For the eight time straight since 1995, Tunisia qualified for a Men’s World Championship – their biggest success dates back to 2005, when they made it to the semi-final on home ground. Since then, Tunisia were best African nation at World Championships many times, but did not make it among the Top 8 anymore. After becoming African Champions twice in 2010 and 2012, they didn't make it two times in the continental finals, once against Egypt, once against Algeria.

In almost two decades Spain has belonged in the top of world class handball. First, it were Spanish clubs which dominated European handball, then the national team grew and grew. In 2005 Spain won their first major title, the trophy of the World Championship, which they again rose in 2013. After an overall of four silver medals at European Championships, the team of new head coach Jordi Ribera won gold in 2018. First they dethroned defending EURO champions Germany by eliminating them from the final at Zagreb, followed by the victories against France in the semi and Sweden in the final.

Saudi Arabia qualified for their fourth World Championship in a row and their ninth in total. In 2013 in Spain they won the prestigious placement match 19/20 against their neighbours Qatar, but then those teams went separate ways. While Qatar strengthened their squad by naturalised players, the Saudis still count on players from their domestic league, mainly the top clubs Al-Noor and former Asian Champions League winners Mudhar.