The IHF Nations Trophy will make its first appearance at senior women's level in September, with tournaments in South America and Africa offering national teams a new opportunity to compete internationally and fight for a place at their respective continental championships.

Both competitions will follow a similar format, beginning with a group phase before the semi-finals and final determine the first champions of the senior IHF Nations Trophy.

The Women's IHF Nations Trophy South American Zone will take place in Lima, Peru, from 2 to 6 September 2026, with seven teams competing for the title: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia.

The teams have been divided into two groups. Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador will compete in Group A, while Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia form Group B.

The preliminary round will see the teams play within their respective groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will then conclude with the bronze-medal match and final on 6 September.

Beyond the trophy, there is a major incentive for the leading teams. The top two teams in the South American Zone will qualify for the 2026 South and Central American Women's Handball Championship, giving the new competition a direct link to the established continental championship.

For hosts Peru, the tournament also provides an opportunity to test themselves against fellow South American sides on home court, while Uruguay return to the international stage with their sights set on continuing their recent progress.

Both Uruguay and Chile have a vast international experience, having featured in all editions of the SCA Women’s Handball Championship. Uruguay finished third, as the bronze medallist, in 2024, while Chile ended on the last place of the podium in 2022.

Chile and Uruguay also represented their continent at the IHF Women’s World Championship in 2023 and 2025 respectively, with several players of those participating teams returning to the national sides for this competition.

Africa Zone III: seven teams in Ouagadougou

At the same time, the Women's IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone III will be contested in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 2 to 6 September 2026.

Seven teams will take part, with Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo forming the field.

The preliminary round will be divided into two groups. Hosts Burkina Faso will face Nigeria and Ghana in Group A, while Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo and Liberia will compete in Group B.

As in South America, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final and bronze-medal match scheduled for 6 September.

The competition also carries a further reward for the eventual winner. Zone III's champions will qualify for the 2026 CAHB African Women's Handball Championship, creating a direct route from the new IHF Nations Trophy to Africa's premium women's handball competition.