Belgium and France to Co-Host 2030 Women’s Handball European Championship

Belgium and France to Co-Host 2030 Women’s Handball European Championship

June 13, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Belgium and France will co-host the 2030 Women’s Handball European Championship, the French Handball Federation (FFHandball) confirmed on Saturday. The announcement took place during the Champions League Final-Four tournament in Cologne. This marks the first time Belgium will serve as a host for a Women’s European Championship.

Why is Belgium co-hosting the 2030 Women’s Handball European Championship?

European decision-makers selected the joint bid based on the “complementarity and ambition” of the two national federations, according to FFHandball. Belgium will host matches at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp.

Why is Belgium co-hosting the 2030 Women's Handball European Championship?

Jean-François Hannosset, president of the Belgian Handball Federation (URBH), described the selection as a “historic moment” and a recognition of recent progress within the sport. Hannosset stated the tournament could serve as a lever for the further development of handball in Belgium and inspire a new generation of players.

Antwerp sports councilor Stijn De Rooster (N-VA) said the event helps position Antwerp as a leading European sports city. This follows the city’s scheduled hosting of a group phase for the 2027 Basketball European Championship, with De Rooster noting a specific goal to bring women’s sports into the spotlight.

Did You Know? Belgium only returned to a qualification campaign for a major international tournament in 2024, ending a 19-year absence from such competitions.

How does this impact the Belgian national team?

The Belgian women’s national team, known as the Black Arrows, will automatically qualify for the 2030 finals as a co-host. This ensures the team’s first-ever appearance in a Handball European Championship.

France v Belgium – Full Game – FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2019

National player Nele Antonissen said playing a European Championship in her own country is a “dream” for every player. Antonissen indicated that the prospect of playing before family, friends, and Belgian fans provides additional motivation for the squad.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that automatic qualification removes the high-pressure barrier of the qualification rounds, which has historically been the primary obstacle for the Black Arrows. By bypassing these rounds in 2030, the federation can shift its focus from merely attempting to qualify to preparing for high-level competition on home soil.

What is the historical context for Belgian handball?

The road to the 2030 tournament follows several unsuccessful attempts to qualify for major events. After returning to qualification play in 2024, Belgium failed to reach the 2025 World Cup finals.

What is the historical context for Belgian handball?

The team later competed in the qualifiers for the 2026 European Championship. According to the URBH, Belgium failed to qualify after competing in a group that included Germany, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Because of these previous results, the 2030 hosting rights may provide a more stable path for growth than previous qualification cycles. The tournament could potentially increase participation among young girls in the sport, according to Antonissen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the handball games be played in Belgium?
Matches are scheduled to take place at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp.

Who announced the hosting decision?
The French Handball Federation (FFHandball) confirmed the decision on Saturday in Cologne.

Will the Belgian national team need to qualify for the 2030 tournament?
No, as a co-host, Belgium is automatically qualified for the final round.

Do you think hosting major tournaments is the most effective way to grow niche sports in Europe?