Croatia, Denmark, and Norway to host the 2025 Men´s Handball World Championship

From 14 January to 2 February, the world’s 32 best men’s handball teams will compete to claim the 2025 World Championship. For the first time, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across five venues in five host cities: Zagreb, Varaždin, Poreč, Bærum, and Herning. Denmark, not only a host nation but also the reigning triple world champion, enters the competition aiming to defend their titles from 2019, 2021, and 2023.

In the preliminary round, the 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the main round, while those that do not qualify will compete in the President’s Cup to determine positions 25 to 32. During the main round, the remaining teams will be organised into four groups of six. The top two teams from each group in the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for 2 February in Oslo, Norway.

After the opening days of the tournament, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Egypt are leading their respective groups. However, two groups have yet to play their first matches.

Guinea made history on Wednesday, 15 January, as they played their first-ever match in an IHF Men’s World Championship. The favourites for the title include Denmark, who are seeking their fourth consecutive championship, as well as France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Photo credit: IHF.