¡Uruguay to the World Cup! The women's team secured the ticket after winning the playoff played in Lima
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Uruguay's women's Beach Handball team qualified for the 2026 World Championship by winning the playoff tournament in Lima.
- The team defeated Chile 2-0 in the final match, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
- Ana Iglesias was named the tournament's top scorer and MVP.
The Uruguayan women's Beach Handball team, 'La Celeste,' has achieved a significant milestone by securing their spot in the 2026 World Championship. Their triumphant qualification came through a dominant performance in the playoff tournament held in Lima, Peru, where they remained undefeated, culminating in a decisive 2-0 victory over Chile in the final. This achievement marks a proud moment for Uruguayan sports, showcasing the team's skill, determination, and growing prowess in the international arena.
Uruguay will have representation in the 2026 Women's Beach Handball World Championship.
Throughout the tournament, Uruguay demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience, not dropping a single set in their matches against Peru and Chile. While the final match against Chile was hard-fought, with Uruguay clinching the first set on the final ball, their ability to maintain composure and secure the win, followed by a comfortable second-set victory, speaks volumes about their competitive spirit. The standout performance of Ana Iglesias, who not only led the scoring but was also named MVP, highlights the individual talent within the squad.
The Celeste won against Chile 2-0 and took the playoff in Lima, remaining undefeated, to secure one of the 16 spots in the tournament.
This qualification is particularly meaningful for Uruguay, as they missed the previous World Championship in China in 2024. Their last appearance was in Greece in 2022, where they showed flashes of potential. The team's journey to this World Championship, including their strong showing in the South American and Central American championships where they placed behind powerhouses Argentina and Brazil, demonstrates a clear upward trajectory. As reported by El País, this victory is not just a sporting achievement but a testament to the dedication and passion of these athletes, who are carrying the flag for Uruguay on the world stage.
Ana Iglesias declared herself 'very excited' about the classification, which was something they were 'sure' they could achieve.
Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.