Kick-off for the 27th IHF WOMEN'S HANDBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

On April 5th, 2023, the Dutch and German handball federations kicked off the preparations for the world championship that will take place in November and December 2025.

With the announcement of the Dutch host cities Rotterdam and ‘s-Hertogenbosch and German host cities Dortmund, Stuttgart and Trier, the setting for the world championship is complete. The Dutch and German handball federations, together with sports marketing agencies SportVibes and TIG Sports, are involved in organizing the tournament.

Rotterdam Ahoy is the backdrop for the semi-finals and finals of the world championship and, together with the Maaspoort in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, represents the Dutch host cities. The German Handball Federation previously announced the German host cities of Dortmund, Stuttgart and Trier.

A unique fan experience
Both federation presidents look ahead to the event in 2025. Roel Goffin, NHV president: “After the wonderful results in recent years, it is a logical step that The Netherlands also showcases the sport of handball with a World Championship on home soil. The most dynamic ball sport in the world will have a unique stage in this World Championship, on which we will offer all fans, anywhere in the world, an unforgettable experience!”

Andreas Michelmann, president of the German Handball Federation: “The Netherlands and Germany are close neighbors and traditionally have close ties in handball. This will be reflected at the IHF Women’s World Championship in 2025, which is jointly organized by NHV and DHB. We want to strengthen ties between both countries and create an excellent event for women’s sport in our decade of handball.”

Career highlight
The players from both countries already have many major tournaments, but a tournament in their own country is extra special. Lois Abbingh, captain of TeamNL Handball Ladies: “It is very cool to play a major final tournament in my own country in my career. Handball has become increasingly popular, and we want to take another step to inspire even more girls and boys. The ultimate goal is to win a medal during the World Championship, which could possibly be my last piece of art. That is one of my biggest dreams.”

Emily Bölk, captain of the German handball team: “We hope that many people will become enthusiastic and come watch the world championship. Playing a final tournament on home soil, with your own fans, is one of the highlights of a career, perhaps even the biggest.”

Catch the dream
With the Catch the Dream claim, the organization wants to make an impact in The Netherlands and Germany. Axel Kromer, sporting director DHB: “The World Championship claim ‘Catch the Dream’ is a clear mission for us: We aim to further strengthen and professionalize women’s handball in Germany. Nothing gives you more energy than organizing a major tournament in your own country”.