For the first time in history, an Argentina U18 national team won the South and Central American Men’s Youth Handball Championship that took place on home soil in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in November 2022. 

The squad of head coach Rubén Busolin eased through their group, winning every match by double-digits, and left Uruguay without a chance in the semi-final. Brazil was the only team who could pick up a fight against Argentina. Nevertheless, the Argentinian team dominated the final as well and celebrated their first ever title. 

This performance will boost the young players’ confidence and will help them perform in a strong group, including the IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship 2019 runners-up Germany, bronze medallists of the 2022 Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship Saudi Arabia and the newcomers from the United States of America. 

Left back Lucas Obregón has high hopes as he stated on the Argentinian handball federation homepage: “I think it is a good group, although we are going to play against a very strong opponent from Germany, I know that this team can fight.”

“The goal is to get into the top eight of the World and although it will be difficult, I think we can do it. We have been preparing for that physically, mentally, and tactically.”

The youth national team arrives with another record in Croatia. Only four teams have always qualified for the competition since its start in 2005: Hosts Croatia, the powerhouse Denmark, the current IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship winners Egypt and the only South American team: Argentina.  

They will try to set up some surprises and build on previous successes at the beginning of the competition in 2007, when they ranked fourth at their second appearance.

Alongside Obregón, left wing Nicolas Rodriguez is a top scorer for his team. With left back Juan Gull and centre back Francisco Cuello, they have also two players in their squad who made an appearance at the 2023 IHF Men’s Junior (U21) World Championship in Germany/Greece. 

Key players: Lucas Obregón (left back), Nicolas Rodriguez (left wing), Juan Gull (left back)

Qualification for Croatia 2023: 2022 South and Central American Men’s Youth Handball Championship – Winner

History in tournament: 2005: 7th, 2007: 4th, 2009: 11th, 2011: 10th, 2013: 18th, 2015: 21st, 2017: 21st, 2019: 14th 

Group at Croatia 2023: Group G (Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, United States of America)