Four continents are represented in Group D at the IHF Men’s World Championship, but there is a team that seems to be the clear favourite: Defending champions Denmark will look to start their campaign with a bang after a disappointing Men’s EHF EURO 2020, while Argentina, Bahrain and DR Congo will compete to earn the remaining main round places.

Two years ago, in a packed Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark secured their first ever world title in front of a home crowd after a convincing win in the final against Norway, 31:22.

But only one year later, without significant changes to the squad, Denmark failed to progress from the group phase of the EHF EURO 2020. It was a big disappointment for the Danish squad, who have already vied to bounce back at Egypt 2021.

Surely, the pressure is on, but Denmark are set to be favourites against all their opponents in Group D, and will be satisfied with nothing less than three wins.

The title holders have never lost to Argentina or Bahrain, while their second match of the tournament, against DR Congo, will be the first competitive game between the two sides.

Denmark have won four out of five against Argentina, with the only blemish being a 24:24 draw in the group phase of the 2015 IHF Men’s World Championship in Qatar.

The last two games between the two sides were comfortable Danish victories, a 25:19 win at the Rio Olympic Games 2016 and a 33:22 win at France 2017.

Denmark have also won both games against Bahrain, a narrow 26:24 win in the qualification tournament for Rio 2016 and a 30:26 win in the group phase at France 2017.

With a tried side in competitive games and 2019 IHF Men’s World Championship Most Valuable Player, Mikkel Hansen, in their roster, Denmark are ambitious for another podium finish.

Placing second in the group will be advantageous in the main round of the competition, therefore the game between Argentina and Bahrain looks to be a pivotal one at Egypt 2021. 

Bahrain underwent a coaching change in November, as Michael Roth was replaced by Icelandic coach Halldor Johann Sigfusson, the former coach of Iceland’s men’s junior team.

For Sigfusson, the challenge will definitely be to reverse the historical record against Argentina, as the South American side have won the only mutual game between the two teams – a convincing 26:17 victory in the group phase at France 2017.

Argentina have only progressed from the group phase three times at the IHF Men’s World Championship: in 2001, 2011 and most recently in 2015 and they look to clinch their fourth berth, provided they win against DR Congo.

DR Congo, who will make their IHF Men’s World Championship debut, are poised and determined not to leave Egypt 2021 without a point.

However, the team that earned their ticket for the big stage by finishing seventh at the 2020 CAHB Men’s African Championship in Tunisia in January, will face an uphill battle competing against teams with vast championship experience.

All Group D matches will be played in Cairo Stadium Sports Hall on 15, 17 and 19 January. More information on the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship can be found here.