Kohlbacher and Veteran Core Lead Germany to Handball EURO Final Showdown
BERLIN, 1 February 2026 – The German men’s handball team stands on the brink of history, set to contest the EHF EURO 2026 final against Denmark on Sunday. A decade after their last continental triumph, the squad is powered by a core of experienced veterans, including pivot Jannik Kohlbacher, who is playing what is described as his best season.
The Road to the Final
Under the guidance of Bundestrainer Alfred Gíslason, Germany navigated a challenging tournament path to secure their place in the championship match. A commanding 31:28 victory over long-time rivals Croatia in the semi-final showcased the team’s composure under pressure. This sets up a highly anticipated rematch with Scandinavian powerhouse Denmark, whom they already faced in the main round. The team has explicitly declared winning the title as their new, singular objective.
Key Facts: EHF EURO 2026 Final
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Finalists | Germany vs Denmark |
| Date | 2 February 2026 |
| German Key Veterans | Jannik Kohlbacher (Pivot), Andreas Wolff (Goalkeeper), Rune Dahmke |
| Last German EURO Title | 2016 (Poland) |
| Semi-final Result | Germany 31 – 28 Croatia |
| National Team Coach | Alfred Gíslason |
Veteran Leadership in Focus
The German campaign has been notably driven by players with prior glory. Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, named to the All-star Team in a previous breakthrough tournament, has been a wall in defence. Alongside him, Rhein-Neckar Löwen pivot Jannik Kohlbacher is cited as playing the finest handball of his career at age 30, providing crucial stability in attack. Together with Rune Dahmke, they form a trio of survivors from the 2016 championship-winning squad, offering invaluable experience. Bundestrainer Gíslason has shown tactical flexibility, even utilising Kohlbacher in atypical roles during the tournament to positive effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jannik Kohlbacher?
Jannik Kohlbacher is a 30-year-old German international handball player. He plays as a pivot (Kreisläufer) for the Bundesliga club Rhein-Neckar Löwen and is a key member of the German national team, having been part of their EHF EURO 2016 winning squad.
When was Germany’s last handball European Championship win?
Germany’s last victory at the EHF European Men’s Handball Championship was in 2016, ten years prior to the 2026 final. The team defeated Spain in the final held in Poland.
Who does Germany play in the EHF EURO 2026 final?
Germany will face Denmark in the final of the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 on Sunday, 2 February 2026. It is a repeat of a main round match from the same tournament.