Road to Germany 2027: Final European Handball World Championship Qualifiers Drawn
BERLIN, 30 January 2026 – With Germany confirmed as the sole host nation for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Handball Championship, the final European qualification pathway has been solidified following the conclusion of the EHF EURO 2026 group stages. Ten coveted spots remain up for grabs, with the draw for the decisive play-off matches scheduled for tomorrow.
EHF EURO 2026 as a Qualifying Springboard
The ongoing European Championship in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden has served as a direct qualifier for the 2027 World Championship. The four semi-finalists—Denmark, Germany, Croatia, and Iceland—have already booked their tickets to the tournament on home soil for the Germans. Iceland’s progression, confirmed by their semi-final berth, was a particular highlight, securing their place among the global elite.
The Final European Play-off Picture
For the nations that did not reach the EHF EURO 2026 semi-finals, a final chance remains. Twenty teams will enter a play-off draw, competing in ten two-legged ties for the last ten European places at Germany 2027. The draw is set for 15:00 on 31 January in Herning, Denmark.
| Qualification Status | Nations / Next Step |
|---|---|
| Already Qualified (via EHF EURO 2026) | Germany (Host), Denmark, Croatia, Iceland |
| European Play-offs (Draw 31 Jan) | 20 teams for 10 spots (Two-legged ties) |
| African Qualification (Ongoing) | Nigeria’s Golden Arrows kept hopes alive with a 30–28 win over Guinea; will face Angola for a spot. |
| Asian Qualification | Semi-finals feature Japan vs Bahrain and Qatar vs Kuwait (27 January). |
| Americas Qualification | The 2026 South and Central American Championship acted as a direct qualifier. |
Global Qualification Landscape
While Europe finalises its contingent, qualification battles are raging across other continents. In Africa, Nigeria’s senior men’s team secured a crucial 30–28 victory over Guinea, setting up a decisive 5th-place play-off against Angola where the winner will claim a spot at Germany 2027. In Asia, the continental championship has reached the semi-final stage, with Japan, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait vying for honours and World Championship places.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 IHF Men’s World Handball Championship?
The tournament will be held in Germany. This marks the first time Germany will be the sole host, having co-hosted with Denmark in 2019.
How many teams qualify from Europe?
A total of 14 European nations will compete in Germany. Four qualified directly via the EHF EURO 2026 semi-finals (including hosts Germany). The remaining ten spots will be decided through play-offs in late 2026/early 2027.
Which major handball nations are not yet qualified?
Traditional powerhouses like France and Spain, who missed the EHF EURO 2026 semi-finals, will be among the 20 teams in the European play-off draw, fighting for one of the ten remaining tickets.