2026 Pan American Games Qualifiers vs. Canada at Lee’s Family Forum; Pro Handball USA Event Aug 1-9

Henderson, NV — November 28. 2025 — USA Team Handball is proud to announce that the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams will host Canada in the official 2026 Pan American Games Qualification Series this August at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. These decisive two-leg matches will take place August 5 & 8 (Women) and August 6 & 9 (Men), serving as the primary qualification pathway to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru (July 16 – August 1, 2027).

The qualification format follows traditional international rules: the nation with the higher aggregate score over its two-match series—on each the women’s and men’s sides—will secure direct qualification to the Pan American Games. The non-advancing teams will enter the Pan American region’s Last Chance Qualifier, where one remaining continental berth for Lima will be awarded.

The 2026 USA–Canada qualification series will be staged in conjunction with the Pro Handball USA Mega Event. Fans attending the qualifiers will also witness an exceptional gathering of elite European clubs competing in friendly tournament play:

• Füchse Berlin (GER)
• HBC Nantes (FRA)
• Aalborg Håndbold (DEN)
• OTP Bank–Pick Szeged (HUN)

• Győri Audi ETO KC (HUN)
• Odense Håndbold (DEN)
• Brest Bretagne Handball (FRA)
• Honey Bee Ishikawa (JPN)

These clubs represent titans of the EHF and the global professional handball scene, bringing elite-level play—and many of the sport’s most recognizable athletes—to the Las Vegas area.

Michael King, CEO, USA Team Handball:
“Bringing USA–Canada Pan American qualifiers to a first-rate venue like Lee’s Family Forum—alongside some of the best clubs in the world—is a tremendous opportunity for our community and our athletes. These matches carry enormous stakes for both of our national teams,. We extend our thanks to the Canadian Team Handball Federation for their partnership in maximizing these qualifiers through this joint shift away from our usual home-away format."

Alexis Bertrand, President, Canadian Team Handball Federation:
“With this huge event taking place in North America in August 2026, it’s a great opportunity for both Canada and the USA to raise awareness of the game of handball and take part in something truly special. When we were approached by Pro Handball USA and USA Team Handball, it was an easy choice. We gain an extended stay in a world-class setting, the chance to train alongside top international clubs, and the opportunity to play crucial Pan American qualifying games in the biggest possible environment. Yes, we’re giving up some of our home advantage, but the benefits far outweigh it. We’re also pleased to have secured the option to host the next qualifiers in 2030."

Mads Hyllested Winther, CEO, Pro Handball USA:

“When we learned that the Pan American qualifiers were set for 2026, we immediately knew their importance—and wanted to host them as part of our Mega Event. This is a first-class opportunity for both the USA and Canada, helping grow the sport on a truly global stage. I want to thank both federations, their coaches, and staff for prioritizing the greater good, as well as NACHC and IHF for their support and shared vision. North America deserves this spotlight, and with this step, the bar has been raised.”

Match times, ticketing, broadcast assignments, and official event activations will be announced in the coming weeks and early 2026.

USA Team Handball is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of team handball in the United States. USATH oversees elite national teams in indoor, beach, and wheelchair handball; operates national competitions across all levels; and works to grow the sport nationwide through development programs, education pathways, and strategic partnerships ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

For media inquiries, credentials, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

office@handballusa.org
www.usateamhandball.org