USATH Opens Selection For Inaugural U16 Women’s Continental Championship & World Championship Qualification Pathway

USA Team Handball is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural U16 Women’s Continental Championship, marking a historic step forward in the global development pathway for women’s handball. This competition will serve as the official qualifier for the first-ever U16 Women’s World Championship organized by the International Handball Federation.

The Continental Championship will take place June 29 – July 5, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico, hosted at the Mexican Olympic Training Center. This milestone event represents a new era in international competition, providing a formal global stage for emerging youth talent at the U16 level.

The introduction of a U16 World Championship reflects the IHF’s expanded commitment to structured athlete development and earlier international exposure. For the United States, this competition is a critical opportunity to identify and elevate the next generation of Women’s National Team athletes.

USA Team Handball has officially opened the athlete selection process for the U16 Women’s National Team competing at the Continental Championship.

• Selection Procedures: Women's U16/Cadet NT Athlete Selection Procedures
• Registration: Athletes must register via Sport:80 (link provided in selection procedures)
• Submission Requirements: Detailed instructions for materials to be submitted for consideration are outlined in the selection documentation
• Submission Email: WNTSelections@handballusa.org

📅 Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026

• May 15, 2026 – Athlete submission deadline
• May 18, 2026 – Target date for roster announcement
• June 1, 2026 – Final deadline for roster announcement

This competition is more than a tournament—it is a foundational step in building a sustainable and competitive pipeline for women’s handball in the United States. With the addition of the U16 level, USA Team Handball continues to align its development structure with international standards, ensuring that American athletes are prepared to compete on the world stage earlier and more effectively.

We encourage all eligible athletes, coaches, and clubs to engage fully in this process and help us identify the future of USA Women’s Handball.