The 2026 IHF Women's U20 Handball World Championship commenced in Jinzhong, Shanxi province, on June 24. It marks the first time this prestigious international event is being held in China.

A total of 32 teams from six continents are competing, divided into eight groups, with 116 matches scheduled. The championship will conclude with the third-place playoff and the final match on July 5.

The opening ceremony showcased Jinzhong's rich local culture with traditional music and dance, warmly welcoming participants from around the globe. That evening, the Chinese team made their group stage debut against Algeria. After an intense match, China emerged with a decisive 33-20 win, marking a strong start to the event.

Organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF), the matches from June 24 to July 5 are being held at the Jinzhong City Gymnasium, Jinzhong Vocational and Technical College Gymnasium, Jinzhong University Gymnasium, and Shanxi Medical University's Zhongdu Campus Gymnasium.

As the host city, Jinzhong has ensured it is fully prepared. It has fine-tuned details in various areas, including venue facilities, service support, security, atmosphere creation, and competition organization, ensuring smooth and orderly operations throughout the event.

The city aims to use this top-tier international event as an opportunity to integrate its cultural, sports, and tourism sectors and boost related industries such as dining, accommodation, and transportation, further invigorating the local economy.