Masters Handball World Cup 2026: Omiš and Makarska Ready to Welcome a Record-Breaking Handball Celebration
The Masters Handball World Cup 2026 will once again bring together the global masters handball community in Croatia, with Omiš and Makarska preparing to host the biggest edition of the tournament so far.
Launched in 2017 by Sport Event agency and Handball-Planet.com, the MHWC project has grown into one of the most recognizable international masters handball gatherings. Under its signature slogan, “GAME IS NOT OVER”, the event has welcomed thousands of players, former professionals, enthusiasts, and handball friends from across the world, creating a unique mix of competition, reunion, and celebration.
The 2026 edition will set new benchmarks. A total of 79 teams from 20 countries will take part, competing across 180 matches in multiple men’s and women’s age categories. The event will also feature 115 hours of livestream coverage, six hours of TV broadcast, and an organizing team of 85 people, confirming the continued growth of the MHWC brand.
Since its launch, the Masters Handball World Cup has gathered more than 10,000 players, staged over 900 matches, welcomed 393 teams, and connected participants from 30 countries across four continents. The tournament has been held every May in Omiš, with the sole exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, matches will be played across four courts in two Dalmatian cities: the Central Court and Court 2 at GSD Ribnjak in Omiš, Court 3 at Apfel Arena in Makarska, and Court 4 at Sports Hall Makarska. This expanded format reflects the scale of the 2026 tournament and the increasing interest in the event from teams around the world.
The tournament programme will be enriched by several special moments. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 20 May at 20:30 in Omiš Sports Hall, while the Awards Ceremony will take place on 23 May at 21:00. The organisers have also announced the arrival of handball legends Momir Ilić and Jérôme Fernandez, adding further prestige to the 2026 edition.
Beyond the courts, the MHWC experience will once again extend into the fan zone, where DJ Vangel will provide daily entertainment from 17:00 in front of Omiš Sports Hall. Official transport between hotels and venues, an official info channel, livestream access, and live-score updates will support teams and fans throughout the event.
The spirit of MHWC 2026 is best captured in the welcome message of the founders:
“Our dream has become reality. Thousands of people from all over the world, united by their love for handball — a sport of special emotion and sensitivity. Together, we have been building this brand throughout all these years. And this May, we will push the boundaries once again — all together. Come, enjoy, celebrate life. Game is not over.”
With a record number of matches, a record number of participating countries, and an atmosphere built around sport, friendship, and shared passion, Masters Handball World Cup 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the story of international masters handball.
