The countdown is on. From 12 to 18 July 2026, the worldwide handball community will come together for the seventh edition of International Handball Week, and this year, the celebration carries extra meaning. 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the International Handball Federation, making this edition of the International Handball Week even more significant.

Since its founding on 12 July 1946, the IHF has transformed handball from a regional pastime into a truly global phenomenon. With 211 member federations, hundreds of millions of fans and a presence on every continent, handball's journey over eight decades is a story of passion and relentless growth, from the grassroots level where children shoot for the first time to the biggest arena with millions of fans watching the biggest matches in the world. The  International Handball Week is the perfect stage to honour that legacy and to look boldly ahead.

First introduced in 2020, the International Handball Week has grown into an annual tradition. Each year, national federations have brought the celebration to life with creative programmes and community events that reflect the true spirit of the sport. It is through these efforts that Handball Week has become a genuinely global moment, and 2026 promises to be the most memorable chapter yet.

This year's week will shine a light on every corner of the handball world. Indoor handball, beach handball, wheelchair handball, all disciplines will have their moment in the spotlight, as the programme celebrates the diversity and inclusivity that define the modern game. Activities are encouraged at all levels and for all age groups, from young players taking their first steps on court to seasoned fans who have followed the sport for decades.

The IHF will mark the week with exclusive content across its platforms. The official website will feature special stories, interviews and features honouring 80 years of handball history. Meanwhile, the IHF’s social media channels— Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok —will be buzzing with engaging content, interactive challenges, and surprises designed to bring the global handball community even closer together.

National federations will be at the heart of the International Handball Week once again. Fans, players, coaches and officials are also invited to join the conversation on social media, so that no moment goes unnoticed and every story is heard.