Portugal — Handball

Handball in Portugal has been growing in profile, particularly after recent qualifications for major international tournaments. The 1a Divisao Women features 66 clubs across 4 competitions.

While traditionally overshadowed by football, Portuguese handball has made strides in competitiveness, with the national team becoming a more regular fixture at European and World Championships.

Handball was introduced to Portugal in the late 1920s, and the Portuguese Handball Federation was founded in 1939. The sport developed steadily but remained in the shadow of football.

In recent years, Portugal has emerged as a competitive force in European handball, qualifying for and performing well at the European Championship and World Championship, signalling a new era for the sport in the country.

The Portuguese Handball Federation (Federacao de Andebol de Portugal, FAP) governs handball in Portugal. Founded in 1939, it is a member of the EHF and IHF.

The Liga Portuguesa de Andebol is the top division of handball in Portugal. The Taca de Portugal provides knockout cup competition. FC Porto and Sporting CP have been dominant forces in Portuguese handball.

Portugal's national handball team has made significant progress in recent years, qualifying for and competing at European and World Championships. The team's growing competitiveness reflects increased investment in the sport and the development of Portuguese players in international club handball.