The African Handball Confederation (CAHB) announced on October 12, 2026, that Africa will for the first time host a dedicated Olympic qualifying handball tournament for men in 2028. This new competition will feature four teams: the host country, the current African champion, and the top two teams from the African Nations Cup. The tournament will determine which African team qualifies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The CAHB made the announcement during a meeting in Luanda, Angola, on the sidelines of the African inter-club men's and women's competitions. The new tournament will be a separate event from the African Nations Cup (CAN), which will continue to serve as a qualifier for the World Championship. This reform aims to modify the African qualification system for the Olympics, providing a specific competition for teams vying for an Olympic spot.
The African Nations Cup will no longer directly qualify teams for the Olympics, but will maintain its role in qualifying teams for the World Championship. The new Olympic qualifying tournament will feature the host country, the African champion, and the top two teams from the African Nations Cup. This change is set to take effect in 2028, giving African teams a new pathway to qualify for the Olympics.
Egypt, which won its 10th African title in 2026, equaling Tunisia's record, will be looking to build on its success in the new tournament. The Egyptian team has participated in eight Olympic Games, with their best finish being a fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The new competition will provide African teams with an opportunity to compete for a spot at the Olympics.
The CAHB's decision to create a separate Olympic qualifying tournament is a significant development for African handball. The new competition will provide teams with a clear pathway to qualify for the Olympics, and will help to increase the competitiveness of African teams on the international stage. The tournament is set to be a major event in the African handball calendar.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature handball competitions, and the African qualifying tournament will play a crucial role in determining which teams will represent the continent. The CAHB's announcement has set the stage for an exciting new competition, and African teams will be eager to compete for a spot at the Olympics.
The introduction of the new Olympic qualifying tournament is a positive step for African handball, and will help to promote the sport on the continent. The CAHB's decision has provided a clear direction for the development of handball in Africa, and will help to increase the competitiveness of African teams.
Key points
- The African Handball Confederation (CAHB) has announced the creation of a separate Olympic qualifying tournament for men, set to start in 2028.
- The new tournament will feature four teams: the host country, the current African champion, and the top two teams from the African Nations Cup.
- The African Nations Cup will no longer directly qualify teams for the Olympics, but will maintain its role in qualifying teams for the World Championship.
