Jannik Kohlbacher Omitted from Germany’s EURO 2026 Main Round Squad
LEIPZIG, 28 January 2026 – German national handball coach Alfred Gislason has made a significant selection decision ahead of the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 main round, omitting experienced line player Jannik Kohlbacher from the squad. The 30-year-old Rhein-Neckar Löwen co-captain, a fixture in the DHB setup for years, finds his immediate international future in question as contract talks with his club continue.
EURO Omission and National Team Status
The German Handball Federation (DHB) confirmed its squad for the crucial main round phase of the European Championship, with Kohlbacher’s name notably absent. He was part of the initial extended squad for the tournament’s preliminary round in Denmark but was not selected to continue for the matches in France. This decision places him alongside other veteran players like Kai Häfner, signalling a potential shift in the team’s direction under Gislason. Kohlbacher had been active during the tournament’s early stages, even participating in light-hearted media activities with teammate Nils Lichtlein.
Contract Situation at Rhein-Neckar Löwen
Concurrently, Kohlbacher’s club future is a topic of discussion. His current contract with the Bundesliga side Rhein-Neckar Löwen is set to expire, and negotiations regarding an extension are a focal point for the club’s management. Coach Sebastian Machulla has publicly expressed optimism about retaining the services of the co-captain, highlighting his importance to the team’s structure. Kohlbacher joined the Löwen in the summer of 2018 from HSG Wetzlar and subsequently extended his contract until 2023.
Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jannik Kohlbacher |
| Date of Birth | 19 July 1995 (Age 30) |
| Place of Birth | Bensheim, Germany |
| Position | Line Player / Pivot |
| Current Club | Rhein-Neckar Löwen (Handball-Bundesliga) |
| National Team Debut | 2 April 2014 |
| 2025/26 Season Goals (to date) | 76 (Source: EHF) |
| Height | 193 cm |
Career Background and Context
Kohlbacher has been a key figure for both club and country for over a decade. Known for his physical strength and defensive work as a pivot, he formed a particularly effective partnership with playmaker Steffen Fäth at the Löwen. His international career includes multiple European and World Championship appearances. In a past season, Kohlbacher tested positive for COVID-19, which temporarily impacted Rhein-Neckar Löwen’s squad availability. His current form remains solid, contributing significantly to his club’s Bundesliga campaign this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jannik Kohlbacher dropped from the Germany squad?
National coach Alfred Gislason opted for other players in the line player position for the EURO 2026 main round, suggesting a tactical or generational shift. The exact reasons have not been publicly detailed beyond the squad announcement.
Will Kohlbacher leave Rhein-Neckar Löwen?
His contract is expiring, and negotiations are ongoing. While coach Sebastian Machulla is optimistic about a renewal, no official agreement has been announced as of 28 January 2026.
How many goals has Kohlbacher scored this season?
According to EHF statistics, Jannik Kohlbacher has scored 76 goals for Rhein-Neckar Löwen during the 2025/26 season up to this point.