Zagreb Set to Host 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships

The global stage for beach handball is shifting to the heart of Croatia. The International Handball Federation (IHF) has officially confirmed that the 2026 IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championships will take place in Zagreb from June 23 to June 28, 2026.

This tournament marks a significant milestone for the sport. Following a decision by the IHF Council on June 18, 2025, the Croatian Handball Federation was awarded the hosting rights, making this the first time Croatia will serve as the venue for this flagship international event. Matches are set to be held on the shores of Lake Jarun, providing a picturesque backdrop for the world’s top national teams.

A Growing Legacy in Europe

The 2026 edition continues a strong tradition of European host nations. This will be the sixth time the IHF Beach Handball World Championships have been staged in Europe. Previous tournaments have been held in:

• Spain (2008)
• Türkiye (2010)
• Hungary (2016)
• Russia (2018)
• Greece (2022)

By bringing the world’s best athletes to Zagreb, the IHF aims to further elevate the profile of beach handball and celebrate the sport’s unique blend of athleticism, culture and fair play.

Field of Competition

While the full list of participating nations and specific qualification pathways are expected to be finalized in the coming months, the field is already taking shape. As of September 25, 2025, several teams have secured their spots:

Women’s Competition

• Hosts: Croatia
• Reigning World Champions: Germany
• AHF (Asia) Continental Places: Vietnam (1st), Philippines (2nd)
• EHF (Europe) Continental Places: Spain (1st), Norway (2nd), Netherlands (4th)

The men’s tournament is similarly building a highly competitive roster, with 10 teams already qualified as of late 2025. With these nations already confirmed, the competition in Zagreb promises to be a high-stakes battle for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

Key Takeaways

• Event Dates: The championships will run from June 23 to June 28, 2026.
• Location: Zagreb, Croatia, specifically at the Lake Jarun venue.
• Historical Context: This is the first time Croatia has hosted the IHF Beach Handball World Championships.
• Qualification: Teams are currently securing their positions through continental championships and previous world rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the matches be played?

All matches are scheduled to take place in Zagreb, Croatia, at the Lake Jarun site.

Is this the first time the championships are held in Europe?

No, this is the sixth time the tournament has been hosted in Europe, following previous events in Spain, Türkiye, Hungary, Russia, and Greece.

When will the full list of participants be released?

The IHF has indicated that details regarding qualification pathways and the complete list of participating nations will be announced in the months leading up to the tournament.

As the countdown to June 2026 begins, all eyes turn to Zagreb. The sand will soon play host to the next chapter of beach handball history, where a new set of world champions will be crowned.