Euro 2026 kicks off on 15 January and runs through 1 February, bringing 20 of Europe’s best men’s handball teams to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The triple‑host format creates a compact, high‑energy tournament that follows the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2022 European Championships, setting the stage for a showdown of Olympic medalists, defending champions, and hungry hosts.
Triple‑Host Spectacle
Host Cities and Venues
The championship will be staged in six modern arenas:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Aarhus, Denmark
- Malmö, Sweden
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Oslo, Norway
- Trondheim, Norway
Each city offers passionate local fanbases and short travel distances, ensuring a seamless experience for players and supporters alike.
Participating Powerhouses
Olympic Medalists and Defending Champions
After Paris 2024, Denmark (gold), Germany (silver) and Spain (bronze) enter as the continent’s current elite. France, the 2022 European champion, seeks to defend its title against these Olympic medalists and the motivated host nations.
Traditional Contenders
Other strong teams include Croatia, Poland, Hungary and the three hosts—Denmark, Sweden and Norway—rounded out to a 20‑team field divided into four groups of five.
Schedule Overview
- Group Stage: 15 Jan – 27 Jan
- Round of 16 / Quarter‑finals: 28 Jan – 30 Jan
- Semi‑finals: 31 Jan
- Final & Bronze Match: 1 Feb
All matches will be streamed live on the official EHF digital platform and broadcast across the Nordic region.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the European crown, Euro 2026 serves as the first major test for Olympic medalists ahead of Paris 2028. A strong performance could cement Denmark’s emerging dominance, while France aims to prove its 2022 triumph was no fluke. Germany seeks redemption after a modest Euro showing, and Spain looks to turn its Olympic bronze into continental gold.
Impact on Scandinavian Handball
The tournament is expected to draw more than 300,000 spectators, boosting local economies and inspiring a new generation of players. National federations plan legacy programmes—including coaching clinics, youth tournaments and facility upgrades—to capitalize on the heightened visibility.
Looking Ahead: Key Match‑ups
Fans are already debating whether Denmark’s home advantage will propel them to the title, if France can fend off a revitalised German side, or whether an under‑dog like Norway might pull off a surprise upset. Whatever the outcome, Euro 2026 will shape men’s handball narratives for the next four years.
