Six youth (U18) national teams took part in the 2024 Men’s IHF Trophy North America and the Caribbean, which took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 20 to 24 November 2024. USA, the winners of the competition, booked their ticket to the Intercontinental Phase of the IHF Trophy, and together with the runners-up Mexico, also secured their spots at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, which will be hosted by Egypt next summer.

Inthe opening stage, the teams were divided into two groups. In one of the groups, USA won both games and progressed to the semi-final alongside Martinique, leaving Guadeloupe behind. In the other group, it was Mexico and Canada which went through, finishing ahead of hosts Puerto Rico.

Guadeloupe earned their first win at the competition in the fifth-place match, as they proved too strong for Puerto Rico, 36:19. And in the semi-finals, the USA defeated Canada 31:24, while Mexico had the upper hand against Martinique, celebrating a commanding 34:20 victory.

The third-place encounter was tight, but ultimately Martinique beat Canada 28:26 and secured the bronze medal. And in the final match, the rivals were also separated by just two goals, as the USA snatched a hard-fought win over Mexico, 25:23, and claimed the title. 

Final ranking

1. United States of America
2. Mexico
3. Martinique

4. Canada   5. Guadeloupe   6. Puerto Rico

Credit photo: USA Team Handball