2026 European Women's Handball Championship qualification
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7 March 2025 – 12 April 2026 |
| Teams | 30 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 81 |
The 2026 European Women's Handball Championship qualification tournament is a Handball competition that is played from March 2025 to April 2026 to determine the 16 EHF member women's national teams that would join the automatically qualified teams in the final tournament. Alongside the qualifiers, the EHF Euro Cup also takes place.
A total of 30 EHF member associations entered the qualifying process alongside the 8 teams in the EHF Euro Cup. The draw for the qualifying group stage took place in Cluj-Napoca on 20 March 2025.
Qualification system
Nine teams played in phase 1 in a single round-robin system, with the group winners advancing to phase 2 and join the remaining teams.
Qualification phase 1
The groups were played at a single venue.
Draw
The draw took place on 20 December 2024.[1]
Seeding
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina Lithuania Luxembourg |
Bulgaria Cyprus Great Britain |
Belgium Estonia Malta |
Groups
Group 1
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bosnia and Herzegovina (H) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 35 | +21 | 4 | Qualification phase 2 |
| 2 | Estonia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 55 | 56 | −1 | 2 | |
| 3 | Great Britain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 40 | 60 | −20 | 0 |
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
| 7 March 2025 17:00 |
Estonia | 20–31 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | KSPC Mejdan, Tuzla Attendance: 400 Referees: Pavićević, Martinović (MNE) |
| Gorbatsjova 5 | (8–14) | Bošnjak 7 | ||
| 1× 4× | Report | 2× |
| 8 March 2025 17:00 |
Great Britain | 25–35 | Estonia | KSPC Mejdan, Tuzla Attendance: 100 Referees: Pavićević, Martinović (MNE) |
| Luke 9 | (14–19) | Molkova 11 | ||
| 1× 1× | Report | 5× |
| 9 March 2025 17:00 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 25–15 | Great Britain | KSPC Mejdan, Tuzla Attendance: 450 Referees: Pavićević, Martinović (MNE) |
| Topčić 7 | (12–9) | Kesselring 4 | ||
| 3× | Report | 1× 4× |
Group 2
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lithuania | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 66 | 31 | +35 | 4 | Qualification phase 2 |
| 2 | Bulgaria (H) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 60 | 41 | +19 | 2 | |
| 3 | Malta | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 22 | 76 | −54 | 0 |
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
| 7 March 2025 17:30 |
Bulgaria | 37–14 | Malta | Palace of Culture and Sports, Varna Attendance: 750 Referees: Bočáková, Jánošíková (SVK) |
| Spasova 10 | (19–9) | Schiavone 5 | ||
| 1× 6× | Report | 2× |
| 8 March 2025 15:00 |
Malta | 8–39 | Lithuania | Palace of Culture and Sports, Varna Attendance: 150 Referees: Bočáková, Jánošíková (SVK) |
| Petrella 3 | (3–17) | Andronik 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 9 March 2025 13:00 |
Lithuania | 27–23 | Bulgaria | Palace of Culture and Sports, Varna Attendance: 1,000 Referees: Bočáková, Jánošíková (SVK) |
| Pilikauskaitė 8 | (16–11) | Panayotova 6 | ||
| 4× | Report | 1× 4× |
Group 3
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 41 | +13 | 4 | Qualification phase 2 |
| 2 | Cyprus (H) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 44 | 42 | +2 | 2 | |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 59 | −15 | 0 |
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
| 7 March 2025 18:00 |
Cyprus | 18–21 | Belgium | Eleftheria Indoor Hall, Nicosia Attendance: 800 Referees: Peretz, Schwartz (ISR) |
| Papa 8 | (12–12) | N. Antonissen 6 | ||
| 1× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 8 March 2025 18:00 |
Belgium | 33–23 | Luxembourg | Eleftheria Indoor Hall, Nicosia Attendance: 300 Referees: Peretz, Schwartz (ISR) |
| N. Antonissen 8 | (17–10) | Dautaj 6 | ||
| 2× 3× 1× | Report | 5× |
| 9 March 2025 18:00 |
Luxembourg | 21–26 | Cyprus | Eleftheria Indoor Hall, Nicosia Attendance: 550 Referees: Peretz, Schwartz (ISR) |
| Cilovic 6 | (8–17) | Konstantinidou 10 | ||
| 1× 3× | Report | 2× 1× 1× |
Qualification phase 2
The group winners of phase 1 will join the remaining teams.
