14 January marked the start of the countdown for a new edition of the IHF Men’s World Championship, the world handball flagship competition, which brings together the best 32 teams in the world.

With one year to go before the throw off of the 29th IHF Men’s World Championship, the preparations are now getting in full fledge throughout Croatia, Denmark and Norway, as the three hosts are getting ready to create a magnific handball mega event.

After Denmark crowned themselves winners for the third consecutive time at Poland/Sweden 2023, the Scandinavian side will have the chance to defend their title on their home court, as the 29th edition of the competition will be the first one ever to be co-hosted by three countries, Croatia, Denmark and Norway.

Only twice has the world handball flagship competition been organised in two countries, Denmark and Germany in 2019 and Poland and Sweden in 2023, both times with resounding success.

Both Denmark and Croatia have also organised the IHF Men’s World Championship before, with Norway being the hosts for the first time, but the Scandinavian country has plenty of experience in hosting major events, having just been co-hosts at the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship, alongside Denmark and Sweden.

“United in Handball” is the motto of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, a play on the innovative approach of three hosting countries, but also on the power of the sport, which can create strong bonds on the court and unbreakable links outside the court, as the spectators can join in and be part of the show.

The 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship will take place between 14 January and 2 February 2025 and will be the third edition with 32 teams at the start, with the participating sides being divided into eight groups of four teams in the preliminary round, with the best three in each group progressing to the main round, with the fourth-placed sides in each group heading to the President’s Cup.

The top two sides in each of the four groups of the main round are heading then to the quarter-finals, with a knock-out system implemented until the final, when the new champion will be crowned.

The three co-hosts – Croatia, Denmark and Norway are already qualified for the 2025 IHF Men's World Championship.