Day 4 of the 25th IHF Women’s World Championship is finished and we are focusing our attention on the fifth day, with a full card of eight matches set to be played, as the main round picture is starting to get clearer and clearer.

Eight teams have already sealed safe passage to the main round of the competition, with the situation clear in Group G, where Brazil top the group after their 29:25 win against Japan. Croatia and Japan are also through, with Paraguay heading to the President’s Cup, after the 16:38 loss against the European side. 

In Group E, Germany and Hungary are two from two and have already progressed to the next round of the competition.

Hosts Spain were pitch perfect in defence once again and secured their spot in the main round, but the biggest surprise was Argentina’s first-ever win against a European side at an IHF Women’s World Championship, as they beat Austria 31:29. 

Meanwhile, Denmark are also through, with their second win in a row against Congo, 33:18. 

The round-up is over now, so we will be looking to what’s on the card on Sunday in Groups A to D at Spain 2021. Norway and Romania can secure safe passage to the main round with wins over the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kazakhstan in Group C, respectively. But is there a record to be set in one of the games? Find out more in our preview. 

In Group A, Olympic champions France can also progress to the main round with a win against Slovenia, in a clash of two great defensive minds in Olivier Krumbholz and Dragan Adzic, in a game that is surely craved by the handball purists.

With wins against Poland and Cameroon, Serbia and RHF can progress to the next round in Group B, while reigning champions the Netherlands and Sweden can do the same with wins against Uzbekistan and Puerto Rico in Group D.

Back to Japan now – no, not the championship from two years ago, but the Asian team who have duly impressed, regardless of their loss against Brazil. A newly-minted team, Japan have the potential to go far in the future and you can learn all about their secrets in our detailed feature. 

We know you love some good stats, so we have everything for you just a click away. You’ll surely be surprised to find out who is the top scorer of the tournament, especially if we give you a hint: this player has not played at an IHF Women’s World Championship before and she is only 19 years old!

You can also win prizes at Spain 2021, if you prove that you are a handball expert. Are you confident you can top the charts? Find out for yourself! 

Unfortunately, injuries happen and players do get replaced at Spain 2021, so you can keep track of everything here. 

Curious where you can follow your team on TV? Don’t worry, we also got you covered – simply click here! 

The IHF is working hard to bring you the very best from what is sure to be an exciting competition and wherever you are, there are many ways to follow the action! Make sure to be always up-to-date!