Draw
The draw took place on 20 March 2025.[2][3]
Seeding
The seeding was announced on 11 March 2025.[2]
Groups
All times are CET/CEST.
Group 1
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France (Q) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 139 | 60 | +79 | 8 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Croatia | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 90 | 103 | −13 | 4 | |
| 3 | Finland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 84 | 105 | −21 | 4 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Kosovo | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 82 | 127 | −45 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
| 15 October 2025 17:00 |
Croatia | 25–17 | Finland | Sportska dvorana Zeleni brijeg, Sisak Attendance: 1,100 Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB) |
| Milosavljević 5 | (11–8) | Aarnio 9 | ||
| 1× 4× | Report | 1× 6× |
| 15 October 2025 20:45 |
France | 43–12 | Kosovo | Le Parnasse, Nîmes Attendance: 2,210 Referees: Hummelgård, Svensson (SWE) |
| Toublanc 8 | (20–5) | M. Qorraj 6 | ||
| 4× | Report | 2× |
| 19 October 2025 15:00 |
Finland | 15–32 | France | Energia Areena, Vantaa Attendance: 1,650 Referees: Dasic, Husomanovic (NOR) |
| Aarnio 7 | (7–14) | three players 4 | ||
| 1× 2× | Report | 1× 1× |
| 19 October 2025 17:15 |
Kosovo | 22–32 | Croatia | Palace of Youth and Sports, Pristina Attendance: 950 Referees: Ilieva, Karbeska (MKD) |
| M. Qorraj 6 | (13–14) | Barišić 12 | ||
| 1× 4× | Report | 1× 6× |
| 5 March 2026 17:00 |
Croatia | 19–30 | France | Dvorana europskih prvaka, Bjelovar Attendance: 1,200 Referees: Marton, Dáné (HUN) |
| Milosavljević 8 | (7–19) | Bouktit 7 | ||
| 6× | Report | 1× |
| 5 March 2026 17:30 |
Finland | 23–21 | Kosovo | Energia Areena, Vantaa Attendance: 1,347 Referees: Härgin, Makejev (EST) |
| Aarnio 8 | (14–10) | M. Qorraj 10 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 2× 5× |
| 8 March 2026 16:30 |
France | 34–14 | Croatia | Arènes de Metz, Metz Attendance: 4,634 Referees: Hellbusch, Jansen (GER) |
| Grandveau, Granier 6 | (19–9) | four players 2 | ||
| 2× | Report | 1× 2× |
| 8 March 2026 17:15 |
Kosovo | 27–29 | Finland | Palace of Youth and Sports, Pristina Attendance: 250 Referees: Riello, Panetta (ITA) |
| Gjikokaj 9 | (15–12) | Voutilainen 7 | ||
| 2× | Report | 5× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | Kosovo | v | France | |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Finland | v | Croatia | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | France | v | Finland | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Croatia | v | Kosovo | |
| Report | ||||
Group 2
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands (Q) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 145 | 81 | +64 | 8 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Switzerland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 115 | 108 | +7 | 4 | |
| 3 | Italy | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 105 | 127 | −22 | 2 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 86 | 135 | −49 | 2 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
| 16 October 2025 19:15 |
Switzerland | 35–19 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | AXA Arena, Winterthur Attendance: 1,420 Referees: Šniurevičius, Grigalionis (LTU) |
| Schmid 8 | (19–11) | Demić, Kolašinac 6 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 2× |
| 16 October 2025 19:30 |
Netherlands | 42–19 | Italy | Maaspoort, 's-Hertogenbosch Attendance: 2,138 Referees: Pétursson, Þrastarson (ISL) |
