanque team is aiming for the top at the 2026 European Championships in Spain. This major boules competition will take place in Murcia from 18 to 21 June 2026. Les Bleus will compete in the individual, doubles and mixed doubles events with a strategic selection. Mickaël Bonetto and Yohan Cousin will lead the charge for the men, while Aurélie Bories and Charlotte Darodes will defend their title in the women’s competition. Discover the official line-up of the French teams for the 2026 European Petanque Championships in Spain. What is at stake for the French players in this European campaign?
When and where will the 2026 European Petanque Championships take place?
The 2026 European Petanque Championships will take place from 18 to 21 June in Murcia, Spain. This major petanque competition marks the international kick-off of the season for Les Bleus. A special feature of the French petanque team’s 2026 calendar is that the European event will be held at the same time as the French triples championships. This has had a significant influence on the French team selection.
The French Petanque and Provençal Game Federation (FFPJP) has officially announced the team line-up with a clear objective. The selected players must perform immediately in the individual, doubles and mixed doubles events, while also preparing for the world championships in September 2026!
Key dates
- Dates : 18–21 June 2026
- Location : Murcia, Spain
- Events : Individual, pairs (M/W/Mixed), precision shooting
What is the official line-up of the French petanque team for Europe 2026?
Some petanque enthusiasts are questioning the French federation’s choices. Observers have noted the absence of Dylan Rocher and Angélique Colombet from the 2026 French teams. However, Philippe Quintais and Didier Choupay clearly explain the reasons behind this selection. The sporting directors are focusing on continuity and momentum for this European Petanque Cup.
2026 Men’s Selection – French team for the European Championships
The men’s duo will consist of Mickaël Bonetto and Yohan Cousin. The two petanque players know each other very well. Together, they won the 2025 Pétanque Masters and took home a European silver medal in triples last season.
Bonetto will compete in the singles and doubles events. Cousin, meanwhile, will compete in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles events. Will these veterans of the boulodrome manage to climb to the top step of the podium?
2026 Women’s Selection – French petanque team for Europe
In the women’s competition, the favourites are the defending champions: Aurélie Bories and Charlotte Darodes. Already European pétanque champions in 2024, they will defend their title in the doubles. Aurélie Bories, also European champion in the singles, will be aiming for a double in Spain.
Charlotte Darodes will team up with Yohan Cousin in the mixed doubles, a strategic move to maximise their chances of victory.
Why is the 2026 selection strategic for the World Petanque Championships?
These European Petanque Championships go beyond the continental level. They represent a key step towards the 2026 World Championships, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur.
Some players, such as Dylan Rocher and Henri Lacroix, have extensive international experience. But two places remain open in the future world triplet. The performance in Murcia could therefore reshuffle the deck.
In short, the boules matches in Spain in 2026 represent a dream opportunity for Yohan Cousin. The winner of the 2025 Masters will have to prove themselves against competition from Christophe Sarrio, Ludovic Montoro and Jean Feltain. So every lead, every shot and every point scored on the courts of Murcia will count.
Mickaël Bonetto: favourite for the gold medal in the singles and doubles?
Mickaël Bonetto‘s rise to prominence in the world of pétanque has been spectacular. A new player for Bron-Terraillon, he has established himself as a sharpshooter capable of turning a game around with a decisive shot. His European title in precision shooting is a major highlight of his career.
In individual competition, his ability to handle pressure and control his boules at key moments makes him a serious contender for gold. In doubles, his partnership with Cousin offers a rare balance between shooting power and consistency.
Can Yohan Cousin establish himself as a world-class starter?
Yohan Cousin is no longer an outsider. French Doubles Champion in 2024 and winner of the Masters in 2025, the Normandy boules player has established himself as a complete centre-back. His reading of the game, his consistency and his Olympian calm stabilise the team.
In Murcia, he will be playing for high stakes. A medal in doubles or mixed doubles would significantly strengthen his case for the World Championships. In a boules competition where tactical management is paramount, Cousin has what it takes to reach the next level.
What are the objectives of the French petanque team for 2026 against Italy, Spain and Belgium?
France remains the benchmark nation in European pétanque. But Italy, Spain and Belgium are improving every season. The FFPJP has therefore set a clear objective for each member of the French team. They must retain the men’s and women’s doubles trophies and aim for gold in the individual events.
Les Bleus will need to impose their rhythm, master the Spanish playing fields and fully exploit the complementary skills of their players. After all, the slightest approximation can be costly in close matches.
Objectives for Les Bleus
- Retain the men’s doubles title
- Retain the women’s doubles title
- Aim for gold in the singles (Bonetto & Bories)
- Shine in the mixed doubles
- Prepare the selection for the 2026 World Championships
Format of the events at the 2026 European Petanque Championships
The programme for the 2026 European Petanque Championships in Spain includes five major events :
- Individual (one-on-one),
- Men’s Doubles,
- Women’s Doubles,
- Mixed Doubles,
- Precision Shooting.
Each discipline requires a specific approach, combining technical mastery, collective strategy and mental management.
In Murcia, the French pétanque team is approaching this event with ambition. Between defending titles, individual achievements and the race for the World Championships, these 2026 European Championships promise to be decisive for the international season of Les Bleus. So, will the members of the 2026 French team win the gold medal in Spain? Stay tuned to FAC to follow their progress.