Seven teams have secured main round berths after the second round of matches was completed at the 2026 IHF Women's Youth World Championship. By far, the biggest shock was Egypt's win in Group A, 29:24, against France.

Spain and Germany secured their places in the main round from Group C, Hungary and Sweden progressed from Group E, while Slovakia and Japan clinched their spots from Group G.

Group A
France vs Egypt 24:29 (11:14)

France struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes, scoring only once in the first seven minutes — from the penalty line — while wasting several attacking opportunities. Egypt, on the other hand, looked composed, making the most of their chances to open up an early 4:1 lead. The African side also benefited from France's attempts to play seven-against-six, which failed to produce the desired effect.

Strong defensive work allowed goalkeeper Jaydaa Salama to settle into the game, and her saves helped Egypt extend the gap to five goals at 9:4 in the 14th minute. France gradually improved as the first half progressed, finding more solutions in attack and cutting the deficit to three goals before the break to stay within striking distance.

The momentum carried into the second half, with French rotations giving them fresh energy. When Tylia Paillasson scored to make it 18:17 in the 41st minute, France appeared on the verge of completing the comeback.

However, Salama once again proved decisive between the posts, her saves sparking a decisive 3:0 run that pushed Egypt's advantage to 26:20 and took the match away from France. She finished with 14 saves at 37% efficiency, while Merna Abdelnaser and Player of the Match Malak Aboyoussef led the attack with 13 goals combined.

Egypt celebrated their second consecutive victory, securing a place in the main round and moving to the top of Group A ahead of their game against Republic of Fiji. France now face a decisive clash against Croatia, with the remaining main round ticket at stake.

Player of the Match: Malak Aboyoussef (Egypt)

Group C
Germany vs Guinea 36:21 (18:8)

After a topsy-turvy opening, with neither side finding the net for almost three minutes, Germany quickly took control. The hosts reeled off a 6:0 unanswered run, forcing Guinea into an early timeout. The African side responded with a fast-break goal, but it did little to stop Germany's momentum, as the Europeans soon opened up their first double-digit lead (12:2).

Despite trailing, Guinea looked far more settled than on the opening day — after managing just two first-half goals against Spain, they found the net eight times before the break this time, with five different players getting on the scoresheet.

Guinea also produced encouraging moments in attack in the second half whenever they matched Germany's pace, but defensive issues continued to hold them back. Germany maintained their rhythm throughout the second half to seal another comfortable win despite committing more turnovers (18) than expected.

The victory secured Germany's place in the main round and also confirmed Spain's qualification ahead of the two sides' meeting, where first place in Group C and two points to carry into the next stage will be on the line. Fine Stenzel and Janne Overbeck led Germany with eight goals apiece, while Fatoumata Naby Soumah stood out for Guinea with five.

Player of the Match: Fine Stenzel (Germany)

Group E
Sweden vs Tunisia 33:19 (13:6)

Sweden secured their main round spot at the 2026 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship with a dominating defensive performance, spurred by a fantastic Erica Andrew between the posts.

Andrew saved 12 shots for a 48% saving efficiency, and constantly frustrated Tunisia, as Sweden once again relied on their strong defence to secure a win. Winning the turnover battle was also key, as it enabled Sweden to go eight times on the fast break, scoring all eight shots.

And that was basically the recipe for success, as Sweden only got ahead when they stopped Tunisia scoring, riding a 5:0 unanswered run to create a 10:5 lead after 25 minutes, with their attack still lacking precision.

Mayssoun Chaaban and top scorer Ons Slama each scored seven goals for Tunisia, but they could not weather the storm, as Sweden once again went on a 5:0 unanswered run, to improve their lead, 15:6, after 32 minutes.

All but one of Sweden’s outfield players scored at least one goal, with Alma Karlsson, Thea Lilja and Jenny Sjöstrand scoring five goals each, as the Scandinavian side eventually pushed the lead into double digits, to take a 33:19 win.

Sweden tied Hungary on four points on the top of the group and the two sides will now face off on Saturday in the decider. The team winning will take two points into the main round. On the other hand, Tunisia face Canada, with the winner starting the President’s Cup with two points.

Player of the Match: Jenny Sjöstrand (Sweden)

Group G
Japan vs Brazil 31:27 (15:15)

By claiming their second win, Japan progressed to the main round and helped Slovakia do the same, as both sides are level on four points after two matches. Brazil, in turn, will head to the President's Cup, missing out on a top-16 finish for the first time at this level.

As expected, the game was full of twists and turns from the very beginning. Japan looked slightly superior in the opening minutes, while Brazil took their first lead 10 minutes into the game, when line player Isabella Oliveira Pessatto made it 4:3.

With Brazil often playing "seven against six" in attack, Japan capitalised with a couple of long-distance goals, pulling back in front 8:5. But after a timeout, the South Americans responded with a strong 7:2 run to restore their lead, 12:10. However, the sides were level at the break, with Japan's Rio Hamaguchi scoring the last goal of the opening half from the 7m line, 16 seconds before the half-time whistle.

It was anyone's game for much of the second half, with the rivals still level in the 39th minute, 19:19. But goals from Hamaguchi and Hina Miura, as well as some key saves from Rui Arakaki, helped Japan pull in front. With nearly nine minutes to play, Miura handed her team their first three-goal lead after the interval, 27:24.

It was not the end of the story, as Brazil cut the gap to one goal, but the Japanese stood firm. When Rinoa Nakagawa made it 30:27 with 33 seconds to play, any remaining doubt was erased, and the Asians secured their main round berth, with Player of the Match Hamaguchi finishing as their top scorer on 11 goals.

On Saturday, Japan will face Slovakia for top spot in the group, while Brazil wrap up the group stage against Angola.

Player of the Match: Rio Hamaguchi (Japan)