| Vollebregt 9 | (22–9) | Djiogap Tenguim, Fanton 3 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 2× |
| 18 October 2025 20:00 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19–39 | Netherlands | JU Sportski centar Salih Omerčević, Cazin Attendance: 450 Referees: Marton, Dáné (HUN) |
| Kolašinac 11 | (11–20) | Van der Vliet 6 | ||
| 5× 2× | Report | 6× |
| 19 October 2025 18:00 |
Italy | 25–37 | Switzerland | Pala Santa Filomena, Chieti Attendance: 1,200 Referees: Rauchs, Linster (LUX) |
| Manojlovic 6 | (13–18) | Baumann, Schmid 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 3× |
| 5 March 2026 19:15 |
Switzerland | 21–39 | Netherlands | Pilatus Arena, Kriens Attendance: 2,465 Referees: Ilieva, Karbeska (MKD) |
| Gautschi 5 | (10–18) | three players 5 | ||
| 1× 3× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 5 March 2026 20:00 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 28–25 | Italy | JU Sportski centar Salih Omerčević, Cazin Attendance: 800 Referees: Yovchev, Yonchev (BUL) |
| Lovrić 8 | (14–12) | Manojlovic 7 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 4× |
| 8 March 2026 15:00 |
Netherlands | 25–22 | Switzerland | Topsportcentrum, Almere Attendance: 2,000 Referees: Duplii, Pobedrina (UKR) |
| Housheer 7 | (13–12) | Buchner, Emmenegger 5 | ||
| 3× | Report | 4× |
| 8 March 2026 18:00 |
Italy | 36–20 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Palasport Giovanni Paolo II, Pescara Attendance: 900 Referees: Charalambous, Efstathiou (CYP) |
| Manojlovic 11 | (15–8) | Dautović, Lovrić 5 | ||
| 4× | Report | 5× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | Italy | v | Netherlands | |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | v | Switzerland | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Netherlands | v | Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Switzerland | v | Italy | |
| Report | ||||
Group 3
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany (Q) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 137 | 80 | +57 | 8 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Slovenia | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 98 | 105 | −7 | 4 | |
| 3 | North Macedonia | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 96 | 116 | −20 | 2 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Belgium | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 97 | 127 | −30 | 2 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
| 15 October 2025 18:00 |
Slovenia | 29–22 | Belgium | Arena Bonifika, Koper Attendance: 1,000 Referees: Mikelić, Parađina (CRO) |
| Fegic 7 | (17–8) | N. Antonissen 13 | ||
| 1× 2× | Report |
| 16 October 2025 19:30 |
Germany | 34–18 | North Macedonia | Schwalbe Arena, Gummersbach Attendance: 2,500 Referees: Nygaard, Primdahl (DEN) |
| Hauf, Leuchter 5 | (14–8) | Rizoska 8 | ||
| 2× 2× | Report | 1× 6× |
| 19 October 2025 13:45 |
Belgium | 21–40 | Germany | Sporthal Alverberg, Hasselt Attendance: 1,548 Referees: L. Hardegger, S. Hardegger (SUI) |
| N. Antonissen 11 | (7–19) | Döll 7 | ||
| 4× | Report | 4× |
| 19 October 2025 18:00 |
North Macedonia | 20–28 | Slovenia | Boro Čurlevski Sports Hall, Bitola Attendance: 2,200 Referees: Vujačić, Kažanegra (MNE) |
| Arsenievska 4 | (11–12) | Fegic 6 | ||
| 1× 4× | Report | 3× |
| 4 March 2026 18:00 |
Slovenia | 23–30 | Germany | Golovec Hall, Celje Attendance: 1,800 Referees: Manea, Iliescu (ROU) |
| Stanko 7 | (15–16) | Döll 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 1× 6× |
| 4 March 2026 20:10 |
Belgium | 26–25 | North Macedonia | Sporthal Alverberg, Hasselt Attendance: 1,025 Referees: Hummelgård, Svensson (SWE) |
