MNT Drops Group E Finale to Brazil, Will Head to President's Cup at World Championship

The U.S. Men’s National Team was defeated by South American champions Brazil in their final match of the preliminary round of the 2025 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship, 31:24.

The loss will send the American squad to the President’s Cup, which will be held in Porec, Croatia. 

In the last match between the two sides, Brazil defeated the U.S. in the semifinals of the 2023 Pan American Games, with a final score of 40:27.

Off the opening whistle, the United States came out with a vengeance, as either a 10-goal victory or a win and a Portugal win over Norway would ensure a berth in the main round for Robert Hedin’s side.

With some timely saves by Pal Merkovszki and three goals by Abou Fofana in the first half, the Americans took a two-goal advantage into the locker room, 12:10.

After trading goals for the first five minutes out of the break, a Drew Donlin red card, combined with a two-minute suspension caused by an improper substitution, allowed Brazil to go on a 3:1 run while they had the power play.

The U.S. was held to only five goals in the final 15 minutes of the match, with Brazil goalkeeper Rangel da Rosa spurning any run for the Americans, as he finished with a 50% save efficiency.

Joey Stromberg led the scoring for the United States with six goals, and Fofana - who was awarded Player of the Match by the IHF - and Sam Hoddersen added another four goals each. Hoddersen continues his perfect stretch from the 7m spot, as he is 100% on his seven attempts on penalties so far this tournament.