Day 11 of the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship is upon us, with seven crucial games scheduled. The picture is starting to get clearer and clearer in the four main round groups, yet no team has mathematically secured its place in the quarter-finals yet.

Group III features a three-way race for the first two places, with France still not being guaranteed a quarter-final spot, despite winning their first five games, including a 28:26 win against Iceland yesterday, which even Iceland goalkeeper Bjorgvin Pall Gustavsson could not prevent. Norway beat Algeria 36:23, with Portugal setting up a do-or-die game against France, after their 33:29 win against Switzerland.

In Group IV, the battle is as tough as ever. One of the most exciting games of the World Championship so far ended in a draw, as Slovenia dealt the last blow with one second left to tie the game against Sweden at 28:28. Sweden, with six points, are now tied in the first place of the group with hosts Egypt, who won against Belarus 35:26, as the Russian Handball Federation Team jumped to third place, tied with Slovenia only one point behind the leaders.

It is decision day in Group I, as both Spain and Hungary can earn their quarter-finals spots with wins against Uruguay and Poland. While Spain are overwhelming favourites against the South American side, Poland will put on a tough fight against the so far unbeaten Hungarian team. 

Denmark and Croatia can also earn safe passage to the knockout stage of the competition with wins against Japan and Qatar in Group II. The two sides are also unbeaten at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship and will face each other in the last game of the main round on Monday. 

A new African derby is set in Giza as Tunisia face DR Congo, with the first place in Group I of the President’s Cup on the line. 

The Congolese side enjoyed their first ever Men's World Championship win and staged an impromptu celebration on the court, which you can re-watch here. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in the world, it also affected teams that are taking part in Egypt 2021. Republic of Korea had a total roster makeover prior to the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, but this did not mean that they gave up. In fact, they are planning for the future, having the youngest team in the competition. 

With our new dashboard feature, you have now unparalleled access to all of the statistics of 27th IHF Men’s World Championship. Norwegian left back Sander Sagosen took the lead back in the top scorer ranking (42 goals), after scoring six times against Algeria, with the dazzling Norwegian back also leading the assists standings, dishing 30 assists in his first five games.

As the main round reaches its climax, you can check the rankings on our special page and also view the schedule for the remaining games. 

If you did not register for our “Be A Manager” game you are missing out, as the incentives to become a coach and watch the 27 th IHF Men’s World Championship through another lens are even bigger.

Do not forget to set your alarm and watch your favourite teams on TV and follow all the updates of
the IHF regarding the IHF men’s flagship event.