The 29th edition of the Adult Men’s World Championship will be organized for the first time in history by three countries: Croatia, Denmark and Norway. This tournament will take place between January 14 and February 2, 2025.
The competition is the highest international handball competition between national teams, organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF). The first championship was held in 1938 and since 1993 it has been held in odd-numbered years, generally in January.
This is the third time in history that 32 teams will participate. This event serves as a qualifier for the Summer Olympic Games as the champion qualifies directly and the six teams that follow advance to the pre-Olympic tournaments. This championship has been practically dominated by European teams: France in first place with 6 gold medals, followed by Sweden and Romania with 4.
The draw confirming the groups for the World Cup was held at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb, Croatia. The 32 teams were divided into four pools of eight each with eight groups established for the preliminary round. The top three teams from each group will advance to the main round.
The groups were formed by:
Group A: Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland
Group B: Denmark, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia
Group C: France, Austria, Qatar, Kuwait
Group D: Hungary, The Netherlands, Northern Macedonia, Guinea
Group E: Norway, Portugal, BRAZIL, United States of America
Group F: Sweden, Spain, Japan, CHILE
Group G: Slovenia, Iceland, Cuba, Cabo Verde
Group H: Egypt, Croatia, ARGENTINA, Bahrain
Argentina will make its debut on January 15 against Egypt, a team that will arrive at the World Cup as three-time African champions. On January 17, they will play their second Group H match against Croatia and close with Bahrain, an opponent they have beaten on the three occasions they have played.
The Chilean national team will face Sweden, Spain and Japan in the first phase of the World Cup, the matches will take place at the Unity Arena in Baerum, Norway.
If they win one of the top three places in the group, they will play in the second round against the top three teams from Group E, which includes Brazil, who will have to overcome Portugal, Norway and the United States to advance to the World Cup.
Photos: CoSCABal/Germán Paez
By Martina Gallo