| Smits 11 | (14–15) | Kiprijanovska 7 | ||
| 1× 4× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 7 March 2026 17:00 |
North Macedonia | 33–28 | Belgium | Sports Hall Kumanovo, Kumanovo Attendance: 400 Referees: Petrović, Zrnić (SRB) |
| Jankulovska 8 | (17–14) | N. Antonissen 13 | ||
| 1× 6× | Report | 2× 2× |
| 8 March 2026 15:30 |
Germany | 33–18 | Slovenia | SNP Dome, Heidelberg Attendance: 3,791 Referees: Rauchs, Linster (LUX) |
| Döll, Engel 5 | (18–8) | Bajc 6 | ||
| 1× 2× | Report | 1× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | North Macedonia | v | Germany | |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Belgium | v | Slovenia | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Germany | v | Belgium | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Slovenia | v | North Macedonia | |
| Report | ||||
Group 4
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montenegro | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 121 | 100 | +21 | 6 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Faroe Islands | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 98 | 100 | −2 | 4 | |
| 3 | Portugal | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 94 | 102 | −8 | 4 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Iceland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 99 | 110 | −11 | 2 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
| 15 October 2025 18:00 |
Montenegro | 29–22 | Portugal | Bemax Arena, Podgorica Attendance: 1,200 Referees: Yovchev, Yonchev (BUL) |
| Jauković 8 | (17–11) | Figueiredo 6 | ||
| 2× | Report | 1× 2× |
| 15 October 2025 21:30 |
Iceland | 22–24 | Faroe Islands | Ithrottamidstod Hauka Asvellir, Hafnarfjörður Attendance: 950 Referees: Fremstad, Jørstad (NOR) |
| three players 4 | (11–11) | Mittún 7 | ||
| 2× | Report | 5× |
| 18 October 2025 20:00 |
Faroe Islands | 26–32 | Montenegro | Við Tjarnir, Tórshavn Attendance: 2,500 Referees: Janz, Sug (GER) |
| Mittún 6 | (14–14) | Brnović 9 | ||
| 1× | Report | 3× |
| 19 October 2025 18:00 |
Portugal | 26–25 | Iceland | Centro de Desportos e Congressos de Matosinhos, Senhora da Hora Attendance: 1,147 Referees: Altmár, Horváth (HUN) |
| Resende 6 | (14–13) | Þorkelsdóttir 7 | ||
| 4× 1× | Report | 5× |
| 4 March 2026 19:00 |
Iceland | 28–27 | Montenegro | Ithrottamidstod Hauka Asvellir, Hafnarfjörður Attendance: 846 Referees: Fabryczny, Rawicki (POL) |
| Þorkelsdóttir 12 | (13–13) | Jauković 12 | ||
| 2× | Report | 5× |
| 4 March 2026 20:00 |
Faroe Islands | 25–21 | Portugal | Við Tjarnir, Tórshavn Attendance: 2,450 Referees: Klompers, Stobbe (NED) |
| Poulsen, Weyhe 5 | (12–9) | Ramos 5 | ||
| 2× | Report | 2× 6× |
| 8 March 2026 18:00 |
Montenegro | 33–24 | Iceland | Bemax Arena, Podgorica Attendance: 1,150 Referees: Murariu, Chiruță (ROU) |
| Jauković 12 | (13–13) | Þorkelsdóttir 7 | ||
| 1× | Report | 1× 2× |
| 8 March 2026 18:00 |
Portugal | 25–23 | Faroe Islands | Centro de Desportos e Congressos de Matosinhos, Senhora da Hora Attendance: 1,100 Referees: Lidacka, Lesiak (POL) |
| Figueiredo 6 | (15–8) | Brandenborg, Pálsdóttir 5 | ||
| 5× 1× | Report | 1× 2× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | Portugal | v | Montenegro | |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Faroe Islands | v | Iceland | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Montenegro | v | Faroe Islands | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Iceland | v | Portugal | |
| Report | ||||
Group 5
