The Club World Championship 2025 is officially locked and loaded. Set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from September 26 to October 2, this global handball event will bring together nine elite clubs from across continents — and it’s already shaping up to be a tournament for the ages.
FC Barcelona Joins as Final Entrant
Spain’s FC Barcelona has been awarded the final wild card spot by the International Handball Federation (IHF). With five previous titles and a long-standing legacy in the tournament, their return adds serious weight to the competition.
Barcelona has already made 10 appearances in this championship, winning it five times between 2013 and 2019. Their inclusion rounds out a thrilling nine-team roster.
The 9 Clubs Competing in Cairo
Here’s the complete list of teams fighting for the title this year:
| Club | Country | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Zamalek | Egypt | Host nation |
| Veszprém HC | Hungary | Title holder (2024 winners) |
| SC Magdeburg | Germany | European champion |
| FC Barcelona | Spain | Wild card |
| Al Ahly | Egypt | African Super Cup winner |
| Sharjah SC | UAE | Asian qualifier |
| Handebol Taubaté | Brazil | South & Central America |
| California Eagles | USA | North America & Caribbean |
| Sydney Uni | Australia | Oceania representative |
What to Expect in This Year’s Tournament
- Reigning champions Veszprém HC are back to defend their crown after their 2024 victory.
- SC Magdeburg, a team with three straight titles between 2021 and 2023, returns with fresh hunger.
- FC Barcelona’s comeback brings extra drama, as they aim to add a sixth title to their resume.
Egypt Hosts, With Two Teams Representing
Egypt won’t just host the tournament — it’ll also have double representation. Both Zamalek and Al Ahly have qualified:
- Zamalek, under French coach Franck Maurice, will look to shine in front of their home crowd.
- Al Ahly, recent African champions, are hoping to turn regional dominance into global success.
New Faces in the Spotlight
This year also welcomes Sharjah SC, the first-ever club from the United Arab Emirates to qualify for the event — a proud moment for Asian handball.
From the Americas:
- Handebol Taubaté carries Brazil’s hopes.
- California Eagles will aim to impress from the USA.
- Sydney Uni returns as a solid competitor from Oceania.
Group Stage Draw Coming Soon
The official group draw is scheduled for August, alongside the U19 World Cup, also being held in Egypt. Once the groups are revealed, fans can look forward to key matchups between former champions and rising challengers.
Key Dates to Note
- Group Draw – August 2025
- Tournament Kick-Off – September 26, 2025
- Final Match – October 2, 2025
- Location – Cairo, Egypt
Final Word
With legendary clubs, new faces, and national pride all in the mix, the 2025 Club World Championship is set to deliver top-tier handball action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone.
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