Line-up Confirmed for 18th IHF Men’s Club World Championship

The line-up for the 18th edition of the IHF Men’s Club World Championship is now complete, following the allocation of a wild card to FC Barcelona by the IHF Executive Committee.

The Spanish giants are the most decorated team in the history of the competition, having secured the title on five occasions — 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In addition to their championship wins, FC Barcelona have finished as runners-up twice and claimed third place a further two times in their ten previous participations.

As the current Spanish handball champions and EHF FINAL4 qualifiers for the 2024/25 season, FC Barcelona bring both a strong sporting pedigree and significant global recognition. Their presence is expected to enhance the competitive level of the championship and further increase international attention and public interest in the event.

With their inclusion, the final list of participating clubs is now confirmed. FC Barcelona will join eight other qualified teams from across the globe at the 2025 IHF Men’s Club World Championship.

Reigning champions Veszprém HC return to defend their title, after their historic triumph last season against SC Magdeburg in the final. German powerhouse SC Magdeburg, champions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, have also secured their spot after capturing the 2024 EHF Champions League Men title.

Hosts Zamalek SC will make their second consecutive appearance at the competition, joined by fellow Egyptian side Al Ahly SC, who qualified through their victory in the African Handball Super Cup and will be making their fourth straight appearance.

From Asia, Sharjah SC, winners of the Asian Men’s Club League Handball Championship, are set to become the first team from the United Arab Emirates to take part in the IHF Men’s Club World Championship, marking a historic milestone for the region.

Representing the South and Central American confederation, Brazilian side Handebol Taubaté have earned qualification once again and will be making their ninth overall appearance, continuing their long-standing presence at the competition.

From the North American and Caribbean region, the California Eagles are set to return after securing their qualification through victory in the North American and Caribbean Senior Club Championship. The team will make their second appearance following their debut in the previous edition.

Sydney Uni, representing Oceania, will take part for the twelfth time, maintaining their status as the team with the largest number of appearances in the history of the competition.

The 18th edition of the IHF Men’s Club World Championship will take place in Cairo, Egypt, between 26 September and 2 October 2025. The draw for the preliminary round of the 2025 IHF Men's Club World Championship will take place on the outskirts of the 2025 IHF Men's Youth World Championship in Egypt in August.

The following nine club teams are planned to participate in the 2025 IHF Men’s Club World Championship:

Host: Zamalek (EGY)
Reigning Champions: Veszprém HC (HUN)
Asia: Sharjah SC (UAE)
Africa: Al Ahly (EGY)
Europe: SC Magdeburg (GER)
South and Central America: Handebol Taubaté (BRA)
North America and the Caribbean: California Eagles (USA)
Oceania: Sydney Uni (AUS)
Wild card: FC Barcelona (ESP)