Both United States of America teams – the men’s and the women’s senior sides – have qualified for the Pan American Games 2027 in Lima, after winning their qualification doubleheaders against Canada in the last two months.

The women’s doubleheader took place on 26 and 27 September in La Prairie, Quebec, Canada, with the two sides facing off for the coveted place.

The writing was on the wall after the first match, when the United State of America delivered a clear win, 25:14, to open a 11-goal gap before the second match, which was scheduled one day later.

USA’s Isabella da Cruz (six goals), Emma Lode (five goals) and Stephanie Klug (five goals) were their team’s top scorers, while Canada relied on Loris Labonte, who scored five times.

In the second match, Canada looked better and were clearly matching the United States of America, but could only muster a 22:22 draw, therefore conceding the tie.

USA’s Ashley Butler and Maggie Doherty-Dahlhoff were the top scorers in this match, with five goals each. Both Da Cruz and Doherty-Dahlhoff featured at the 2026 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship for the American side in June.

With a 47:36 aggregate win, the USA team, already qualified for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, made it to the Pan American Games in Lima.

The men’s doubleheader for the Pan American Games Qualification took place in the Sioux City, USA, on 7 and 8 August, as the United States of America team were clearly the dominant force, never letting any question about the winner.

USA won their maiden match, 40:18, with the second match also going their way, 40:23, setting up a clear 80:41 aggregate win.

LeftwWing Samuel Hoddersen was named the United States MVP of the weekend, highlighted by an outstanding 14 goal outing in the first match.

The Pan American Games will be held from 23 July to 8 August in Lima, the capital of Peru.

The men’s and the women’s handball competitions will serve as a qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Both USA teams are already qualified as hosts.

Photo credit: Eric Bouly