France Targets Fourth Handball Gold as US Chases First Medal at LA 2028

Handball is an indoor team sport that blends elements of basketball, soccer and water polo. Each side fields seven players who pass a small ball and try to score goals in two 30‑minute halves. Players may take only three steps without dribbling and must release the ball within three seconds, which creates a fast‑paced, high‑scoring game. Handball debuted at the 1972 Munich Games and has been featured in every Summer Olympics since, except for a brief absence in 1976. France has won three Olympic gold medals in handball, the most of any nation, whereas the United States has never reached the podium in either the men’s or women’s event.

- France leads all countries with three Olympic gold medals in handball. - The United States has zero Olympic medals in the sport. - The 2028 Los Angeles Games will host separate men’s and women’s handball tournaments, each with 12 qualifying teams. - Teams are split into two groups of six; each squad plays a round‑robin within its group. - The top four teams from each group advance to a single‑elimination quarterfinals bracket. - Handball competition is scheduled from July 12 to July 28, with the men’s tournament concluding July 27 and the women’s tournament concluding July 28.

France’s pursuit of a fourth gold underscores its continued dominance and will likely trigger heightened investment in coaching and athlete development. The United States’ medal hunt highlights a long‑standing gap that national federations are addressing through grassroots programs, university partnerships, and increased exposure to international competition. The expanded 12‑team format raises the stakes for qualification, meaning that even traditionally strong nations must navigate a tougher group stage to reach the medal rounds. For both countries, performance in the upcoming continental qualifiers and pre‑Olympic tournaments will be critical indicators of readiness. Media coverage and sponsorship interest are expected to rise as the Games approach, potentially influencing funding levels for handball programs nationwide. Increased visibility could translate into higher registration numbers at clubs and schools, especially if either nation secures a podium finish.