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweden (Q) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 130 | 93 | +37 | 8 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Serbia | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 124 | 112 | +12 | 4 | |
| 3 | Ukraine | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 104 | 121 | −17 | 4 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Lithuania | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 107 | 139 | −32 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
| 16 October 2025 18:00 |
Serbia | 42–33 | Lithuania | Sportski Centar "Voždovac", Belgrade Attendance: 1,750 Referees: E. Aghakishi, E. Aghakishi (AZE) |
| Krpež Šlezak 11 | (24–17) | Arciševskaja 9 | ||
| 1× 6× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 16 October 2025 18:10 |
Sweden | 33–25 | Ukraine | Estrad Alingsås, Alingsås Attendance: 2,750 Referees: Carmaux, Mursch (FRA) |
| three players 5 | (16–11) | Rosokha, Shukal 5 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 19 October 2025 15:00 |
Lithuania | 20–41 | Sweden | Šiauliai Sporto salė, Šiauliai Attendance: 368 Referees: Radčenko, Pērsis (LAT) |
| Pilikauskaitė 6 | (7–21) | Lerby 8 | ||
| 1× 5× | Report | 7× |
| 19 October 2025 18:00 |
Ukraine | 23–34 | Serbia | City Sport Hall, Michalovce, Slovakia[note 1] Attendance: 250 Referees: Budzák, Záhradník (SVK) |
| Dmytryshyn, Kolodiuk 4 | (12–17) | Garović 7 | ||
| 7× | Report | 9× |
| 4 March 2026 18:00 |
Serbia | 26–29 | Sweden | Sport Centar Mladost "Jezero", Kragujevac Attendance: 3,150 Referees: Sirbu, Serdiuc (MDA) |
| Krpež Šlezak 12 | (13–13) | Hagman 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 6× 1× |
| 5 March 2026 15:00 |
Ukraine | 30–29 | Lithuania | Chemkostav Aréna, Michalovce, Slovakia[note 1] Attendance: 152 Referees: Bošnjak, Marić (BIH) |
| Orzhakhovska 6 | (15–16) | Andronik, Pilikauskaitė 6 | ||
| 9× | Report | 1× 6× |
| 7 March 2026 18:10 |
Sweden | 27–22 | Serbia | Sparbanken Skåne Arena, Lund Attendance: 2,696 Referees: Simone, Monitillo (ITA) |
| Lerby 7 | (19–11) | Skrobić, Stamenić 5 | ||
| 5× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 8 March 2026 14:10 |
Lithuania | 25–26 | Ukraine | Prienai Arena, Prienai Attendance: 450 Referees: Fukala, Mohyla (CZE) |
| Pilikauskaitė 7 | (10–16) | Kolodiuk, Smbatian 5 | ||
| 2× 4× | Report | 1× 7× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | Ukraine | v | Sweden | [note 1] |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Lithuania | v | Serbia | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Sweden | v | Lithuania | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Serbia | v | Ukraine | |
| Report | ||||
Group 6
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain (Q) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 136 | 85 | +51 | 8 | Final tournament |
| 2 | Austria | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 116 | 115 | +1 | 4 | |
| 3 | Israel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 52 | 77 | −25 | 0 | Possible final tournament based on ranking |
| 4 | Greece | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 37 | 64 | −27 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 7 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
| 15 October 2025 18:00 |
Austria | 39–30 | Israel | BSFZ Südstadt, Maria Enzersdorf Attendance: 526 Referees: Bočáková, Jánošíková (SVK) |
| Egger 7 | (18–12) | Shaul 7 | ||
| 4× | Report |
| 16 October 2025 20:30 |
Spain | 35–15 | Greece | Port de Sagunt, Valencia, Puerto de Sagunto Attendance: 1,800 Referees: Cournil, Lamour (FRA) |
| Arroyo 5 | (15–6) | Giannopoulou 4 | ||
| 1× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 19 October 2025 17:00 |
