EHF EURO 2026: France Tops Group, Denmark Advances as Main Round Showdown Looms
HERNING, 21 January 2026 – The preliminary round of the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 concluded on 20 January, setting the stage for a thrilling main round phase across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Defending champions France finished with a perfect record, while co-hosts Denmark secured their progression, paving the way for a blockbuster clash between the two handball powerhouses later this week.
Group Stage Wrap-Up
The 24-nation tournament, co-hosted by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, saw its group phase play out across four venues. France dominated Group C in Bærum, Norway, winning all three matches convincingly. Denmark navigated a tough Group B in Herning, suffering a narrow defeat to Portugal but securing second place. Other group winners included Germany (A), Slovenia (D), Sweden (E), and Iceland (F). The top two teams from each group now advance to the main round.
Key Tournament Facts & Standings
| Group & Winner | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Group C (Bærum): France | Finished with 6 points, +38 goal difference. Key win: 38-34 vs Norway. |
| Group B (Herning): Denmark | Finished 2nd with 4 points. Key result: 29-31 loss to group winners Portugal. |
| Main Round Format | Two groups of six teams. France and Denmark are drawn together in Main Round Group I in Herning. |
| Head-to-Head Context | France defeated Denmark 31-26 in a World Championship match in December 2025. |
| Broadcast in France | Matches are broadcast on beIN Sports, with select coverage on France Télévisions. |
The Road to the Final
The main round begins on 22 January, with teams carrying over points from matches against other qualified teams from their preliminary group. The highlight of the schedule is the France vs Denmark match in Herning on 22 January at 20:30 CET. The tournament will culminate with the semi-finals on 30 January and the final on 1 February, both at the 15,000-seat Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is France vs Denmark at EHF EURO 2026?
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, at 20:30 CET (19:30 GMT). It will be played at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark, as part of the main round.
Where can I watch the EHF EURO 2026 in France?
In France, the primary broadcaster for the tournament is beIN Sports. France Télévisions provides co-coverage for selected matches, including key fixtures involving the French national team.
Who are the defending champions?
France are the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition of the European Men’s Handball Championship. They entered the 2026 tournament as the top seed in Pot 1.
Which cities are hosting the tournament?
The championship is spread across four cities in three countries: Herning, Denmark (Jyske Bank Boxen); Bærum, Norway (Unity Arena); Malmö, Sweden (Malmö Arena); and Kristianstad, Sweden (Kristianstad Arena).