Interamnia World Cup

The Interamnia World Cup: A Sporting Legend in Teramo

The Interamnia World Cup is one of the largest and longest-running international youth handball tournaments in the world. Every year, at the beginning of July, the city of Teramo, in the heart of the Abruzzo region, transforms into a global sports stage, welcoming thousands of young athletes from every corner of the planet. The International Handball Federation (IHF) has defined it as "the most important youth handball tournament in the world," a recognition that testifies to over half a century of history and passion.

A History Spanning Over Fifty Years

Founded in 1973 by Pier Luigi Montauti, the tournament has grown edition after edition to become an absolute benchmark for international handball. For generations of local youth, it has been an opportunity to "see the world without leaving Teramo," while for foreign athletes, it often represents their first experience on an international stage. The event has always combined sport with the values of friendship, peace, and cultural exchange between peoples.

The Tournament: Teams, Nations, and Categories

The 2026 edition, the 53rd, brings together approximately 120 teams representing 39 nations and four continents, with about 1,500 athletes and dozens of international referees. Matches are played in the following boys' and girls' youth categories:

• Under 12 boys and girls
• Under 14 boys and girls
• Under 16 boys and girls
• Under 18 boys and girls

Games take place in Teramo's sports facilities and various venues throughout the province, creating a week of non-stop sport from morning to night.

Beyond Sport: Values and International Partners

The Interamnia World Cup is much more than a sports competition. Over the years, it has forged partnerships with prestigious organizations such as UNICEF and Amnesty International, promoting children's rights and a culture of peace, and it enjoys the support of the CONI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The opening ceremony and the festivities that animate the city make the event a true celebration of the encounter between different peoples and cultures.

A New Organizational Phase

The 2026 edition marks the beginning of a renewal phase in the tournament's management, with the Fondazione Cartica joining the historic organizing committee to assist in the planning and design of the event. The goal is to modernize the organizational structure while preserving the spirit and identity that have made the Interamnia World Cup a sporting and cultural heritage of Teramo and the entire Abruzzo region.