Saturday was once again an action-packed, exciting day at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, as three teams secured their quarter-final berths with wins.

In main round Group I, Hungary had another flawless game against Poland, taking their fifth win in a row at Egypt 2021 (30:26). As Spain won against Uruguay earlier 38:23, Hungary and Spain are through to the quarter-finals. Even a 31:24 win against Brazil was not enough for the German team to advance due to the losses against Hungary and Spain. 

Argentina recorded one of their most important wins in history – 23:19 – against Croatia to take a crucial step closer to reaching their best-ever finish at the IHF Men’s World Championship. The Croatian side’s fate is now out of their hands, as they need the Argentinians to stumble against Qatar in their last game. Meanwhile, Denmark are through to the knockout round after their fifth win in a row, against Japan (34:27).

You can find out more about the different quarter-final qualification scenarios in our separate article here. 

With only 26 games left at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, we have already reached the 4000-goal mark in the competition, with 4310 goals scored. Each of the 31 teams remaining in the competition has already played five games and none scored more than Denmark (170 goals). Slovenia, with 164 goals, and Spain, with 162 goals are the second and third best attacks in the competition. Every meaningful statistic at Egypt 2021 can be found in our new dashboard feature on the competition mini-site.

The silver medallists at France 2017 and Germany/Denmark 2019, Norway, will face a nervous wait after their game against Iceland to see if they progress to the next phase at Egypt 2021. Provided they win, Norway will have to cross their fingers for France not to lose against Portugal in the last game of the group, in an exciting finish for Group III. 

Four teams are still in with a chance to progress to the quarter-finals in Group IV, with Slovenia facing hosts Egypt, while Sweden meet the Russian Handball Federation Team. The winners of the clashes will be guaranteed a ticket to the knockout stage starting on Wednesday, yet Sweden still look to win a game in the main round, drawing their last two games – but actually being able to advance with another draw. Meanwhile, hosts Egypt have also lost only one game and could secure another quarter-final berth, and thus a top-eight finish like two years ago at Germany/Denmark 2019. 

In the President’s Cup Group II, it is also time to find out the final standings. Austria have won the group, but the second place will be decided only after Chile meet Morocco in what could prove to be an exciting game as two totally different styles collide in the New Capital Sports Hall. 

Chile have dazzled in the past 12 years at the IHF Men’s World Championship, but key players have aged and now need to be replaced. This poses a significant challenge for coach Mateo Garralda, as the South American is now at a crossroads. 

You can also watch the most exciting plays from every match day at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship on our official Facebook page. Friday saw exciting goals and impressive saves – how about that stop from Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Eltayar? 

As the main round reaches its climax, you can check the rankings in 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.