Israel | 22–38 | Spain | Gopass Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia[note 2] Attendance: 35 Referees: Brodić, Hodžić (CRO) |
| Vakrat 7 | (7–18) | Vegué 7 | ||
| 1× | Report | 1× 1× |
| 19 October 2025 17:00 |
Greece | 22–29 | Austria | Municipal Sports Center Lefkovrisi, Kozani Attendance: 800 Referees: Manea, Illescu (ROU) |
| Andritsou 9 | (9–15) | K. Pandza 7 | ||
| 1× 3× | Report | 1× 7× |
| 4 March 2026 18:00 |
Austria | 24–29 | Spain | Sport Arena Wien, Vienna Attendance: 2,100 Referees: Metalari, Nikolovski (MKD) |
| Ivančok-Šoltić 7 | (12–10) | So Delgado 7 | ||
| 1× 3× 1× | Report | 1× 6× 1× |
| 7 March 2026 19:30 |
Spain | 34–24 | Austria | Pabellón Ciudad de Algeciras, Algeciras Attendance: 2,580 Referees: Nygaard, Primdahl (DEN) |
| So Delgado 7 | (15–12) | Ivančok-Šoltić 6 | ||
| 2× 4× | Report | 2× 2× |
| 7–8 April 2026 | Greece | v | Spain | |
| Report | ||||
| 7–8 April 2026 | Israel | v | Austria | [note 2] |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Spain | v | Israel | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Austria | v | Greece | |
| Report | ||||
| Postponed[note 3] | Israel | v | Greece | |
| Report | ||||
| Postponed[note 4] | Greece | v | Israel | |
| Report | ||||
Ranking of third-placed teams
The results against the fourth-placed team are omitted.
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Portugal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 68 | 77 | −9 | 2 | Final tournament |
| 2 | 5 | Ukraine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 48 | 67 | −19 | 0 | |
| 3 | 3 | North Macedonia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 38 | 62 | −24 | 0 | |
| 4 | 6 | Israel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 52 | 77 | −25 | 0 | |
| 5 | 1 | Finland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 57 | −25 | 0 | |
| 6 | 2 | Italy | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 79 | −35 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) draw.
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) draw.
EHF Euro Cup
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 15 October 2025 – 27 September 2026 |
| Teams | 8 (from 1 confederation) |
The EHF Euro Cup took place for the third time and was played between the 2026 co-hosts plus the three best-placed teams of the 2024 European Championship.[2] This was the first time the event was eight teams, up from four from the previous two editions.
Composition of teams
| Team | Qualification method | Date of qualification | Appearance(s) | Previous best performance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | First | Last | Streak | ||||
| Czech Republic | Co-hosts | 8 March 2024 | 1st | Debut | |||
| Poland | 1st | Debut | |||||
| Romania | 1st | Debut | |||||
| Slovakia | 1st | Debut | |||||
| Turkey | 1st | Debut | |||||
| Denmark | Top three at 2024 edition | 13 December 2024 | 1st | Debut | |||
| Norway | 3rd | 2022 | 2024 | 3 | Champions (2022, 2024) | ||
| Hungary | 15 December 2024 | 2nd | 2024 | 2 | Runners-up (2024) | ||
Preliminary round
Group 1
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway (A) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 123 | 86 | +37 | 8 | Semifinals |
| 2 | Romania | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 125 | 103 | +22 | 6 | |
| 3 | Poland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 97 | 117 | −20 | 2 | |
| 4 | Slovakia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 84 | 123 | −39 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(A) Advance to a further round
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(A) Advance to a further round
