In the past, Portugal participated in only four IHF Women's U20 World Championships, and the sixth place in their debut tournament at Ivory Coast 1997 is still their best result. The more recent appearances at this level were less impressive, as the European side finished 16th at Croatia 2014 and 18th at Hungary 2018 before failing to qualify for Slovenia 2022.

However, now the Portuguese have a reason to be optimistic, as they have a talented generation of players who did well at the Women's 19 EHF EURO 2023 last year. The team coached by Jose Antonio Silva reached the semi-final, where they fought hard against Denmark, eventually losing 35:38, and then they also lost the third-place match against home side Romania.

At North Macedonia 2024, Portugal are determined to build on that successful performance, as they have quality players in their squad. In particular, right back Luciana Rebelo, who moved to Team Esbjerg last year, became the second-best scorer of the Women's 19 EHF EURO 2023 and is seen as one of the hottest prospects in women's handball. 

Centre back Constanca Sequeira, line player Sofia Ferreira and left back Carmen Figueiredo are also the players to watch, as well as goalkeeper Mariana Silva. At North Macedonia 2024, Portugal were drawn into Group G with Montenegro, Guinea and Uzbekistan, and they have a good chance to advance to the main round. And if they reach that goal, they will try to go as far as possible. 

Key players: Luciana Rebelo (right back), Constanca Sequeira (centre back), Matilde Rosa (goalkeeper)

Qualification: 4th place at the Women's 19 EHF EURO 2023

History in the competition: 1997: 6th, 2003: 10th, 2014: 16th, 2018: 18th

Group at North Macedonia 2024: Group G (Portugal, Montenegro, Guinea, Uzbekistan)