New 2011 Women’s World Championship venue

Twelve European teams will participate at the tournament. Four places are already given away to title defenders Russia ant to the teams ranked first, second and third from the EHF EURO 2010 – Norway, Sweden and Romania.

The other eight places will played out in the 2011 Women’s World Championship Play-Off Europe. Read more about the Play-Offs here.

New hosting venue São Paolo

The Santa Catarina region could not fulfill the necessary requirements to host the World Championship. Due to a present alternative concept of Greater São Paulo, and the large experience of the venues, the local organizers and the staff in organizing major sports events, the IHF decided to change the venue to be held in Greater São Paolo.

The 2011 Women’s World Championship will now be played in São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Barueri and Santos. The matches will be played in the following arenas:

• São Paulo: Geraldo José de Almeida (capacity 11,000)
• São Bernardo do Campo: Adib Moyses Dib (capacity 7,000)
• Santos: Arena Santos (capacity 5,000)
• Barueri: Jose Correa (capacity 5,000)

Thirteen countries already qualified

From total 24 places, 13 countries already have their places secured. Besides the above mentioned Russia, Norway, Sweden and Romania the other nations already qualified are Angola, Congo and Tunisia from Africa, Korea, Japan, China and Kazakhstan from Asia, Australia from Oceania and Brazil as hosting nation.

Three countries in the Americas still try to obtain their places in the Pan American Championships, which will be held from 28 June to 02 July 2011.

The final tournament draw is planned to be carried out on 02 July 2011.

Visit the Official Website.