| 15 October 2025 18:15 |
Norway | 29–27 | Romania | Jotron Arena Larvik, Larvik Attendance: 3,184 Referees: Weijmans, Wolbertus (NED) |
| Reistad 10 | (16–11) | Grozav 7 | ||
| 1× 2× | Report | 1× |
| 16 October 2025 18:00 |
Poland | 28–20 | Slovakia | Hala widowiskowo-sportowa MOSiR w Mielcu, Mielec Attendance: 1,534 Referees: Duplii, Pobedrina (UKR) |
| Balsam 10 | (15–8) | Lancz 5 | ||
| 5× | Report | 4× |
| 19 October 2025 14:00 |
Slovakia | 19–31 | Norway | Gopass Arena, Bratislava Attendance: 3,202 Referees: Jakovljević, Kovačević (SRB) |
| Lancz 8 | (9–18) | Henriksen, Hovden 6 | ||
| 4× | Report | 3× |
| 19 October 2025 18:00 |
Romania | 34–29 | Poland | Polyvalent Hall, Craiova Attendance: 3,230 Referees: Fotakidis, Kinatzidis (GRE) |
| Grozav 8 | (15–15) | Cygan 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 4× |
| 5 March 2026 18:00 |
Poland | 24–31 | Norway | Hala widowiskowo-sportowa RCS w Lubinie, Lubin Attendance: 3,249 Referees: Maia, Nunes (POR) |
| Kobylińska, Rosiak 4 | (11–18) | Reistad 9 | ||
| 5× | Report | 1× 1× |
| 5 March 2026 18:00 |
Slovakia | 26–32 | Romania | Chemkostav Aréna, Michalovce Attendance: 902 Referees: Cournil, Lamour (FRA) |
| Lancz 5 | (9–18) | Grozav 10 | ||
| 1× 3× | Report | 3× |
| 7 March 2026 18:15 |
Norway | 32–16 | Poland | Steinkjerhallen, Steinkjer Attendance: 3,207 Referees: Fält, Holm (SWE) |
| Reistad 6 | (17–8) | Uścinowicz 4 | ||
| 2× | Report | 3× |
| 8 March 2026 18:00 |
Romania | 32–19 | Slovakia | TeraPlast Arena, Bistrița Attendance: 2,700 Referees: Pavićević, Martinović (MNE) |
| Grozav 7 | (16–8) | three players 3 | ||
| 1× 2× | Report | 1× |
| 8–9 April 2026 | Romania | v | Norway | |
| Report | ||||
| 8–9 April 2026 | Slovakia | v | Poland | |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 18:00 |
Poland | v | Romania | Radomskie Centrum Sportu, Radom |
| Report | ||||
| 12 April 2026 | Norway | v | Slovakia | Aquarama, Kristiansand |
| Report | ||||
Group 2
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark (A) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 134 | 90 | +44 | 8 | Semifinals |
| 2 | Hungary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 115 | 102 | +13 | 4 | |
| 3 | Czech Republic | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 115 | 122 | −7 | 4 | |
| 4 | Turkey | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 104 | 154 | −50 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(A) Advance to a further round
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(A) Advance to a further round
| 15 October 2025 20:00 |
Denmark | 41–25 | Czech Republic | Spar Nord BOXEN, Nykøbing Falster Attendance: 2,631 Referees: Fabryczny, Rawicki (POL) |
| Tranborg 7 | (21–12) | Cholevová 8 | ||
| 3× | Report | 2× |
| 16 October 2025 19:00 |
Hungary | 43–30 | Turkey | Kanizsa Aréna, Nagykanizsa Attendance: 2,977 Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB) |
| Simon 6 | (19–15) | Akgün 6 | ||
| 1× 1× | Report | 1× |
| 19 October 2025 17:00 |
Turkey | 24–41 | Denmark | THF Sports Hall, Ankara Attendance: 1,200 Referees: Pirvu, Potirniche (ROU) |
| Tügel 5 | (9–20) | Østergaard 7 | ||
| 3× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 19 October 2025 19:00 |
Czech Republic | 20–31 | Hungary | UNYP Arena, Prague Attendance: 1,895 Referees: Praštalo, Balvan (BIH) |
| Malá 5 | (9–15) | Klujber 6 | ||
| 4× | Report | 1× |
| 4 March 2026 17:00 |
Turkey | 26–34 | Czech Republic | Kastamonu Merkez Spor Salonu, Kastamonu Attendance: 4,000 Referees: Brodić, Hodžić (CRO) |
| Akgün 6 | (11–18) | Desortová 8 | ||
