The countdown has begun for the 2025 Handball World Championship, which is set to captivate fans from January 14 to February 2. This prestigious tournament will take place across Denmark, Norway, and Croatia, showcasing the best of international handball.
Organizers have confirmed the event will be held in five vibrant cities. Denmark will host matches at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, which will accommodate 15,000 spectators for both Group A and B games, and later rounds of play. Meanwhile, Croatia will welcome the teams at two notable venues: the Športska dvorana Žatika in Poreč, with 3,500 seats for Group C, and Varaždin Arena, which will host matches for Group D and the main rounds.
Norway's Unity Arena, capable of holding nearly 14,000 fans, will witness groups E and F, alongside the main rounds. Finally, the historic Arena Zagreb will emerge as one of the championship's premier sites, featuring matches for groups G and H, along with knockout phases. Each venue is gearing up to bring the excitement of handball to packed crowds.
The tournament's format remains consistent with previous championships, with 32 teams competing for the title. Fans are particularly eager to see Germany, following their fourth-place finish at the home European Championship earlier this year. Germany's matches will be extensively covered by leading broadcasters. The broadcasting rights will be split between ARD and ZDF, ensuring widespread access through free TV and streaming platforms.
ARD will retain its commentary team, featuring stalwart Alexander Bommes alongside expert Dominik Klein and commentator Florian Naß. The ZDF lineup will witness significant changes as it welcomes Martin Schneider after longtime commentator Christoph Hamm retires. Schneider will pair with new host Florian Zschiedrich, as the ZDF sports leadership changes hands. Reported by Mannheim24, the live coverage promises to engage fans from the comfort of their homes.
Another dimension to the championship is the announcement of the retirement of Croatian handball legend Domagoj Duvnjak. The renowned player, who has been pivotal for Croatia, made clear, "This is definitely my last tournament with Croatia, and I am glad it will take place at home." His emotional farewell adds layers of excitement as he seeks to win gold, something missing from his extensive accolades. Duvnjak expressed the challenge of leaving his position on the national team, saying, "It won't be easy for me, especially after the last game when I realize it will be the last time I've heard my national anthem as a player."
Duvnjak, captain and record scorer of Croatia, is set to make another memorable appearance after previously leading his country to silver at the 2009 Handball World Championship when Croatia served as sole host. With three European Championship silvers under his belt, alongside Olympic and European medals, the prospect of adding world champion to his accolades is tantalizing for both the player and his fans.
With the tournament fast approaching, excitement is palpable among sports fans and broadcasters alike. The culmination of the event promises thrilling matches, memorable player moments, and the fervor of dedicated fans, showing why handball remains one of Europe’s most beloved sports. The global stage is prepared as the countdown to the 2025 Handball World Championship enters its final stretch.
Adding to the anticipation, Germany has lined up pre-tournament tests against Brazil, allowing teams to fine-tune their strategies before heading to the championship. The tournament will kick off with key matches as Germany faces Poland, followed by pivotal games against Switzerland and the Czech Republic, promising high-stakes action right from the start.
The energy and preparations leading to the 2025 Handball World Championship are undeniably electric. With extraordinary talent on display and nations competing for glory, this year’s tournament is not to be missed.