In what must be one of the toughest preliminary groups in recent years, Puerto Rico make their debut at an IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championship and will face Brazil, Germany and Greece in their first three matches.

Their preliminary group features the South American side who won the 2006, 2012, and 2014 titles, alongside 2018 champions Greece and 2022 winners – and title-holders – Germany.

The USA made it through to China 2024 after winning the third edition of the North America and the Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) Women’s Beach Handball Championship held in Puerto Rico in April. 

Despite a joint, worst-ever ranking of sixth at the 2022 IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championships in Greece, the Brazil women’s team remain legends of the sport, winners of the most gold medals in a world championship (3) and total (7) having been ever-presents since making their debut at the first-ever world championship in 2004 when they also finished in sixth spot.

A joint-highest rank of seventh at the last IHF Women’s Beach Handball World Championship was impressive, considering the championship featured 16 teams for the first time, compared to the 12 teams when Argentina finished seventh for the first time, back in 2016 after winning the consolation round.