2026 European Men's U-20 Handball Championship

15th edition of the European Men's Under-20 Handball Championship From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2026 European Men's U-20 Handball Championship, commonly referred to as the M20 EHF Euro 2026, was the 15th edition of the European Men's U-20 Handball Championship, the biennial international under-20 men's handball championship of Europe organized by EHF. It was will be hosted by Romania from 8 to 19 July 2026, marking the third time the event will be held in the country, after 1996 and 2008. The final will be in Cluj-Napoca.

Host country Romania
Venues3 (in 2 host cities)
Dates8–19 July
Teams24 (from 1 confederation)
Quick facts Tournament details, Host country ...
2026 European Men's U-20 Handball Championship
Tournament details
Host country Romania
Venues3 (in 2 host cities)
Dates8–19 July
Teams24 (from 1 confederation)
← Previous
Next →
Close

24 teams participated for the second time, following the expansion in 2024. This tournament will act as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF Men's U21 Handball World Championship in North Macedonia.

Spain are the defending champions, having beaten Portugal in the 2024 final in Celje.

Bidding process

On 13 December 2024, at a meeting in Vienna, the hosting rights were awarded to Romania.[1][2] This will be the third time Romania hosts the tournament after 1996 and 2008.

Format

The tournament consisted of three phases: The first two were played in a round-robin-groups format. The third phase was played in a playoff format with consolations.

In the First phase, 24 teams were drawn into six groups of four.

  • The top two teams from each group advanced to the Main round.
  • The third- and fourth-placed teams advanced to the Intermediate round.

In the Second phase, all teams were again divided into groups of four, but this time, against the teams that advanced to the same round as them. Each separate round (Main and Intermediate) was played by 12 teams, divided into three groups of four.

  • In the Main round, the top two teams from each group and the best two third-placed teams advanced to the quarterfinals. The other four teams advanced to the 9th–16th place playoffs.
  • In the Intermediate round, the winners of each group and the best second-placed team advanced to the 9th–16th place playoffs. The other eight teams advanced to the 17th–24th place playoffs.

In the Third phase, the teams were divided into three playoff tiers of eight teams each, with each team playing three more matches there. Each of the three playoffs consisted of four quarterfinals, two semifinals, two consolation semifinals, and four final placement matches.

The format changed from the previous edition. This new format was previously adopted to in the 2025 women's under age European Championships.[3]

Venues

The venues will be in Cluj-Napoca and Turda.[4][5]

More information Cluj-Napoca, Turda ...
Cluj-Napoca Cluj-Napoca Turda
BTarena Horia Demian Sports Hall TU Turda
Close

Draw

The draw was held on 24 February 2026 in Vienna.

More information Pot 1, Pot 2 ...
Pot 1 Pot 2 Pot 3 Pot 4
 Denmark
 Spain
 Germany
 Hungary
 Portugal
 Sweden		  Austria
 Czech Republic
 France
 Italy
  Switzerland
 France		  Croatia
 Faroe Islands
 Iceland
 Norway
 Slovenia
 Serbia		  Finland
 Israel
 North Macedonia
 Montenegro
 Poland
 Turkey
Close

Preliminary round

Group A

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Germany 2 2 0 0 55 51 +4 4 Main round
2  Portugal 2 1 0 1 60 45 +15 2
3  France 2 1 0 1 61 58 +3 2 Intermediate round
4  Greece 2 0 0 2 48 70 −22 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 8 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
11:00		 Portugal  39–21  Greece BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 55
Referees: Petursson, Thrastarson (ISL)
Fernandes Anastácio 4 (20–9) Rarakos 5
1×Yellow card 5×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
8 July 2026
16:00		 Germany  31–30  France BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 130
Referees: Kull, Tint (EST)
Koschek, Ankermann 7 (16–15) Peyrabout 6
1×Yellow card 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 5×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
11:00		 France  31–27  Greece BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 71
Referees: Bocakova, Janosikova (SVK)
Thuillier 9 (14–10) Saltiel 8
1×Yellow card 1×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
16:00		 Germany  24–21  Portugal BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Referees: D. Loncar, Z. Loncar (CRO)
Koschek 5 (12–7) Oliveira Vasconscelos 7
 2×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
11:00		 Greece  –  Germany TU Turda, Turda
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
16:00		 Portugal  –  France TU Turda, Turda
(–)
Report