| 4× | Report | 1× 3× |
| 5 March 2026 18:00 |
Hungary | 19–21 | Denmark | Tatabányai Multifunkcionális Sportcsarnok, Tatabánya Attendance: 5,138 Referees: Bočáková, Jánošíková (SVK) |
| Simon 5 | (9–9) | Højlund 6 | ||
| 1× 1× | Report | 4× |
| 7 March 2026 17:30 |
Czech Republic | 36–24 | Turkey | Datart Hala, Zlín Attendance: 1,980 Referees: Stancu (ROU), Pepe ( ITA) |
| Desortová 8 | (17–12) | Gökdemir, Tügel 6 | ||
| 1× 1× | Report | 1× 4× |
| 8 March 2026 16:00 |
Denmark | 31–22 | Hungary | Arena Svendborg, Svendborg Attendance: 3,203 Referees: Picard, Vauchez (FRA) |
| Jørgensen 8 | (14–7) | Vámos 5 | ||
| 1× 3× | Report | 3× |
| 8–9 April 2026 | Czech Republic | v | Denmark | |
| Report | ||||
| 8–9 April 2026 | Turkey | v | Hungary | |
| Report | ||||
| 11–12 April 2026 | Denmark | v | Turkey | |
| Report | ||||
| 11–12 April 2026 | Hungary | v | Czech Republic | |
| Report | ||||
Knockout stage
Bracket
| Semi-finals | Final | |||||
| 21 September | ||||||
| 27 September | ||||||
| 21 September | ||||||
| Third place | ||||||
| 27 September | ||||||
Semifinals
| 21–27 September 2026 | A1 | v | B2 | |
| 21–27 September 2026 | B1 | v | A2 | |
Third place game
| 21–27 September 2026 | LSF1 | v | LSF2 | |
Final
| 21–27 September 2026 | WSF1 | v | WSF2 | |
Qualified teams
| Team | Qualification method | Date of qualification | Appearance(s) | Previous best performance[a] | Rank[6] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | First | Last | Streak | |||||
| Czech Republic | Co-hosts | 8 March 2024 | 9th | 1994 | 2024 | 2 | Eighth place (1994, 2002) | TBD |
| Poland | 10th | 1996 | 7 | Fifth place (1998) | TBD | |||
| Romania | 16th | 1994 | 10 | Third place (2010) | TBD | |||
| Slovakia | 4th | 2 | Twelfth place (1994, 2014) | TBD | ||||
| Turkey | 2nd | 2024 | Twentieth place (2024) | TBD | ||||
| Denmark | Top three at 2024 edition | 13 December 2024 | 17th | 1994 | 17 | Champions (1994, 1996, 2002) | TBD | |
| Norway | 17th | Champions (Ten times)[b] | TBD | |||||
| Hungary | 15 December 2024 | 17th | Champions (2000) | TBD | ||||
| Sweden | Group 5 top two | 7 March 2026 | 15th | 1994 | 13 | Runners-up (2010) | TBD | |
| Spain | Group 6 top two | 15th | 1998 | 13 | Runners-up (2008, 2014) | TBD | ||
| Netherlands | Group 2 top two | 8 March 2026 | 11th | 1994 | 7 | Runners-up (2016) | TBD | |
| Germany | Group 3 top two | 17th | 1998 | 17 | Runners-up (1994) | TBD | ||
| France | Group 1 top two | 14th | 2000 | 14 | Champions (2018) | TBD | ||
Notes
- ^ a b c Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian team plays their home matches at neutral venues.
- ^ a b Due to the Gaza war, the Israeli team plays their home matches at neutral venues.
- ^ The game, originally scheduled for 4 March 2026, was postponed due to the 2026 Iran war.[4]
- ^ The game, originally scheduled for 8 March 2026, was postponed due to the 2026 Iran war.[5]
References
- ^ "Path to Women's EHF EURO 2026 begins with phase 1 Qualifiers". eurohandball.com. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "Draw procedure for 2026 Qualifiers released; new final tournament for EHF EURO Cup". eurohandball.com. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
- ^ "Groups determined for Women's EHF EURO 2026 Qualifiers". eurohandball.com. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
- ^ "EHF EURO Qualifier Israel vs Greece postponed". eurohandball.com. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ "Greece vs Israel qualifiers called off". eurohandball.com. 4 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- ^ "EHF women's four-year national team ranking" (PDF).