France vs Portugal: A Must-Win Clash for Les Bleus at EHF Euro 2026
PARIS, 24 January 2026 – The French men’s handball team faces a pivotal moment in their title defence at the EHF European Championship 2026. Following a narrow defeat to Denmark, Les Bleus find themselves in a precarious position and must secure a victory against Portugal this Saturday to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Match Details & Broadcast
The crucial Group I encounter between France and Portugal is scheduled for Saturday 24 January 2026, with kick-off at 15:30 CET. The match will be held at the Jyske Bank Boxen arena in Herning, Denmark.
French viewers can watch the match live on beIN Sports 1, with a free-to-air broadcast available on France 4. International broadcast details are available via the EHF’s official listing.
Tournament Context: A French Team Under Pressure
France’s campaign at Euro 2026 began with a commanding victory over Norway, but suffered a setback with a 32-29 loss to Denmark in their second match of the Main Round. This result leaves the reigning champions in fourth place in Group I, trailing Germany, Portugal, and Denmark.
Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals. With matches against Portugal and Spain remaining, the French squad, led by coach Guillaume Gille, can ill afford another defeat. The pressure is firmly on the hosts of the next European Championship (2028) to deliver a performance worthy of their illustrious history.
Key Facts: France vs. Portugal
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | EHF European Championship 2026 (Men’s Handball) |
| Stage | Main Round, Group I, Matchday 2 |
| Date & Time | Saturday 24 January 2026, 15:30 CET |
| Venue | Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, Denmark |
| Broadcast (France) | beIN Sports 1, France 4 |
| Streaming | beIN Sports Connect, France.tv |
A Historic Rivalry
The France-Portugal handball rivalry is one defined by close contests and French dominance in recent years. The most recent meeting was a narrow 35-34 victory for France in February 2025. However, Portugal has historically proven to be a stubborn opponent, capable of springing surprises.
France’s overall record against Portugal is overwhelmingly positive, but the Portuguese side carries the confidence of a team that has already defeated Denmark (31-29) in this very tournament. For Les Bleus, the memory of their 44-38 victory over Portugal in the final of the 2025 Tournoi de France in Strasbourg will serve as a psychological boost, but must be tempered by the reality of their current tournament situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the France vs. Portugal handball match?
The EHF Euro 2026 match between France and Portugal kicks off at 15:30 CET on Saturday 24 January 2026.
What channel is France vs. Portugal handball on?
The match will be broadcast live in France on beIN Sports 1 and free-to-air on France 4.
Where is the France vs. Portugal Euro 2026 match being played?
The match will be held at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark.
What is at stake for France in this match?
Following their defeat to Denmark, France currently sits fourth in Group I. Only the top two teams advance to the semi-finals. A loss against Portugal would severely damage, and potentially end, their chances of defending their European title.
How to Follow the Action
In addition to the linear television broadcast, live streaming will be available via the official beIN Sports Connect and France.tv platforms for subscribers.
For international viewers, the European Handball Federation (EHF) provides a comprehensive global broadcast listing on its official website.