North Macedonia women finish second at Macedonia Trophy 2026
The team recorded two wins and one loss; captain Sara Ristovska returned and was top scorer with 24 goals.
North Macedonia's women's national handball team finished second at the Macedonia Trophy 2026, a result confirmed on September 27, 2026 after a three-match international mini-tournament in which the team collected two wins and one defeat.
The squad beat Serbia and Croatia but fell to Montenegro, who secured the tournament trophy. The overall performance was viewed as a sign of progress ahead of the European Championship.
New coach, early priorities
Newly appointed coach Igor Marković had only seven days to meet the players and begin installing his tactical ideas. Marković has said he wants the team to refine its 7-on-6 play and to build a combative, compact defensive identity before the European Championship.
Part of the optimism stems from the return of captain Sara Ristovska, whose presence clearly lifted the team. Ristovska finished the tournament as top scorer with 24 goals, underlining her importance to the squad.
"We played a good game against Croatia, we showed that we can play against any national team. Everyone should believe in this national team, in this younger generation. I would like to invite all handball fans to come and cheer for us at the European Championship," Ristovska said.
The coaching staff and players now turn their focus to final preparations for the European Championship, hoping the momentum from Macedonia Trophy 2026 will carry into the bigger competition.
Photo: press material from the event
