The quarter-final match between Spain and Egypt at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship set a new record attendance for the competition, drawing an electrifying crowd of 22,150 spectators in the Cairo Stadium – Hall 1. This landmark gathering marked the highest attendance for a match in the history of the IHF Men's Youth World Championship, reflecting the growing popularity and global appeal of handball.

Held at the iconic Cairo Stadium in the Egyptian capital, the intensity of the fans produced a fantastic setting, as the hosts Egypt faced off the reigning champions, Spain, with Spain eventually clinching a 31:29 win, after a passionate encounter, where Egypt held the lead until the 52nd minute.

The intense competition on the court was matched by the passionate support from the stands, where the rapturous witnessed a thrilling encounter that certainly produced a fantastic propaganda for the spirit of youth handball. This unprecedented turnout is a testament to the sport’s global expansion, particularly in Egypt, which also hosted the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship.

Dr Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation, expressed his immense pride and joy at this milestone during a statement: “We are witnessing a remarkable moment in the history of our sport. The record attendance of 22,150 spectators for the quarter-final match between Spain and Egypt showcases the incredible enthusiasm and dedication that handball inspires worldwide. This achievement not only highlights the sport’s rapid growth but also the exceptional efforts of Egypt in hosting a world-class event that brings together the best young talents from across the globe.” 

He continued: “The passion displayed by the fans and the outstanding level of competition reaffirm our commitment to nurturing handball’s future generations. This championship is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of youth, talent, and the uniting power of sport. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the host country, the teams, the officials, the coaches, the referees, as well as to the spectators who made this record-breaking event possible.”

This historic attendance record also signals a bright future for handball, with enthusiasm accruing not only in traditional European strongholds but also in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Egypt’s role as an influential host country exemplifies the IHF’s strategic vision of globalizing handball and making it accessible and popular worldwide.

This is the third attendance record broken in the space of one year at a handball event. The first one was set for a women’s handball match in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when 26,664 spectators went in the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille to witness Norway’s win against France. The other one came at the 2024 IHF Women's Youth World Championship, as the match between Denmark and the People’s Republic of China, hosted in the International Handball Hall in Chuzhou, People’s Republic of China, drew 5,050 spectators.