The International Handball Federation -IHF- has confirmed that Croatia will host the next men’s and women’s Beach Handball World Championship. The event will take place in Zagreb, at Lake Jarun, from 23 to 28 June 2026. The decision was adopted by the IHF Council and marks the first time that Croatia will stage this global tournament.

Croatia has a well-established tradition in indoor handball, a discipline in which it has achieved world and European titles. In recent years, it has also invested in beach handball, with clubs and national teams ranking among the strongest in Europe. According to the IHF, the country’s selection “reflects the passion for handball and the commitment to the growth of the sport in all its disciplines.”

The 2026 championship will be the sixth time that Europe has hosted a Beach Handball World Championship. Previous editions were held in Spain in 2008, Türkiye in 2010, Hungary in 2016, Russia in 2018 and Greece in 2022. Europe’s recurring role as host can be explained by the strength of its federations, the available infrastructure, and the ability to attract sponsors and audiences.

A format expanding towards globalization

Since the first edition in 2004, the World Championship has increased both the number of participants and the diversity of countries represented. Today, teams from Asia, America and Africa regularly qualify, confirming its evolution into a global competition. Continental championships serve as qualification pathways, complemented by new initiatives such as the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour.

In addition to the World Championship, beach handball features at the World Games and at multisport events such as the Asian Beach Games. These platforms have helped expand its reach and demonstrate the sport’s ability to attract audiences beyond the traditional handball federations.

The road to the Olympic programme

The strategic objective of the IHF is for beach handball to become part of the Olympic programme in the future. To achieve this, it must meet the criteria set by the International Olympic Committee -IOC-, which include the sport’s universality, the sustainability of its events and its media appeal. Competitive growth and the staging of World Championships in emblematic venues are aligned with this roadmap.

Zagreb also expects to benefit from the tournament’s tourism and economic impact. The arrival of national teams from around the world, technical staff, fans and media outlets will provide a boost for hospitality and local services.

The choice of Croatia as host reinforces Europe’s position as the centre of beach handball while marking another step in the sport’s path towards Olympic inclusion. With more than two decades of history, beach handball continues to move towards a landscape where globalization and international visibility are decisive.