After Spain, Serbia, Iceland Egypt and Japan secured their main round berths in the second day of the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, more tickets to the next phase can be secured on Friday, when 16 others team enter the fray for the second time.

GROUP A

• 12:45 Austria vs Sweden
• 15:00 Portugal vs Kuwait

GROUP B

• 17:15 Kosovo vs Hungary
• 19:30 Switzerland vs Morocco

GROUP E

• 12:45 Faroe Islands vs Germany
• 15:00 Slovenia vs Uruguay

GROUP F

• 17:15 Mexico vs Norway
• 19:30 France vs Argentina

*all times are local, EEST (CEST +1)

Group A
12:45 – Austria vs Sweden

The battle for the top spot in Group A promises excitement as the second day begins at Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall 1. Austria opened their campaign with a dramatic win over Portugal, turning the match around in the second half, thanks in part to decisive saves from goalkeeper Sergej Novaković. With two points already secured, Austria are now just one step away from the main round.

“We want to surprise them (Sweden), just as we did Portugal, and keep working on our team performance, taking things step by step and enjoying this tournament,” said head coach Sandra Zapletal.

Standing in their way is a sharp Swedish side, who impressed in their opening 39:22 win over Kuwait. All 14 Swedish outfield players joined the scoresheet and goalkeepers Oscar Arnell and Viggo Hakansson combined for 21 saves. The Nordics have also deployed their signature seven-against-six attack, using numerical superiority to gain an edge.

However, Sweden would do well not to underestimate Austria’s fighting spirit, as shown in their opener when they battled both from behind and in front. Austria know it will take one of their best performances to overcome the Swedish team—winners of the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2024 and fourth-place finishers at the Men’s 19 EHF European Open 2025, while Austria finished 16th at the EURO.

This will be the first IHF Men’s Youth Handball World Championship meeting between Austria and Sweden.

Group B
17:15 – Kosovo vs Hungary

Hungary began their Egypt 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising past Morocco 45:20. Their efficient attack, fuelled by turnovers, allowed them to maintain control even when their defence wavered. Máté Gáncs-Pető stood out with a Player of the Match performance, but it was Hungary’s overall tempo that overwhelmed their opponents.

Kosovo, meanwhile, competed well for 30 minutes against Switzerland before struggling to keep pace after the break. Sluggish build-up and missed chances proved costly in a 25:35 defeat. Now, only a win will keep Kosovo’s hopes of advancing alive.

Nevertheless, Kosovo’s debut at this level, following their success at the IHF Trophy InterContinental Phase, is a significant milestone. They are quickly learning what it takes to compete on the world stage. In their opener, Olsi Mulaji was a bright spot with eight goals and will be a marked man for Hungary.

With another victory, Hungary can secure their place in the main round. Based on their impressive opening display, expectations are high. These sides have never met at the World Championship level, and Kosovo may try to use that unfamiliarity to their advantage—the question is, for how long can they keep pace?

Group E
12:45 – France vs Argentina

France got off to a flying start at Egypt 2025, overwhelming Mexico 48:12 in a near-flawless performance. Mathis Barelle was unstoppable with 12 goals, while 13 different French players found the net and the goalkeepers combined for 19 saves. This dominant display has given France a boost of confidence, marking their return to the Youth World Championship after last competing in 2019.

Argentina, in contrast, suffered a gut-wrenching 28:29 loss to Norway in a match that was within their grasp. Centre back Bautista Alejandro Torossian scored 10 and guided the attack, but the narrow defeat means Argentina must win to keep their main round hopes alive.

France, holding two points, can book their spot in the next round with a victory. After tallying 48 goals in the opener, they are currently among the tournament’s most prolific attacking teams. Historically, France boast a perfect record against Argentina at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, winning 28:22 in 2013 and 37:18 in 2015.

Group F
19:30 – Faroe Islands vs Germany

The Faroe Islands endured a tough start in Egypt, falling 25:38 to Slovenia despite a promising first half. Defensive struggles and just two first-half saves from their goalkeepers proved costly. To have any hope of progressing, they know they must deliver a much-improved performance against Germany.

Nevertheless, the Faroe Islands are known for resilience. After finishing eighth in their debut last year at Croatia 2023, they will aim to at least replicate that run. A win over Germany is now vital for their main round aspirations.

Germany, for their part, performed to expectations by defeating Uruguay 39:22. Tim Schröder led the team, with both goalkeepers registering save rates of 50% or higher. As one of the tournament’s most physical sides, Germany present a formidable challenge. With two points already secured, a second victory would seal their place in the main round.

These teams have a brief history—Faroe Islands defeated Germany 30:28 at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in Croatia 2023. At the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2024, Germany finished fifth, while the Faroese were 15th.