USA withdraw from Egypt 2021

The United States of America have withdrawn from the 27th World Men's Handball Championship due to take place in Egypt beginning tomorrow.

The decision comes as the team have suffered a rising number of positive COVID-19 cases, and citing reasons related to 'the long term growth of USA team handball'. Switzerland have been lined up to replace them.

The North American nation were due to compete in Group E, alongside France, Norway and Austria.

The USA have become the second team to officially withdraw, after the Czech Republic withdrew earlier today to be replaced by North Macedonia.

IHF STATEMENT

USA Team Handball have officially communicated to withdraw their participation in the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship following several positive results after the obligatory COVID-19 tests before their departure to Egypt. The USA are thus the second team to announce their withdrawal due to several positive COVID-19 cases after the Czech Republic was forced to cancel their participation earlier today.

According to the COVID-19-Related Regulations for the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship in Egypt, article A. Non-appearance/Non-participation, the second substitute nation – Switzerland – has been invited to participate.  

The list of substitute nations was created in accordance with the performance criteria of the qualification event of the continent of the reigning world champion, which is Europe. 

Switzerland has been nominated as first substitute nation due to their 16th-place finish at the Men’s EHF EURO 2020.