Eight games will take place tomorrow on the final day of the European Men’s Championships Qualifications, but only one ticket for the 2026 Belgrade tournament is still available.
Slovakia secured its qualification yesterday. Today, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Georgia, Israel, France, and Malta joined the Slovaks.
The last, 16th spot at the next Europeans will be filled by Germany or Turkiye. These two teams will face off in the 5th round of Group B in Istanbul. It will be a decisive match for 2nd place in the group (Slovakia has already cemented the top position in the largest Turkish city).
The Netherlands and Slovenia qualified from Group A (Kranj). The Dutch demolished the Czech Republic (35:4) and Poland (29:3) today. Slovenia secured at least 2nd place and its 3rd consecutive European Championships appearance with a 16:6 victory over Great Britain. The Dutch and the Slovenians each have nine points. Tomorrow, they will play in the last round. If Slovenia doesn’t cause a big surprise, the Dutch will finish at the top of the group, and Slovenia will be in 2nd place.
Germany and Turkiye had easy matches against the Scandinavian teams in the fourth round of Group B in Istanbul before their crucial encounter tomorrow. Both winning teams scored 30 goals apiece today: Turkiye – Sweden 30:7 and Germany – Finland 30:5.
Georgia recorded a 24-win over Switzerland (29:5), while Israel defeated Bulgaria 16:9 in the second round in Group C in Tbilisi. Georgia will likely beat Israel tomorrow and retain first place, but securing second place and a spot at the 2026 Europeans is a significant success for Israel.
Finally, the favorites made no mistake in today’s matches in Group D in Malta. France beat Ukraine 24:10, and Malta defeated Portugal 17:13, so both teams will visit Belgrade next winter.
2026 European Men’s Championships Qualifications
Group A (Kranj, Slovenia)
Day 3: Great Britain – Poland 11:9, Netherlands – Czech Republic 35:4, Slovenia – Great Britain 16:6, Netherlands – Poland 29:3.
Standings: 1. Netherlands (3 games) 9 points, 2. Slovenia (3) 9, 3. Great Britain (4) 6, 4. Poland (3) 0, 5. Czech Republic (3) 0.
Group B (Istanbul, Turkiye)
Day 3: Sweden – Turkiye 7:30, Finland – Germany 5:30
Standings: 1. Slovakia (3) 9, 2. Turkiye (3) 6, 3. Germany (3) 6, 4. Sweden (4) 3, 5. Finland (3) 0.
Group C (Tbilisi, Georgia)
Day 2: Georgia – Switzerland 29:5, Israel – Bulgaria 16:9
Standings: 1. Georgia 6, 2. Israel 6, 3. Switzerland 0, 4. Bulgaria 0.
Group D (Gzira, Malta)
Day 2: Ukraine – France 10:24, Portugal – Malta 13:17
Standings: 1. France 6, 2. Malta 6, 3. Ukraine 0, 4. Portugal 0.
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