Racing for the World Championship title in youth categories is not enough for Sweden: “Our goal is to develop the players and give them important and memorable experiences,” said coach Dennis Sandberg. “We want to fight for the medals, but many teams have the same ambitions and only three of them will actually get a medal.”

Slovenia’s results at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship have varied considerably. Most recently, the team that contested the 2017 edition in Georgia ranked 13th. That position followed a silver medal at Russia 2015, achieved by a strong generation that includes players who have already cemented their place in the Slovenia senior side, such as wing Blaz Janc and goalkeeper Urh Kastelic. 

Hosting any sporting championship provides its own additional pressure with an extra focus on the host nation and it can work both ways, especially in a positive way with a vociferous home crowd providing an ‘extra player’ on court.

Considering their strong presence in other age categories of both men’s and women’s championships, Hungary’s history at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship is relatively short, including only two participations, in 2013 and 2015. At both those events, Hungary ranked 10th. 

Alberto Suarez believes “the competitive spirit and the defensive strength” are the best weapons Spain will present in North Macedonia. And to become world champions they will have to intensify them.

Suarez and Spain were close to claiming the trophy at the last IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in Georgia two years ago. This new generation has the same ambitions. “Spain always dream of the highest, therefore our goal is to try and win the World Championship,” affirms the coach. “Our work and also the work from our opponents will put us in the place we deserve.”

The youth side of Egypt will be hoping to replicate the success of their junior team who won bronze at the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship in Spain last month, ending a 20-year wait for a medal in the competition.

However, their record in the youth competition is poor despite appearing in all seven editions. Their fifth place finish in both 2007 and 2011 remains their best ranking and with two 14th places and a 15th spot in their last three editions, recent history appears to suggest it will be a struggle in Skopje.

There is no team more successful at the IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship than Denmark – even the fact that they are one of just five teams to have participated in every edition since the championship launched in 2005 is impressive. However, Denmark have also won the title three times, to be the record winners. Counting their bronze medal at Georgia 2017, Denmark tally a total of four medals to top this ranking alongside Croatia. 

Two years ago, Croatia lost the bronze medal at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in heart-breaking fashion – with Denmark scoring a last-second fast break that won them the match by one goal. That defeat followed a close loss to Spain in the semi-final, after a strong campaign that brought them to the medal round. 

Coach Alberto Galina is certain about the skills of his team, which Brazil showed off at the 2019 Men’s Youth South and Central American Championship, which took place in Taubate from 8-12 May.

Canada travel to North Macedonia as debutants at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, following their victory at the IHF Trophy - North America and the Caribbean (continental phase) in November last year. At the IHF Trophy for their region, Canada defeated Mexico in the final to earn their place at North Macedonia 2019. In the group stage, they beat Guadeloupe and Mexico a first time, but lost to Martinique.