IHF World Women’s Handball Championship

Last Updated: 6 january 2026

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).

2027 World Women’s Handball Championship

The 2027 Women’s World Handball Championship will be held in Hungary from November 30 to December 19. The tournament will be held in several cities across the country and will include matches from the group stage, the main round, and the playoffs, including the semi-finals and final.

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

2029 World Women’s Handball Championship