After defending their North America and the Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) title in Carolina, Puerto Rico in April, the United States of America men could look towards their China 2024 campaign with positivity.

Little did they know at the time, but their appearance at the opening stage of the 2024 IHF Beach Handball Global Tour in Marica, Brazil the following month would help in their preparations for the global event.

Three of the four teams they would play in Brazil – Germany, Qatar and Uruguay – would complete their China 2024 preliminary group.

Overview: While Brazil’s continental and regional dominance is secure – already this year they have won their continental championship and opening stage of the 2024 IHF Beach Handball Global Tour – their global dominance has wavered in recent years.

However, with a galaxy of stars on the sand and a winning culture and mentality, Brazil’s men go into China 2024 as one of the favourites.

Uruguay ended the last IHF Men’s Beach Handball World Championship distraught – their 5/6 placement match loss against Qatar at Greece 2022 costing them a spot at the then planned 2022 ANOC World Beach Games, set to take place in Bali.

After losing their opener against Croatia (0-2) on the Greek sand in Heraklion two years ago, they surprised many - if not themselves - when they took down Spain 2-1 in their second match, swiftly followed by a 2-0 victory over debutants Ecuador.

For the fourth time in history, Slovenia men’s senior national team qualified for the Olympic Games, confirming their status as one of the most consistent teams in Europe, constantly bringing new and talented players to the fore. However, Slovenia’s best performance has been the sixth place at Rio 2016, finishing eighth at Sydney 2000 and 11th at Athens 2004.