| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Host country |  Brazil |
| Venue(s) | 1 (in 1 host city) |
| Dates | 20–25 August 1985 |
| Teams | 6 (from 1 confederation) |
| Final positions | |
| Champions |  United States (1st title) |
| Runner-up |  Canada |
| Third place | Brazil |
| Fourth place |  Argentina |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 15 |
| Goals scored | 595 (39.67 per match) |
The 1986 Pan American Women's Handball Championship was the first edition of the Pan American Women's Handball Championship, held in Brazil from 20 to 25 August 1985. It acted as the American qualifying tournament for the 1986 World Women's Handball Championship.