Romania hosts 2026 U18 Women's Handball World Championship

The 2026 U18 Women's Handball World Championship was staged across four Romanian cities – Pitești, Craiova, Mioveni and Râmnicu Vâlcea. In the quarter‑finals Egypt defeated China 30‑29 to reach the semifinals for the first time, while Spain beat Switzerland 27‑25, Denmark overcame Hungary 24‑20 and Montenegro edged Slovakia 33‑32. The semifinals on 7 August saw Egypt face Spain and Denmark play Montenegro, with the final scheduled for 9 August in Pitești Arena.

Romania’s own team finished 12th after a 33‑27 loss to the Netherlands in the 11‑12 placement match. Egypt’s youth handball success was highlighted alongside a contrasting early exit of the Egyptian women’s senior football team from the African Cup of Nations, underscoring differing fortunes in the country’s women’s sports.

The tournament marked Egypt’s historic advance to the world‑stage semifinals, while the host nation completed the event with a mid‑table finish.