Germany's Handball Team Gears Up for EM 2026 with Thrilling Test Matches!

Herning, Dänemark - As the excitement for the upcoming Handball European Championship 2026 builds, the German national team is gearing up with two important test matches against Iceland. Scheduled for October 30 in Nürnberg and November 2 in München, these games provide a great chance for the team to refine their strategies as they prepare for the competition in January. Bundestrainer Alfred Gislason, who hails from Iceland, has expressed his eagerness for these matches, stating that they are crucial for team cohesion and performance as they head into an intense tournament.

The European Championship will feature a competitive lineup from January 15 to February 1, 2026, across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Notably, the German team is already assured a spot in the tournament after a successful qualification campaign, which included four wins and two draws. This will mark their 16th appearance at the tournament, a testament to the team’s enduring presence in European handball.

Group Composition and Matches

In the group stage, Germany has drawn into a challenging Group A, where they will face seasoned opponents: Spain, Serbia, and neighbors Austria. Spain, a former world champion, has a long-standing record of proficiency, while Serbia was the runner-up in 2012. Austria, on the other hand, recently held Germany to a draw during the last home championship, making it a competitive mix. Gislason noted that the group is „strong and balanced,“ indicating that every match will be a battle.

Germany’s journey in the tournament begins with a match against Austria on January 15, followed by a clash with Serbia on January 17, wrapping up the group stage against Spain on January 19. These matches will be hosted in Herning, where every moment will count as the teams vie for advancement.

Looking Ahead

The tournament format features 24 teams split into six groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the main round, which will then determine the teams qualifying for the semi-finals. In doing so, Germany aims not just for participation but to fight for medals, especially after securing a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics and finishing fourth in the last European Championship held on home soil.

The venues for the matches promise lively arenas, with the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning boasting a capacity of 13,500 spectators. Other notable venues include Kristianstad Arena in Sweden and Unity Arena in Norway. Each location is set to provide an electrifying atmosphere that fans will surely cherish.

Tickets for the championship are already available through the DHB ticket shop. Fans can use the promocode “EHF2026-GER” to secure their spots in the German fan block at Herning, ensuring they have a front-row seat to watch their team contend against the toughest opponents.

As we look toward the EM 2026, the anticipation only heightens. With a mix of seasoned players and promising new talent, Germany is positioning itself not only to compete but to potentially emerge victorious. As the tournament approaches, the eyes of handball fans across Europe will be firmly fixed on the performance of the Mannschaft.

For more details about the matches and coverage, check out Borkener Zeitung, Handball Nationalmannschaft, and Sport Bild.