Peru's women's handball team is in the semifinals of the IHF Nations Trophy 2026 in Lima. After a strong start to the tournament, the hostesses are now fighting for a spot in the final and a place at the next South and Central American Championship. The tournament runs from September 2 to 6, 2026, at Polideportivo N° 1 of the VIDENA in Lima.
For Peru, the Nations Trophy is an important international stage. Seven national teams are participating, and the two finalists will secure the next step in the continental qualification system.
Peru starts with a 34:19 win against Bolivia
The Peruvian national team began the home tournament with a clear victory. Peru defeated Bolivia 34:19, giving them a good starting position early on. Camila Delgado played particularly well, scoring ten goals and being named the best player of the match.
The player from Arequipa thus immediately became a focal point of the tournament. The clear victory was particularly important for Peru because international competitive matches are less common for the national team than for established handball nations in South America.
Peru reaches the crucial tournament phase
After the group stage, Peru is among the four teams competing for a spot in the final. This achieves the first major goal of the home tournament. However, the sporting significance of each match now increases significantly.
A win in the semifinals not only secures a place in the final. Peru would also qualify for the next South and Central American Women's Championship.
Seven national teams play in Lima
The field of participants was divided into two groups for the preliminary round. Group A features Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Peru plays in Group B along with Uruguay and Bolivia.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. The medal matches follow on Sunday, September 6. The final is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time.
Why the two final spots are so important
The Nations Trophy is directly linked to the continental qualification system. The top two teams from Lima qualify for the South and Central American Women’s Handball Championship 2026.
This championship, in turn, is part of the international path towards the IHF Women's World Championship 2027 in Germany and the Netherlands. For Peru, reaching the final could therefore have sporting implications far beyond the tournament in Lima.
International matches at this level are also important for further developing game speed, coordination, and experience under competitive conditions.
Why Brazil and Argentina are absent
Brazil and Argentina, two of South America's strongest handball nations, are absent. Paraguay is also not among the participants in Lima. This is due to the concept of the Nations Trophy.
The competition is intended to provide additional international matches, especially for emerging national teams. Established teams have a different qualification status due to their previous international results.
For Peru, this creates matches against teams with more comparable sporting conditions. This increases the value of the competition for the further development of the national team.
Camila Delgado represents handball outside Lima
Camila Delgado's ten goals against Bolivia make her one of the most prominent Peruvian players in the tournament. She also comes from Arequipa, showing that Peruvian handball is not exclusively based in the capital.
A broader regional base is important for the development of the sport. Youth development and regular competitions outside Lima can help develop additional players for the national teams.
Handball fights for more attention in Peru
Handball is not yet one of the major spectator sports in Peru. Football dominates a significant portion of sports reporting, while volleyball also has a much greater public presence.
International tournaments at home can at least change this somewhat. They bring national teams in front of their home crowd and give players the opportunity to showcase themselves on an international level.
However, sustained development requires more than individual tournaments. Regular national competitions, youth development, coach development, and international match practice remain crucial.
The Nations Trophy is a new IHF format
In 2026, the IHF Nations Trophy will also be held at the senior women's level for the first time. The competition aims to offer more international competition opportunities to countries outside the established world elite.
Similar competitions are also held in other regions. The tournaments are thus part of a larger strategy by the International Handball Federation to create additional development opportunities for national teams.
Venue VIDENA in Lima
The matches will be played at Polideportivo N° 1 of the Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA) in Lima. This sports complex is one of Peru's most important training and competition centers.
The decisive matches will take place on September 5 and 6. This weekend, Peru has the chance to conclude the home tournament with a medal and international qualification.
Follow games online
According to the South and Central America Handball Confederation, tournament matches will also be streamed online. The YouTube channels of IHF Competitions and the Peruvian Handball Federation are mentioned.
This allows handball fans outside Lima to follow the decisive phase of the tournament.
The tournament at a glance
Competition: IHF Nations Trophy Senior Women – South American Zone
Period: September 2 to 6, 2026
Location: Polideportivo N° 1, VIDENA, Lima
Participants: Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
Peru's opening match: 34:19 against Bolivia
Top scorer against Bolivia: Camila Delgado with ten goals
Significance: The two finalists qualify for the next South and Central American Women's Championship.
Peru faces its next big challenge
By reaching the semifinals, the Peruvian women's national team has already achieved a positive result. The crucial question now is whether Peru can take the next step.
Reaching the final would guarantee a medal and simultaneously secure continental qualification. For Peruvian handball, this would be an important sporting signal.
The home tournament also shows that handball in Peru can provide stories that go beyond a single result. Players like Camila Delgado and international competitions in Lima can help increase the sport's visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the IHF Nations Trophy take place in Lima?
The women's tournament will be held from September 2 to 6, 2026.
Where does the Peruvian national team play?
The venue is Polideportivo N° 1 of the VIDENA in Lima.
How did Peru play against Bolivia?
Peru won the opening match convincingly with a score of 34:19.
Who scored the most goals for Peru against Bolivia?
Camila Delgado scored ten goals and was named the best player of the match.
Which countries are participating?
Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela are represented at the tournament.
What does Peru achieve by reaching the final?
Reaching the final secures Peru a spot in the next South and Central American Women's Championship.
Can the games be watched online?
COSCABAL refers to the YouTube channels of IHF Competitions and the Federación Deportiva Peruana de Handball for broadcasts.
Sources
International Handball Federation (IHF) – IHF Nations Trophy 2026, South American Zone.
South and Central America Handball Confederation (COSCABAL) – IHF Nations Trophy Senior Lima 2026 and tournament results.
COSCABAL – Peru vs. Bolivia, September 2, 2026.
Hero image source: Depor – Peruvian handball / IHF tournament in Lima.
