Romania and the People’s Republic of China are the next two qualified teams for the main round at the 2026 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship, after Romania secured their second win in as many matches, against Kazakhstan, 37:13.

Montenegro also progressed, after Netherlands’ win against Argentina, having beaten both Netherlands and Portugal in their first two matches.

The Republic of Korea extended their chances for a main round spot with a dramatic 24:23 win over Czechia, while Slovenia clinched a double-digits win against Serbia, 26:14.

Group B
Czechia vs Republic of Korea 23:24 (13:10)

Czechia did not have the sharpest start in attack, but their solid defensive display prevented Republic of Korea from making the most of it. The Asian side held only a narrow lead in the opening minutes before the Czech attack gradually found its rhythm.

Led by Markéta Königová, Czechia turned the game around and moved in front, building a three-goal cushion before halftime. Republic of Korea attempted to disrupt their rhythm with a 5-1 defence, but the Europeans remained composed and kept their advantage intact. A key factor in Czechia's lead was goalkeeper Tereza Skopcová, who frustrated the Korean attack with nine saves at an impressive 47% efficiency, ensuring her side went into the break leading 13:10.

Czechia appeared to be on course for a second victory and a place in the main round, extending their lead to 17:13 in the 39th minute. However, Korea responded by adjusting their defensive approach, allowing goalkeeper Dabin Shin to make a significant impact. The Player of the Match finished with 14 saves at 42% efficiency, many of them coming during Korea's comeback.

The Asians first levelled at 17:17 before Sooah Lee put Korea back in front for the first time since the opening minutes with her goal for 18:17 in the 48th minute, hinting they were ready to take two vital points. The closing stages developed into a nip-and-tuck battle as Czechia searched for a way back. They came close to salvaging a point, but costly turnovers prevented them from completing the comeback.

Republic of Korea eventually celebrated a narrow 24:23 victory, making the fight for the two main round places even more exciting. Denmark now lead Group B with four points, while both Korea and Czechia sit on two. Korea will conclude the group stage against Mexico, while Czechia face a must-win clash with Denmark.

Player of the Match: Dabin Shin (Republic of Korea)

Group D
Argentina vs Netherlands 21:30 (11:17)

Following opening-day defeats, both Argentina and the Netherlands were eager to bounce back, and the first 15 minutes reflected that determination. The Dutch made the stronger start, opening up a 5:1 lead, but Argentina refused to let the match slip away.

The South Americans increased the tempo and reduced the deficit to two goals, looking capable of drawing level as the Netherlands struggled with several rushed attacking possessions. However, goalkeeper Camay Berkhout came to her side's rescue with a series of important saves, preventing Argentina from completing the comeback.

Her performance laid the foundation for the Netherlands to regain control before the break, as the Dutch gradually pulled clear and opened up a 17:11 halftime advantage. The gap remained largely unchanged throughout the second half, with Argentina coming no closer than five goals. The Netherlands eventually stretched their lead to a game-high nine goals at the final whistle, sealing a convincing 30:21 victory.

Catalina Podestá led Argentina with five goals, while another 10 teammates also found the net. For the Netherlands, Jelena Ostojić and Ivana Kwakman scored four times each, while the goalkeeping duo once again stood out — Danique Glorie recorded eight saves at an outstanding 57% efficiency, and Player of the Match Camay Berkhout added 12 saves at 46%. However, the Dutch also committed 23 turnovers, which stood in the way of a more convincing win.

The victory leaves the Netherlands level on two points with Portugal ahead of their decisive meeting for a place in the main round, while Argentina conclude the group stage against Montenegro, already secure in the main round.

Player of the Match: Camay Berkhout (Netherlands)

Group F
Romania vs Kazakhstan 37:13 (14:9)

Despite a shaky first half, Romania became the next team at the 2026 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship to secure a main round spot, also helping the People’s Republic of China to clinch a place between the top-16 teams in the competition.

But just as in their opener against Uruguay, Romania had their share of trouble before settling in and delivering a fantastic defensive performance in the second half, conceding a single goal between the 32nd and the 58th minute.

It was a conscious decision by coach Victorina Bora, who aimed to give her players as much playing time as possible, with all of Romania’s outfield players scoring at least one goal, while their goalkeepers really played a blinder.

Elena Coșerea Pîtiu stopped 11 shots for a 65% saving efficiency, doubling down from a great match against Uruguay, while Arianna Ardeleanu also dished six saves for a 55% saving efficiency, getting the overall saving efficiency of the goalkeeping department to a fantastic 57%.

However, after 32 minutes, the match was still close, 15:10, as Romania’s attack had no power, missing too many shots. But after that moment, Kazakhstan started collapsing and their lack of depth was clearly on display, with Romania going on a fantastic 15:0 unanswered run between the 32nd and the 48th minute, scoring at free will, especially on fast breaks.

While there were three missed shots on fast breaks, Romania improved their shooting efficiency to 72%, as Diana Ștefania Lefter scored seven goals, lifting her side to a 37:13 win, as Romania conceded only four times in the second half.

The final match of this group, between Romania and China, will decide the group winner, as both sides are now qualified for the main round, but with China holding the first place in case of a draw, courtesy of the larger number of goals scored (77 to 67), as both sides are on the same goal difference, +38.

Player of the Match: Diana Ștefania Sălăjan (Romania)

Group H
Serbia vs Slovenia 14:26 (7:11)

Slovenia opened their account at Romania 2026 and stayed in contention for a main round spot. Serbia, meanwhile, missed a chance to secure an early main round berth.

The early minutes saw an open exchange of goals, and Slovenia were the first team to secure a two-goal lead following a 3:0 run, going 7:5 up after 13 minutes. Just like the day before, Liana Vukovic made a special impact in Slovenia's attack, with her four goals in the first half helping her team pull clear.

After Slovenia led 9:6 in the 16th minute, the two rivals combined for just three goals in the remainder of the first half, as a string of saves and turnovers kept the score down. Slovenia, however, were still ahead, boasting a four-goal lead at the interval.

Serbia scored first after the restart, but Slovenia, relying on solid defence, reclaimed the initiative soon after. Between the 38th and 43rd minutes, they extended the score from 14:10 to 20:10 and never looked back.

Brina Mehlin became Slovenia's top scorer with eight goals, while teammate Katja Štukelj added six more. Goalkeeper Sara Selčan also contributed to the win, posting a 38 per cent save efficiency.

Following this match, Serbia and Slovenia are level on two points. Serbia will face Switzerland in their last group match on Saturday, while Slovenia will meet Algeria.

Player of the Match: Katja Štukelj (Slovenia)