Men's EHF EURO 2026 Qualifiers Conclude
The Men's European Handball Federation (EHF) Euro 2026 Qualifiers concluded with the final eight teams securing their places for the upcoming championship. The tournament will be hosted by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Qualified Teams
North Macedonia, Serbia, Austria, and Poland all finished second in their respective groups, earning their spots in the final tournament. Romania, Italy, Switzerland, and Ukraine qualified as the four best third-placed teams, joining the competition in 2026.
Group Highlights
Slovenia and Iceland both maintained perfect records throughout their qualifiers, securing six wins each. Slovenia, under coach Uroš Zorman, showcased impressive teamwork, with multiple players scoring throughout their matches. Iceland also dominated their group, solidifying their reputation as a strong contender.
Key Matches
Poland clinched their place with a narrow 30-29 victory over Romania, which also qualified by being one of the best third-placed teams. A decisive last-minute goal by Andrzej Widomski secured the win. Meanwhile, Italy returned to the finals for the first time since 1998, despite losing to Serbia in their final qualifier.
Coaching Strategies
Head coaches highlighted the significance of adapting game strategies to secure wins. For example, Montenegro's coach Didier Dinart emphasized their improvement over the qualifier series, which culminated in a win against Slovakia.
Looking Forward
As teams prepare for the EHF EURO 2026, the focus will shift to tactical preparations and team cohesion. Many teams have shown considerable potential, setting the stage for an exciting European championship ahead.
