On the court and on the sand, senior and youth categories alike — this is how Puerto Rico competes internationally.
Won the silver medal at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, falling 34-29 to Cuba in the final — its best result since finishing fourth at San Salvador 2023.
Known as "Las Fieras," the team made history at the 2021 IHF World Championship in Spain, beating Uzbekistan 30-24 and advancing to the round of 16 — its best-ever World Championship result.
The U-17 program represents Puerto Rico in both the men's and women's categories. The men's team made its debut in October 2025 at the first-ever IHF Men's U-17 World Championship in Morocco, facing teams from all five confederations.
Debuted at the 2022 IHF Beach Handball World Championship in Greece and has also competed at the 2024 (China) and 2026 (Croatia) editions, reaching 16th place all three times.
There are two possible routes, each with its own stages. Hover over (or tap, on your phone) each step to see a photo of a Puerto Rico team at that event.
Tap or hover — Olympic Cycle route
The North America and Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) organizes the Copa Caribe every 4 years, open to any Caribbean country that wants to take part. The top 4 finishers qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Centro Caribe Sports organizes the Central American and Caribbean Games. The top 2 finishers move directly on to the Pan American Games.
The third-place finisher at the Central American Games may choose to compete in a repechage against the runner-up from the South American Games and the winner of a North American event between the USA and Canada. The winner qualifies for the Pan American Games.
The eight best delegations in the Americas compete in the region's premier event. The Pan American Games champion qualifies directly for the Olympic Games.
The Pan American Games runner-up earns the right to compete in the Olympic Qualification Tournament, organized by the IHF, where 12 delegations from around the world fight for the last 6 available Olympic spots.
Tap or hover — Federation Cycle route
The North America and Caribbean Handball Confederation organizes a World Championship qualifier every 4 years. The event's champion qualifies directly for the World Championship.
The IHF has the authority to grant special invitations to the World Championship at its own discretion.
The champion of the Senior World Championship, in both the men's and women's competitions, earns a direct spot at the Olympic Games.
Talent identification runs through our affiliated clubs. Contact us to learn more.