Group B

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1   Switzerland 2 2 0 0 85 57 +28 4 Main round
2  Faroe Islands 2 1 0 1 71 60 +11 2
3  Serbia 2 1 0 1 57 66 −9 2 Intermediate round
4  Turkey 2 0 0 2 60 90 −30 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
13:30		 Switzerland  50–32  Turkey BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 73
Referees: Budzak, Zahradnik (SVK)
Cuencas 11 (20–19) Herseklioglu 8
 5×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  8×number 2 in light blue rounded square 2×Red card
8 July 2026
18:30		 Serbia  32–31  Faroe Islands BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 198
Referees: Peretz, Schwartz (ISR)
Stankovic 12 (14–17) Egholm 12
1×Yellow card 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
13:30		 Faroe Islands  40–28  Turkey BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 159
Referees: Uhlir, Benus (CZE)
Egholm 8 (21–14) Herseklioglu 9
1×Yellow card 1×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card
9 July 2026
18:30		 Serbia  25–35   Switzerland BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 123
Referees: Kull, Tint (EST)
Rakovic 6 (11–18) Cuencas 12
 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
13:30		 Turkey  –  Serbia TU Turda, Turda
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
18:30		 Switzerland  –  Faroe Islands TU Turda, Turda
(–)
Report

Group C

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Spain 2 2 0 0 71 53 +18 4 Main round
2  Austria 2 1 0 1 65 60 +5 2
3  Iceland 2 1 0 1 60 60 0 2 Intermediate round
4  Latvia 2 0 0 2 53 76 −23 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
11:00		 Spain  38–25  Latvia Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 71
Referees: Cazan, Suliman (ROM)
Martín Duque 10 (19–11) Kalnins 8
 7×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
8 July 2026
16:00		 Iceland  32–27  Austria Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 150
Referees: Bujupi, Bujupi (KOS)
Erlingsson 7 (15–16) Danhel, Tikvic 6
 1×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  1×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
11:00		 Austria  38–28  Latvia Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 150
Referees: Lemes, Sosa (URU)
Fritsch 9 (25–17) Kalnins, Valkovskis 8
1×Yellow card 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
16:00		 Iceland  28–33  Spain Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 103
Referees: Fotakidis, Kinatzidis (GRE)
Guðmundsson 12 (12–16) four players 4
1×Yellow card 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 2×Yellow card 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
11:00		 Latvia  –  Iceland BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
16:00		 Spain  –  Austria BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report

Group D

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Denmark 2 2 0 0 70 60 +10 4 Main round
2  Norway 2 1 0 1 66 64 +2 2
3  Croatia 2 1 0 1 64 66 −2 2 Intermediate round
4  North Macedonia 2 0 0 2 60 70 −10 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
13:30		 Norway  36–31  North Macedonia BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 85
Referees: Heddid, Picot (FRA)
Steinsland 8 (18–14) Popovski 7
1×Yellow card 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  7×number 2 in light blue rounded square
8 July 2026
18:30		 Denmark  37–30  Croatia BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 120
Referees: Uhlir, Benus (CZE)
Sunesen 9 (19–17) Moslavac 6
 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card Report 1×Yellow card 7×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
13:30		 Croatia  34–29  North Macedonia BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 55
Referees: Fabryczny, Rawicki (POL)
Šprem 8 (19–14) Kaevski 7
 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  7×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
18:30		 Denmark  33–30  Norway BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
Attendance: 205
Referees: Peretz, Schwartz (ISR)
Langmack 8 (17–11) Søberg 6
 2×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 2×Yellow card 2×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
13:30		 North Macedonia  –  Denmark BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
18:30		 Norway  –  Croatia BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report

Group E

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Sweden 2 2 0 0 86 59 +27 4 Main round
2  Israel 2 1 0 1 76 75 +1 2
3  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 1 0 1 69 77 −8 2 Intermediate round
4  Romania 2 0 0 2 60 80 −20 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
11:00		 Sweden  42–33  Israel TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 100
Referees: D. Loncar, Z. Loncar (CRO)
Hultberg 10 (17–16) Sharon 8
 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  6×number 2 in light blue rounded square
8 July 2026
16:00		 Romania  34–36  Bosnia and Herzegovina TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 650
Referees: Fotakidis, Kinatzidis (GRE)
Serban 7 (15–18) Hadzimuhamedovic 10
1×Yellow card 9×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card Report 1×Yellow card 8×number 2 in light blue rounded square
9 July 2026
11:00		 Israel  43–33  Bosnia and Herzegovina TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 90
Referees: Budzak, Zahradnik (SVK)
Bibange 10 (23–18) Hadzimuhamedovic 9
 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 8×number 2 in light blue rounded square 2×Red card
9 July 2026
16:00		 Sweden  44–26  Romania TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 760
Referees: Heddid, Picot (FRA)
three players 5 (23–14) Iluca 9
 6×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  5×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
11:00		 Bosnia and Herzegovina  –  Sweden Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
16:00		 Romania  –  Israel Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report

