The 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, a landmark event in the handball calendar, is currently in full swing. This year’s championship is historic, being held across three host nations—Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. The tournament began on January 14 and will culminate on February 2, offering nearly three weeks of action-packed matches that showcase the world’s best talent in handball.
This edition is particularly significant as it marks the first time the championship is hosted by three countries. The tri-nation hosting arrangement is a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and international collaboration. Fans from around the globe have gathered to witness elite handball performances, with defending champions Denmark aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
The Road to 2025: A Historic Tournament
The IHF World Men’s Handball Championship is one of the sport’s most prestigious events, organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF) every two years. Since its inception in 1938, the tournament has grown in scale and stature, becoming a showcase for exceptional athleticism and tactical brilliance.
The decision to host the 2025 edition across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway was driven by the desire to expand the tournament’s reach. Each of these countries has a rich handball tradition, and their combined efforts have created a festival of the sport. This innovative hosting arrangement allows for greater fan engagement, with multiple venues offering diverse atmospheres and local flavors.
The Triple Defending Champions: Denmark
Denmark enters the 2025 championship as the team to beat, having secured three consecutive titles in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Their dominance in recent years has been built on a blend of exceptional individual talent and cohesive team play. Key players like Mikkel Hansen and Niklas Landin Jacobsen have been instrumental in their success, with Hansen’s scoring ability and Landin’s goalkeeping prowess forming the backbone of the team.
Denmark’s consistency in major tournaments is a reflection of their robust domestic league and player development systems. Their victories in the past three editions were marked by clinical performances in critical moments, including their 2023 triumph, where they defeated France in a nail-biting final. The 2025 championship presents Denmark with the opportunity to solidify their legacy as one of the greatest teams in handball history.
Host Nations: A Celebration of Handball
Croatia
Croatia, a perennial powerhouse in handball, brings its passion for the sport to the 2025 championship. The country has a storied history in international handball, with numerous podium finishes, including a World Championship title in 2003. Matches held in Zagreb and Split have drawn enthusiastic crowds, with local fans providing a vibrant and electric atmosphere.
Denmark
As one of the host nations, Denmark aims to leverage home advantage in their quest for a fourth consecutive title. Venues in Copenhagen and Aarhus have been packed with supporters clad in red and white, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the team. Denmark’s status as the defending champion adds an extra layer of excitement to the matches played on their home soil.
Norway
Norway, known for its scenic landscapes and growing prominence in handball, completes the trio of hosts. Norwegian venues, including Oslo and Trondheim, have welcomed fans with state-of-the-art facilities and a festive atmosphere. Norway’s national team, which has been a consistent performer in recent years, enjoys strong support from a passionate home crowd.
Tournament Format and Key Matches
The 2025 championship features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with each group comprising four teams. The top two teams from each group advance to the main round, followed by the knockout stages, culminating in the final on February 2.
Key matches in the preliminary round have already delivered thrilling moments:
- Denmark vs. Egypt: A high-stakes opener saw Denmark secure a hard-fought victory over Egypt, highlighting their defensive discipline and attacking flair.
- France vs. Germany: In a clash of European giants, France edged past Germany in a nail-biting contest, demonstrating their championship pedigree.
- Norway vs. Spain: The hosts faced a formidable Spanish team, with the match ending in a dramatic draw, keeping both teams in contention for the next stage.
Star Players to Watch
The championship has brought together the world’s best handball players, each vying to make an impact on the sport’s biggest stage. Some key players to watch include:
- Mikkel Hansen (Denmark): A three-time IHF World Player of the Year, Hansen remains a vital asset for Denmark with his exceptional scoring ability and leadership.
- Dika Mem (France): Known for his explosive pace and power, Mem is a key player for France, often turning games in their favor with his decisive contributions.
- Sander Sagosen (Norway): A dynamic playmaker, Sagosen is the heartbeat of Norway’s offense, combining creativity and precision to unlock opposing defenses.
- Yahia Omar (Egypt): Representing Africa’s strongest handball nation, Omar’s skill and vision make him a standout performer for Egypt.
Challenges and Surprises
Every major tournament comes with its share of surprises and challenges. The 2025 championship has seen several underdog teams rise to the occasion, delivering spirited performances against traditional powerhouses. Teams like Argentina and Bahrain have displayed remarkable resilience, earning respect and admiration from fans and opponents alike.
On the other hand, some pre-tournament favorites have faced unexpected hurdles. Germany, despite a strong lineup, struggled to find consistency in their opening matches, while Croatia has faced intense pressure as one of the host nations.
The Growing Global Appeal of Handball
The 2025 World Championship highlights the increasing global appeal of handball. Once dominated by European nations, the sport has seen significant growth in regions like Africa, Asia, and South America. The inclusion of teams from these regions has added diversity and excitement to the tournament, reflecting handball’s status as a truly global sport.
Efforts by the IHF to promote handball through grassroots initiatives and international collaborations have contributed to this growth. Events like the 2025 championship serve as a platform to showcase the sport’s dynamism and attract new fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stages
As the championship progresses, all eyes will be on the teams advancing to the knockout rounds. Denmark’s quest for a fourth consecutive title faces stiff competition from traditional rivals like France, Norway, and Spain, as well as dark horses like Egypt and Sweden.
The final, scheduled for February 2, promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy, with the world’s best teams vying for glory. Whether Denmark can extend their dominance or a new champion will emerge remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship is a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and international camaraderie. Hosted across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, this historic edition has already delivered unforgettable moments and set the stage for an exciting conclusion. With defending champions Denmark leading the charge, the tournament promises to leave a lasting legacy in the world of handball. Fans and players alike are united in their passion for the sport, making the 2025 championship a true testament to handball’s enduring appeal.
