2018 world champions Greece qualified for Croatia 2026 in exactly the same way as they did for China 2024 – sixth place at their continental qualification event, the EHF Women’s European Championship.

The event in Turkiye saw them fall short of breaking the top five at a major event again, losing 2-0 against continental heavyweights Netherlands in the preliminary group round, Spain and Hungary (2-1) in the main round, Germany in the quarter-finals and Denmark in the 5/6 placement match. Victories were grabbed though against Sweden, Croatia, Ukraine and, finally, Hungary in the 5-8 placement round.

For Croatia 2026 Greece were drawn into preliminary group C alongside fellow former world champions Norway and Brazil, plus the United States of America and they will be hopeful to not slip further down the global rankings after a disappointing 10th last time out which followed that top four spot on home sand in 2022.

“The draw placed us in a particularly demanding group, against teams with great tradition and a very high level in beach handball, such as Norway, Brazil and the United States,” said coach Maria Karantoni, who was coach when Greece won Russia 2018 – their debut world championship.

“It is clear that this is not an easy group, as all teams have quality, experience and different playing characteristics that make them dangerous opponents. At the same time, if the theoretical crossover scenarios are confirmed, in the main round we could potentially face teams such as Denmark and Argentina, who also belong among the top-level nations and have proven their value in major competitions.

“Certainly, luck was not on our side in the draw, however this team has learned to operate through difficulties. We have players with experience, maturity and strong competitive character, elements that give us confidence that we can respond to the demands. We will prepare in the best possible way, with full concentration and respect for every opponent, and we will go to the world championship aiming to be competitive in every match. We want to fight in every single game and claim the best possible result on the court.”

The Norway match-up will be an emotional one – the Scandinavian side were beaten in the world championship final in Kazan back in 2018 via shoot-out (2-1, 14:18, 24:15, SO 5:2) to hand Greece their first – and only – medal in the global event, for which they have qualified for every edition since.

Brazil beat Greece 2-0 at China 2024 last time out, while the USA were seen off on home sand in the main round at Greece 2022.

Leading Karantoni’s group on the sand in Zagreb will be the experienced goalkeeper and captain Magdalini Kepesidou, a ball of electric power, full of skill and energy – and a player who joined Karantoni at the IHF Beach Handball Showcase held on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Taking part in four consecutive world championships is undoubtedly a huge achievement for our country,” she said to ihf.info. “Although our group is the most demanding one, from my side of view, we are optimistic and ready to fight. It’s always a pleasure to meet with our beach handball people and are looking forward for the competition to start.”

Coach: Maria Karantoni

Key Players: Magdalini Kepesidou, Eleni Kerlidi

Qualification information: 2025 EHF Women’s European Beach Handball Championship – 6th 

History in Tournament: 2004-2016: DNQ, 2018: 1st, 2022: 4th, 2024: 10th

Group at Croatia 2026: Group C: Norway, Greece, Brazil, United States of America