Mexico have secured back-to-back appearances at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship for the first time in history, as North Macedonia 2024 will be the third time when they feature in the world handball competition at this age category.

Two years ago, Mexico lost all the six matches they played in at Slovenia 2022, finishing on the last place, after having previously ended up on the 18th position in their previous appearance, in 2010, leaving them with only two wins in 13 matches played in the competition.

There is obviously the aim to develop further and deliver better results, but Mexico have been drawn into a difficult group, C, where they will face the reigning European champions at the W19 EHF EURO 2023, Hungary, the South and Central American champions, Argentina, as well as the Republic of Korea, the Asian champions and the generation which secured the gold medal at the 2022 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship.

Mexico will have, therefore, a mountain to climb, but they will be buoyed by the fact that they secured their berth for North Macedonia 2024 after clinching the title at the 2023 IHF Trophy U19 – North America and the Caribbean.

Last December, Mexico hosted the competition and they finished the round-robin group with seven points from a maximum of 10 possible, with three wins, one draw and one loss. The 24:24 draw against the USA was crucial, as it enabled Mexico to finish first, with a better goal difference (+18) than USA’s +14.

Key players: Andrea de la Cruz Martinez (goalkeeper), Jenifer Verdugo (left wing), Valeria Virgen Lezama (left back)

Qualification: 2023 IHF Trophy U19 – North America and the Caribbean: Winners

History in the competition: 2010: 18th, 2022: 32nd  

Group at North Macedonia 2024: Group C (Hungary, Republic of Korea, Argentina, Mexico)