Eight doubleheaders will decide the teams advancing for the European Qualification Phase 3 for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship, with the 16 scheduled matches taking place between 18 and 22 March all around Europe.

19 teams have already secured their tickets for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship, including six from Europe – reigning world champions Denmark, hosts Germany, plus the teams ranked third to sixth at the EHF EURO 2026 – Croatia, Iceland, Portugal and Sweden.

Over the next two months, 10 more tickets are available for the continent, with 28 teams still in the mix, 12 of which are already through to the European Qualification Phase 3. However, until that point is reached, the 16 teams in Phase 2 will face off this week.

Traditional powerhouses like Serbia and Poland, which have failed to avoid the last place in their groups at the EHF EURO 2026 will start their quest for a place at Germany 2027 early, but will be favoured against Baltic sides Lithuania and Latvia, due to their experience and depth.

Serbia have made the IHF Men’s World Championship only twice in the last six editions, in 2019, when they ended up on the 18th place and in 2023, when they were 11th, but have won against the runners-up at the EHF EURO 2026, Germany, in January, as coach Raul Gonzalez took over last year.

Greece are also aiming to return to the top stage for the first time since finishing sixth in 2005 and their pathway goes first through a doubleheader against Belgium, with the winner of this tie facing the Netherlands in the Qualification Phase 3.

Montenegro, missing out on qualifying at the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, are due to face Finland in the European Qualification Phase 2, as Didier Dinart’s side can face Slovenia in the next phase providing they qualify, while Ukraine are meeting Slovakia, with the winner of this doubleheader facing Kiril Lazarov’s side in the next phase of the European Qualification.

A depleted Romania side, which will be missing at least five key players compared to their EHF EURO 2026 team, is hoping to make the cut against Türkiye, as George Buricea’s team is looking for its maiden World Championship ticket since 2011, but the team advancing is due to face Norway in a tough encounter.

Meanwhile, Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo will face off in the European Qualification Phase 2, while Georgia have the home court advantage against Israel for both matches, which will be played in Telavi, making them favourites to face Spain in the next phase of the Europe Qualification.

The first legs of the Ukraine vs Slovakia and Greece vs Belgium ties are due to be played on Wednesday, 18 March, with the other six matches scheduled for Thursday, 19 March. Then, the second legs will be played on 21 March for Israel vs Georgia and Belgium vs Greece and on 22 March for the other six doubleheaders.

The European Qualification Phase 3 is scheduled also in a doubleheader, with the first legs taking place on 13-14 May and the second legs on 16-17 May.

European Qualification Phase 2  - schedule

Ukraine vs Slovakia
Bosnia Herzegovina vs Kosovo
Finland vs Montenegro
Serbia vs Lithuania
Georgia vs Israel
Greece vs Belgium
Türkiye vs Romania
Poland vs Latvia

European Qualification Phase 3 

Winner Ukraine vs Slovakia vs North Macedonia
Winner Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Kosovo vs Faroe Islands
Czechia vs France
Switzerland vs Italy
Winner Finland vs Montenegro vs Slovenia
Winner Serbia vs Lithuania vs Hungary
Spain vs Winner Georgia vs Israel
Winner Greece vs Belgium vs Netherlands
Norway vs Winner Türkiye vs Romania
Austria vs Winner Poland vs Latvia

Credit photo: Hellenic Handball Federation - OXE