Team USA Handball at the 2028 Olympics: History, Qualification & What to Know

Team handball is one of the most exciting sports most Americans have never watched — and that is about to change. With the 2028 Olympic Games coming to Los Angeles (LA28), the United States will field both a men's and a women's national handball team on home soil. Here is the history, the qualification picture, and what to watch as the road to LA 2028 unfolds.

USA Olympic Team Handball history

According to the official governing body, USA Team Handball — funded by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee — both the men's and women's squads have a real Olympic track record.

• U.S. Women's Olympic appearances: the women's national team has competed in four Olympic tournaments — 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 (Seoul), 1992 (Barcelona) and 1996 (Atlanta) (source: NBC).
• U.S. Men's Olympic appearances: the men's national team has appeared six times. Their earliest appearance was outdoor handball at the 1936 Berlin Games, followed by modern indoor appearances in 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988, and most recently as the host nation in 1996 (source: USA Team Handball).

Are the U.S. women's handball team automatically in the 2028 Olympics?

Yes. As the host nation for LA28, the U.S. women's national team receives automatic qualification for the 2028 Olympic handball tournament — their first Games appearance since Atlanta 1996.

How the USA men's handball team qualifies for LA28

While the women are locked in as hosts, the men's senior national team must actively earn its spot. As detailed in updates from the City of Sioux City, the road to Los Angeles begins in August 2026. The U.S. men face Canada in a two-game qualifying series at the Long Lines Family Recreation Center in Sioux City, Iowa on August 7 and August 8, 2026. The winner advances to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, which serves as the primary regional Olympic qualification tournament (source: KTIV News).

Where to watch and follow Team USA Handball

Follow the national teams through USA Team Handball, and watch athlete features and behind-the-scenes clips on our video library, including the "Road to LA 2028" series and interviews with U.S. players.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Team USA Handball in the 2028 Olympics?

Yes. As the host nation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the United States is guaranteed entry in team handball. The U.S. women's team is automatically qualified as hosts, while the U.S. men's team must still earn its place through regional qualification beginning in 2026.

Has the USA ever competed in Olympic handball?

Yes. The U.S. women's team has competed in four Olympic tournaments (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996). The U.S. men's team has appeared six times, starting with outdoor handball at the 1936 Berlin Games and returning indoors in 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988 and as host in 1996.

How does the USA men's handball team qualify for LA 2028?

The road begins in August 2026 with a two-game series against Canada in Sioux City, Iowa on August 7 and 8, 2026. The winner advances to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru — the primary regional Olympic qualifier.

When and where do the USA and Canada play in Olympic handball qualifying?

The U.S. and Canadian men's national teams meet in a two-game series at the Long Lines Family Recreation Center in Sioux City, Iowa on August 7 and August 8, 2026.

Are the US women's handball team automatically in the 2028 Olympics?

Yes. As the host nation, the U.S. women's national team receives automatic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic handball tournament.

Sources & references

• USA Team Handball — History
• NBC — Handball at the Olympics: rules, Team USA history & more
• City of Sioux City — Olympic handball qualifier announcement
• KTIV News — Sioux City to host USA vs Canada Olympic handball qualifier