The ranking of Brazil’s women at the IHF Beach Handball World Championship have seen a downward trend in recent editions.

Following Brazilian bronze in 2018, sixth place was recorded in 2022 – their joint worst-ever ranking in the competition at that point – but in 2024 it got worse, eighth.

Despite that major disappointment, no major changes were made, with coach Vinicius Carlos de Oliveira continuing in the role as coach, having been tasked with overseeing a generational shift in the playing squad, a number of whom have been with the team for more than two decades and played a big part in their successful era which saw seven world championship podiums in a row from 2006-2018, including three golds.

The influential Nathalie Sena has retired since China 2024 and others were set to follow, but the effervescent and experienced Renata Santiago has been recalled and will form a key part of the team, captained by the experienced Ingrid Frazao.

“Our expectations are very high,” said coach de Oliveria, who is the brother of men’s national team playmaker Bruno. “We want to return to the ranks of the world’s best teams and compete for a medal – preferably gold. We’re working hard, with intense preparation, and we’ll arrive at the world championship ready to pursue this major goal.”

Despite the lack of success at the world championship, Brazil have won all three editions (2023, 2024, 2025) of the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour: Finals, most recently last November on home sand. This forms part of their unique record as after playing five stages across different years and nations, they have played 25 times and won all 25.

At continental level it is slightly different for Brazil. The rise of neighbours Argentina has seen them swap titles with their rivals, most recently, losing to them in the 2026 SCAHC Women’s Beach Handball Championships final. Patricia Scheppa (right wing), Debora Murad (left wing) and Beatriz Correa (pivot) all made the All-star Team at the continental event.

Despite that disappointment, it was enough to book their spot at Croatia 2026 where they will take on Norway, USA and Greece in their preliminary group. At China 2024, Brazil beat Greece 2-0 (16:10, 12:7) and Norway 2-1 (18:20, 23:20, SO 7:6).

Coach: Vinicius Carlos de Oliveira 

Key Players: Ingrid Frazao, Renata Santiago, Patricia Scheppa, Arianne Demetrio, Beatriz Correa

Qualification information: 2026 SCAHC Women’s Beach Handball Championships – 2nd

History in Tournament: 2004: 6th, 2006: 1st, 2008: 3rd, 2010: 3rd, 2012: 1st, 2014: 1st, 2016: 2nd, 2018: 3rd, 2022: 6th, 2024: 8th

Group at Croatia 2026: Group C: Norway, Greece, Brazil, United States of America