It is the moment we have all been waiting for, elite men’s national team handball is back with a bang. And the stakes are even higher, with several powerhouses eyeing an Olympic Games berth.

There is no room for mistakes, as 12 teams are divided in three groups of four throughout Europe, with six berths for Tokyo 2020 to be earned. Welcome to the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020! 

Over the next three days, ihf.info will bring you the latest news, exciting features and official statistics from Podgorica, Montpellier and Berlin, where the three Olympic Qualification Tournaments will take place.

Norway were supposed to host Tournament 1 but due to the current health situation, the tournament was moved and will now be played in Montenegrin capital Podgorica. Nevertheless, Norway look like overwhelming favourites, as the sole European team in the tournament. However, the other Olympic berth is wide open, with Brazil, Chile and the Republic of Korea facing a tough fight.

In the first round of matches in Podgorica, to be played on Friday, Norway will face Brazil, while Chile hope to repeat their convincing win against the Republic of Korea, 44:33, sealed nearly two months ago, at Egypt 2021. However, Korea boast a much-improved side and could turn the tables.

With three European sides taking part in Tournament 2, naming a favourite will be hard. France could be the ones to beat, yet a spirited Portuguese side and two-time Olympic champions Croatia are teams to watch as well. Tunisia are somewhat of a dark horse, but they could find it hard to compete with the European powerhouses. 

A mouthwatering clash between France and Croatia is headlining the first day of the tournament in Montpellier, while Portugal will try to honour Alfredo Quintana’s memory with a win against Tunisia.

The Portuguese side has been hit with overwhelming news two weeks ago, as their goalkeeper Alfredo Quintana died suddenly after a cardiac arrest. In the meantime, tributes have been pouring in for the former FC Porto player, with coach Paulo Pereira aiming to lead his team for the first-ever Olympic berth to fulfil Quintana’s dream. 

Tournament 3, which will be played in Berlin, Germany, is also featuring three European sides, with the hosts facing a tough challenge. Having many players back in the roster after key players missed Egypt 2021 will definitely help, but Sweden are also hungry for Olympic glory, after winning the silver medal six weeks ago at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship. While Algeria are the underdog in this tournament, Slovenia are likely to cause upsets when given the chance.

The first evening of Tournament 3 will feature a crucial clash between Germany and Sweden, while Slovenia could boost their morale before facing their European counterparts, as they meet Algeria. 

Do not forget that in a week’s time, 10 teams will be also vying for six places at Tokyo 2020 in the women’s Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020, with more info here.

You can find out everything you need to know about the event on our mini-site dedicated to the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 and on our official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels. 

Click here for more information on how you can watch the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020.