Peru's women's handball team missed out on the final of the IHF Nations Trophy 2026 in Lima. In Saturday's semi-final, the Peruvian national team suffered a clear 13:42 defeat against Chile.
Chile thus confirmed their strong tournament form and advanced to the final. For Peru, the semi-final was the most difficult task of the tournament so far, following their successful progression to the last four. The 13:42 result highlights the significant sporting gap that still exists between them and the experienced Chilean team.
Peru now plays for bronze
Despite the clear defeat, the tournament is not yet over for Peru. Today, September 6, the match for third place will take place. The IHF Nations Trophy will then conclude with the final.
The IHF stipulated for the tournament that, after the two semi-finals on September 6, both the bronze medal match and the final would be played. The two best teams of the tournament also qualify for the South and Central American Women's Handball Championship 2026.
Peru therefore still has the chance to conclude the home tournament in Lima with a medal. Reaching the semi-finals is also an important step for a sport that currently receives significantly less public attention in Peru than football or volleyball.
Difficult matches after a strong start to the tournament
Peru began the Nations Trophy with a clear 34:19 victory against Bolivia. However, this was followed by a 10:40 defeat against Uruguay at the end of the group stage. As group runners-up, Peru nevertheless reached the semi-final against Chile.
There, the favorites clearly prevailed. For the Peruvian team, the focus is now on the last match of the tournament and the chance for third place.
PeruMagazin will add the result of the bronze medal match as soon as it is available.
Sources
International Handball Federation (IHF) – IHF Nations Trophy South American Zone 2026.
South and Central America Handball Confederation (COSCABAL) – Tournament progress and results.
Team Chile – Semi-final result Chile vs Peru, September 5, 2026.
Hero image source: COSCABAL / Germán Paez – Chile vs Uruguay at the SCA Senior Women’s Championship 2024.
