World Championship Women 2026/27

The IHF Women's World Championship stands as the premier global handball competition, organized by the International Handball Federation. Founded in 1957, the tournament serves as the definitive world championship for women's national teams, sitting at the top of the international handball pyramid. It operates independently from regional events like the European Championship and the Olympic tournament, which features limited participation. The event is held biennially and brings together 32 national teams from across the globe.

The competition format begins with a preliminary round split into eight groups of four teams, played in a round-robin style. In the 2025 edition, the top three teams from each group advanced to a Main Round comprising four groups of four. The top two teams from each Main Round group progressed to the knockout quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the final. Teams eliminated in the preliminary round compete in the President's Cup for classification places 25–32.

Qualification for the tournament is determined through continental championships, including those from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pan American region, and Oceania. The most successful nation in the tournament's history is Russia, including the Soviet Union era, with seven titles. According to available records, Norway holds the record for most titles as an independent nation and is the current champion, having defeated Germany 23–20 in the 2025 final to secure their fifth world title. France won the 2023 edition, while Germany and Hungary are also noted as multiple winners with four and one title respectively.

The 2025 edition was co-hosted by Germany and the Netherlands, highlighting the competition's global scope. This structure ensures that teams from all continents compete, distinguishing it from purely regional championships.