US Men's & Women's Beach Teams Take to Biggest Stage in Croatia at IHF World Championships
USA Team Handball Men’s and Women’s Beach National Team take to the sand tomorrow for the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships, taking place June 23–28 in Zagreb, Croatia.
The United States enters the World Championships following a dominant continental qualifying performance in April, with both the Men’s and Women’s Beach National Teams completing undefeated runs through the NACHC Beach Handball Championships on their way to gold in St. Kitts and Nevis. The double-gold result secured qualification for both U.S. teams and continued the program’s strong international momentum on the sand.
The 2026 World Championships bring together 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams, with both competitions played side-by-side on the shores of Lake Jarun in Zagreb.
U.S. Women’s Beach National Team
The U.S. Women’s Beach National Team will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Greece, and Norway.
Preliminary Round Schedule
Tuesday, June 23 — United States vs. Greece — 10:00 a.m. local / 4:00 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 23 — United States vs. Norway — 6:00 p.m. local / 12:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 24 — United States vs. Brazil — 10:00 a.m. local / 4:00 a.m. ET
The Women’s Beach National Team will be led by Head Coach Lyndon Suvanto, with Alex Browne serving as assistant coach and Michelle Mensing serving as assistant coach and team leader. Miranda Zito will support the team as medical staff.
Athletes
Cedar Bellows
Melissa Browne
Madeline Cardenas
Mira Chew
Meryl Gibbs
Anna Lachenauer
Theresa Mapp
Staci Self
Taylee Tellechea
Rachel Wong
Staff
Head Coach: Lyndon Suvanto
Assistant Coach: Alex Browne
Assistant Coach / Team Leader: Michelle Mensing
Medical Staff: Miranda Zito
U.S. Men’s Beach National Team
The U.S. Men’s Beach National Team will compete in Group A alongside Portugal, Spain, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Preliminary Round Schedule
Tuesday, June 23 — United States vs. Portugal — 1:00 p.m. local / 7:00 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 23 — United States vs. Spain — 9:00 p.m. local / 3:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 24 — United States vs. Islamic Republic of Iran — 11:00 a.m. local / 5:00 a.m. ET
The Men’s Beach National Team will be led by Head Coach Michael Hinson, with Bill Bigham serving as assistant coach. Mark Shires will support the team as medical staff.
Athletes
Zuwed Akuro
Jason Borchik
Bryan Cook
Cody Dominik
Jacobo Garcia
Jake Johnson
Matthew Koman
Collin Liberty
Robert Marocchi
Charles Jamison Whiting
Staff
Head Coach: Michael Hinson
Assistant Coach: Bill Bigham
Medical Staff: Mark Shires
How to Watch
Fans can follow the 2026 IHF Beach Handball World Championships through the IHF Competitions YouTube channel, with live streams available where broadcasting rights and geo-blocking restrictions permit.
USA Team Handball congratulates all selected athletes and staff and wishes both teams success in Croatia.
