IHF World Women’s Handball Championship

Last Updated: 10 november 2025

About the IHF World Women’s Handball Championship

The World Women’s Handball Championships has been held regularly every 2 years since 1993 under the auspices of the International Handball Federation (IHF).

2025 World Women’s Handball Championship

The 2025 Women’s World Handball Championship will be held in Germany and the Netherlands from November 26 to December 14 and will bring together 32 of the best teams from around the world. Tournament, organized in major German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne, will emphasize sustainability and offer innovations, including video replay technology and advanced match analytics.

The teams of Norway, France, Denmark and the Netherlands are considered favorites for the competition. The tournament program will include a group stage, playoff stages and rich cultural events for fans.

This event will be an important milestone for women’s handball, showcasing not only the skill of the teams, but also emphasizing the importance of equality in sport, inspiring future generations.

History of the Championship

The first World Women’s Handball Championship was held in 1957 in Yugoslavia. Nine teams took part, and Czechoslovakia won, demonstrating strength and organization in the game. This debut tournament marked the beginning of a new stage in the history of women’s handball.

With each passing decade, the tournament gained popularity, and its format changed to adapt to the growing number of participants:

• 1970s: the number of teams increased to 12, allowing more countries to participate.
• 1997: 24 teams took part, and the tournament itself became even larger.
• 2021: the format expanded to 32 teams, confirming the increased interest in women’s handball.
  Throughout the history of the championship, several national teams have stood out:
• Norway: with numerous titles and a strong playing school, the country is the tournament’s record holder.
• Russia: a successful team known for its outstanding players and tactical play.
• Denmark and South Korea: teams that made a significant contribution to the tournament.

Results of previous Championships

2027 World Women’s Handball Championship