The Men’s EHF EURO 2026 officially began today, January 15, 2026, marking the start of what many consider the most grueling and prestigious competition in international handball. Co-hosted by the Scandinavian powerhouses of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, this 17-day tournament features 24 nations vying for continental glory. With the opening matches already underway in Herning and Oslo, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle that combines elite athleticism with intense national rivalries.
The Tournament Structure and Scandinavian Dominance
The competition is played across three distinct phases: the preliminary round, the main round, and the knockout finals. Teams are divided into six groups of four, with only the top two from each group advancing. This format creates immediate pressure, as results from the preliminary round are carried forward into the main round. A single loss in the opening week can effectively derail a championship campaign.
This year’s edition is defined by a “Scandinavian Monopoly.” For the first time, the center of gravity in handball has shifted entirely to the North. While traditional powers like France and Spain remain dangerous, the host nations of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway enter the tournament as three of the five best teams in the world, backed by fervent home crowds.
The Favorites: A Clash of Titans
Denmark enters as the heavy favorite. Despite being four-time reigning world champions and the current Olympic gold medalists, the Danes have not won a European title since 2012. Led by Mathias Gidsel—widely regarded as the best player on the planet—and the impenetrable goalkeeping of Emil Nielsen, Denmark’s “seven-on-six” tactical attack is designed to overwhelm opponents through sheer volume of scoring chances.
Sweden represents the most disciplined challenge to Danish dominance. As co-hosts, the Swedes boast a remarkably balanced roster with a defensive 6-0 formation that is notoriously difficult to break down. With stars like Hampus Wanne and Jim Gottfridsson, Sweden often turns defensive stops into fast-break goals. Because they sit on the opposite side of the bracket from Denmark, many analysts predict a Denmark vs. Sweden final in Herning.
Contenders and Individual Stars to Watch
France remains a perennial threat as the defending European champions. Although they are missing playmaker Nedim Remili, the physical presence of Dika Mem and Ludovic Fabregas ensures they can match any team for power. Meanwhile, Iceland is the popular “dark horse” pick. Their starting lineup, featuring Bundesliga stars Gísli Kristjánsson and Ómar Ingi Magnússon, has the offensive firepower to crash the podium if their goalkeeping remains consistent.
Regarding the individual scoring title, the race is wide open. While Mathias Gidsel is the favorite for MVP, players like Martim Costa of Portugal and Elohim Prandi of France are expected to put up massive numbers. Additionally, Faroese playmaker Elias Ellefsen á Skipagøtu remains a significant player to watch; his high-usage role for the Faroe Islands often results in a high volume of goals, making him a statistical outlier in the preliminary rounds.
Predictions and Betting Outlook
The consensus pick to lift the trophy on February 1 is Denmark. Their home-court advantage and the peak form of Mathias Gidsel make them the safest choice to end their recent European Championship drought. However, Sweden offers strong competition, given their disciplined defense and favorable path to the final.
- Winner Prediction: Denmark
- Runner-up: Sweden
- MVP Favorite: Mathias Gidsel (Denmark)
How to Watch the EHF EURO 2026 in the USA
For fans in the United States, watching the tournament requires a digital setup, as there is no traditional cable broadcast deal.
- Streaming Platform: All matches are available live and on-demand via EHFTV.com.
- Cost: An “All-In Pass” for the entire tournament is priced at approximately $13.10 USD (12 EUR). Individual matches are available for roughly $3.25 USD (3 EUR).
- Viewing Times: Due to the time difference, matches typically begin in the late morning or early afternoon for U.S. viewers. Prime Time European matches usually start at 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.