After more than 20 years of absence, the men’s national team returned to the world stage this year, the men’s junior national team celebrated their third appearance at Germany/Greece 2023 this summer and it is now up to the youngest national team to enter the IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship for the first time in history. 

The United States of America qualified at the 2022 North America and Caribbean Men’s Youth Handball Championship. This tournament was the first edition of its kind and took place in Mexico. Six teams participated in a round-robin format over five days. 

The team of head coach Martin Bilello had a great start to the tournament with a clear win over Dominica, but already one day later they could not stand a chance against the eventual champions from Guadeloupe. They recovered well from that loss and bounced back to earn a victory against Canada the following day. 

The most thrilling match took place on the fourth day against Mexico. Goalkeeper Mattia Cercalo was the man of the final minutes. His saves became goals on the offensive which erased a three-goal deficit and ended the match in a 33:33 tie. They ended the tournament on a high, winning against Puerto Rico and thereby winning the bronze medal match. 

Three players were named All-stars, including right back Tristan Morawski, goalkeeper Mattia Cercalo and pivot Maksim McCauley. Morawski and Cercalo as well as Evan Gordon and Benjamin Edwards already took part in the IHF Men’s Junior (U21) World Championship this summer. 

Especially Morawski is a well-known name in the handball community, as his father not only coaches the U21 American handball team but is also a former first division player of the Polish league. While his active career is over, his son dreams of a bright future. 

In their first participation, the United States of America are placed in Group G, where they will meet the 2022 South and Central American Men’s Youth Handball Championship winners Argentina in their opening match. It will not get easier as they will face the current World Championship runners-up from Germany and bronze medallists of the 2022 Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship Saudi Arabia.

Key players: Tristan Morawski (right back), Mattia Cercalo (goalkeeper), Maksim McCauley (pivot)

Qualification for Croatia 2023: 2022 North America and Caribbean Men’s Youth Handball Championship – 3rd

History in tournament: Debutants

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