Main Round Set at Men's 18 EHF EURO 2026: Defending Champions Fall as 12 Nations Chase the Crown

The landscape of European youth handball has been dramatically reshaped in Belgrade, Serbia, where the preliminary round of the Men's 18 EHF EURO 2026 concluded this weekend. The expanded 24-team tournament has delivered a grueling opening gauntlet, whittling the field down to an elite dozen who will now contest the main round. For the advancing nations, the stakes extend beyond continental glory; the tournament also serves as the primary qualification pathway for the 2027 IHF Men's U19 Handball World Championship.[1][2]

Hosted across three premier venues in the Serbian capital—including the iconic Aleksandar Nikolić Hall—the tournament has provided a vibrant backdrop for the sport's next generation. The atmosphere has been electric, with local fans and traveling supporters creating a high-pressure environment that has tested the composure of the young athletes. This crucible has quickly separated the genuine title contenders from the rest of the pack.[2][5]

The most stunning development of the opening phase was the abrupt exit of the defending champions. Sweden, who captured the crown in 2024, failed to secure a top-two finish in Group A, relegating them to the intermediate round. Their elimination underscores the deepening parity across the continent's youth programs and blows the race for the 2026 title wide open.[1]

In Sweden's absence, Slovenia seized control of Group A with a flawless preliminary campaign. The Slovenians capped their perfect run with a high-octane 34-30 victory over two-time champions France. Right back Jaka Podvrsic was the catalyst, netting nine goals to bring his tournament tally to 31. Despite the loss, France's earlier victories over Sweden and North Macedonia ensured their progression as the group's runner-up.[1][5]

Group B provided its own share of drama, culminating in a tense 27-27 draw between Germany and the host nation, Serbia. The German squad, boasting a potent offense that previously dismantled Türkiye 45-23 and Italy 48-26, claimed the top seed. The draw demonstrated Germany's resilience in the face of a hostile home crowd and cemented their status as a tournament favorite.[1][2]

The Serbian hosts, however, thrilled their supporters by securing their main round ticket with a decisive 32-18 win over Italy. The victory was driven by the attacking trio of Stefan Stojinovic, Aleksandar Stojkovic, and Filip Blecic, who each scored seven times. Serbia's progression keeps the host nation's medal dreams alive and guarantees robust local attendance for the main round fixtures.[1]

A massive turnaround defined Group C, where Croatia claimed the top spot by defeating Portugal 26-24 in a direct clash for group supremacy. The performance marks a significant resurgence for the Croatian program, which is eager to erase the memory of a disappointing 13th-place finish in 2024. Portugal also advanced, ensuring both nations will carry momentum into the next phase.[1][3]

The main round field is rounded out by group winners Iceland, Denmark, and Spain, all of whom navigated the preliminary stage with unblemished records. They are joined by resilient second-place finishers Hungary, Poland, and the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands' progression continues their remarkable rise in international handball, proving their youth pipeline can consistently compete with Europe's traditional heavyweights.[1][4]

As the tournament transitions to the main round on Monday, the 12 remaining teams will be divided into two new groups. The top two finishers from each will advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for a high-stakes sprint to the August 9 gold medal match. Meanwhile, the 12 eliminated teams will contest the intermediate round, battling for final placements from 9th to 24th and gaining valuable international experience.[2]

The intensity of the coming week in Belgrade will test the depth and tactical maturity of Europe's brightest young stars. With the defending champions out and several undefeated squads surging, the Men's 18 EHF EURO 2026 has transformed into a wide-open race. The remaining contenders must now navigate a grueling schedule where every possession could dictate their path to the podium.[1][5]