2026 IHF Men’s Club World Championship Begins in Egypt
- The 19th edition of the tournament features an uptick of two teams compared to the previous two editions, bringing the total field to 10 squads.
- With 10 teams participating, organizers introduced a new competition system.
- Six teams secured their berths through continental competitions, joined by hosts, reigning champions, and wild-card selections.
The 2026 IHF Men’s Club World Championship opened in Egypt on September 24, launching with preliminary qualification matches ahead of the group phase. According to official International Handball Federation records, the tournament runs through October 1 and features 10 teams representing all six continents.
Tournament Expansion and New Format
The 19th edition of the tournament features an uptick of two teams compared to the previous two editions, bringing the total field to 10 squads.
With 10 teams participating, organizers introduced a new competition system. Winners of those preliminary fixtures advance to join the group phase, where group winners contest the October 1 final while second-placed sides meet in the bronze-medal match.
Participating Teams and Qualification Pathways
Six teams secured their berths through continental competitions, joined by hosts, reigning champions, and wild-card selections. Al Ahly qualified as the Egyptian hosts, while FC Barcelona entered as the reigning champions. Wild cards were awarded to Veszprém HC and Zamalek SC.
Continental representatives include Burgan SC of Kuwait, who won the 2026 AHF Asian Club League Handball Championship, and Moroccan club Montada, representing Africa as a tournament debutant. North America and the Caribbean are represented by Los Angeles Handball Club, with EC Pinheiros representing South and Central America and Sydney Uni covering Oceania. Füchse Berlin secured their spot as European runners-up following Barcelona’s EHF Champions League victory.
Global Stars and Contending Rosters
Füchse Berlin return to the competition featuring Denmark right back Mathias Gidsel, recognized as the IHF Male World Player of the Year in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Defending champions FC Barcelona bring veteran standouts including Dika Mem, Ludovic Fabregas, Blaž Janc, Timothey N’Guessan, and Aleix Gomez as the club chases a record seventh title.
Meanwhile, Hungarian side Veszprém HC arrives with a roster featuring 2024 IHF Men’s Club World Championship MVP Nedim Remili and goalkeeper Emil Nielsen, alongside Egyptian internationals Ali Zein, Ahmed Hesham, Ahmed Adel, and Yehia Elderaa.