2026 Petanque Youth Worlds: silver in triplet, gold in shooting for the Bleuets

France finishes the 2026 Youth Worlds in Santa Susanna with silver in mixed triplet and gold in mixed precision shooting.

1.A one-sided triplet final against Thailand

The score of the final, 13-0, is tough. It tells a part dominated by Thailand, but not the entire French journey. The Bleuets had managed to reach the match for gold in the mixed triplet, a sign of real collective density. In a young world final, each lead weighs heavily: a missed start, constant opposing pressure and the game can slip away very quickly.

2.The world title in mixed precision shooting

The great French satisfaction comes from mixed precision shooting. Kimberley Bousch and Dawson Herlemann won gold on Saturday August 1st. Their final against Madagascar was mastered by a large score, 28-10, after a quarter against Monaco then a closer semi-final. This title gives a very strong color to the tricolor record: even with the disappointment of the triplet, France leaves Santa Susanna with a rainbow jersey.

3.Mixed doubles stopped by the same obstacle

Thailand also blocked the French road in mixed doubles. Dawson Herlemann and Kimberley Bousch fell behind quickly, before coming back into the match and losing 13-9. This result is important to read correctly: France did not leave the table without responding. It was dominated by a very strong nation, but it retained competitive resistance until the end.

4.An assessment which remains positive for the French team

Two podiums on three tables, including a world title, provide material for the staff and the training clubs. The names of Bousch, Croquefer, Jacquet and Herlemann will still circulate, because they embody a generation capable of responding in demanding mixed formats. The real lesson is twofold: France knows how to produce very good young shooters, but collective consistency against the best Asian nations remains an area of ​​work.

5.Frequently asked questions