World Championship 2027 Qualifiers: European Play-off Pots Set After EHF EURO 2026
After the conclusion of the main round at EHF EURO 2026, the pot line-up for the 2027 World Championship play-offs is now known. The draw will take place on 31 January at 15:00 in Herning, with 20 national teams in the drum fighting for 10 two-legged ties.
2027 World Championship Qualifiers: Europe – Pots after EHF EURO 2026
With the main round of EHF EURO 2026 completed, we now know who has qualified directly for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship in Germany, as well as the seeded pots for the 3rd phase of European qualifiers (20 teams, 10 play-off ties, 10 World Championship tickets).
Direct qualifiers for the 2027 World Championship (via EHF EURO 2026)
According to the rules, direct qualification goes to: Germany (hosts), Denmark (title holders) and the four best-placed teams at EHF EURO 2026 (excluding Germany and Denmark).
Directly qualified for World Championship 2027:
Germany
Denmark
Croatia
Iceland
Portugal
Sweden
Europe – Qualifiers, Phase 3 (Draw: 31 January 2026, 15:00)
A total of 20 teams will take part in Phase 3:
6 teams from the EHF EURO 2026 main round that did not qualify directly
6 third-placed teams from the EHF EURO 2026 qualifying preliminary round
8 winners from the Phase 2 play-off ties (March 2026)
POT 1 (Seeded)
EHF EURO 2026 main round teams (not directly qualified):
France
Spain
Norway
Slovenia
Hungary
Switzerland
Four highest-ranked third-placed teams from the EHF EURO 2026 preliminary qualifying round:
Faroe Islands
North Macedonia
Netherlands
Austria
POT 2
Remaining third-placed teams from the EHF EURO 2026 preliminary qualifying round:
Czech Republic
Italy
Phase 2 winners (March 2026) – 8 placeholders:
Winner: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kosovo
Winner: Georgia – Israel
Winner: Ukraine – Slovakia
Winner: Serbia – Lithuania
Winner: Poland – Latvia
Winner: Turkey – Romania
Winner: Greece – Belgium
Winner: Finland – Montenegro
