Handball Club World Championship 2026 begins in Egypt

The 2026 Handball Club World Championship begins this Friday in Cairo, Egypt, at the New Capital Sports Hall. Ten teams are competing for the title, including top European sides FC Barcelona, Veszprem HC, and Germany's Füchse Berlin.

The tournament format has expanded to include ten teams, organized into two groups of five. Only the winners of each group will advance directly to the final, while runners-up compete for third place.

Füchse Berlin enters the competition as an underdog. Managing Director Bob Hanning noted that while the team dreams of winning, they recognize other clubs are currently stronger. The Berlin side faces a challenging schedule, including matches against Burgan SC, Veszprem HC, and hosts Al Ahly Cairo. The team is also managing personnel shortages, including the absence of goalkeeper Andreas Palicka due to a hand injury.