Group F

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Hungary 2 2 0 0 62 55 +7 4 Main round
2  Slovenia 2 1 0 1 66 62 +4 2
3  Poland 2 1 0 1 64 62 +2 2 Intermediate round
4  Czech Republic 2 0 0 2 51 64 −13 0
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 July 2026. Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
8 July 2026
13:30		 Slovenia  40–34  Poland TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 60
Referees: Bocakova, Janosikova (SVK)
Anžic 15 (26–15) Czertowicz 6
 9×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card Report  4×number 2 in light blue rounded square
8 July 2026
18:30		 Hungary  34–29  Czech Republic TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 130
Referees: M. Ilievski, M. Ilievski (MKD)
Eklemovic 9 (15–14) Jahoda 8
 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  3×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card
9 July 2026
13:30		 Czech Republic  22–30  Poland TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 100
Referees: Petursson, Thrastarson (ISL)
Baumruk 6 (11–13) Stawicki 10
 7×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report  3×number 2 in light blue rounded square 1×Red card
9 July 2026
18:30		 Hungary  28–26  Slovenia TU Turda, Turda
Attendance: 300
Referees: Bujupi, Bujupi (KOS)
Eklemovic 7 (14–13) Anžic 11
 4×number 2 in light blue rounded square Report 1×Yellow card 3×number 2 in light blue rounded square
11 July 2026
13:30		 Slovenia  –  Czech Republic Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report
11 July 2026
18:30		 Poland  –  Hungary Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
Report

Intermediate round

Group I

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 A3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9th–16th place playoffs
2 A4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 B3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17th–24th place playoffs
4 B4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
13 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Group II

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 C3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9th–16th place playoffs
2 C4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 D3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17th–24th place playoffs
4 D4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
13 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
14 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
14 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)

Group III

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 E3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9th–16th place playoffs
2 F3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 E4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17th–24th place playoffs
4 F4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
13 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Main round

Points and goals gained in the preliminary group against teams that advanced were transferred to the main round.

Group I

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 A1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Quarterfinals
2 A2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 B1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 B2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5–8th place playoffs
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
13 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Group II

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 C1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Quarterfinals
2 C2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 D1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 D2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5–8th place playoffs
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
13 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
14 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
14 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)

Group III

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 E1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Quarterfinals
2 E2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 F1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5–8th place playoffs
4 F2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Close
Source: EHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) Goal difference.
13 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
13 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
14 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

17th–24th place playoffs

21th place match21–24 place semifinals17th–24th place quarterfinals17th–20th place semifinals17th place match
23th place match19th place match

17th–24th place quarterfinals

16 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
16 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
16 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
16 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

21st–24th place semifinals

17 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
17 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

23rd place match

19 July 2026 – BTarena Cluj-Napoca, TU Turda, Turda
(–)

21st place match

19 July 2026 – BTarena Cluj-Napoca, TU Turda, Turda
(–)

17th–20th place semifinals

17 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
17 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

19th place match

19 July 2026 – BTarena Cluj-Napoca, TU Turda, Turda
(–)

17th place match

19 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TD Turda, Turda
(–)

9th–16th place playoffs

13th place match13th–16th place semifinals9th–16th place quarterfinals9th–12th place semifinals9th place match
15th place match11rd place match

9th–16 place quarterfinals

16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)

13–16th place semifinals

17 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
17 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)

15 place match

19 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca/BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

13 place match

19 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall /BTarena
(–)

9th–12th place semifinals

17 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
17 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

11th place match

19 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda/Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

9th place match

19 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda/Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Championship playoffs

5th place match5th–8th place semifinalsQuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinal
7th place match3rd place match

Quarterfinals

16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)
16 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca/TU Turda, Turda
(–)

5th–8th place semifinals

17 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)
17 July 2026 – TU Turda, Turda
(–)

7th place match

19 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca/BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

5th place match

19 July 2026 – Horia Demian Sports Hall, Cluj-Napoca/BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Semifinals

17 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)
17 July 2026 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Third place game

19 July 2024 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

Final

19 July 2024 – BTarena, Cluj-Napoca
(–)

References

External links

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI