Introduction to the Quarterfinals
The 2025 World Handball Championship has reached its quarterfinal stage, with eight teams competing for the top spots. Notably, three teams – Egypt, Brazil, and Portugal – have never stood on the podium in this competition before. Brazil and Portugal are also making their debut in the top eight, while Hungary’s only podium finish was a silver medal in 1986.
Qualified Teams and Schedule
The qualified teams are Denmark and Germany from Group I, France and Hungary from Group II, Portugal and Brazil from Group III, and Croatia and Egypt from Group IV. The first two quarterfinal matches will take place in Zagreb on Tuesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. (Croatia-Hungary) and 9:00 p.m. (France-Egypt). The remaining two matches will be held at the Unity Arena in Baerum on Wednesday, January 29, with Denmark facing Brazil at 5:30 p.m. and Germany facing Portugal at 8:30 p.m.
Key Matches and Results
On the last day of the ‘Main Round’, Croatia secured a 29-26 win over Slovenia, earning them a spot in the quarterfinals against Hungary. Egypt, which will face France, was the other team to qualify from their group. In Group III, Brazil defeated Spain 26-25, while Portugal beat Chile 46-28, resting their captain Thiagus Petrus. Portugal will now face Germany in the quarterfinals, and Brazil will face the current champion, Denmark.
Matches and Time of Quarterfinal Matches
Tuesday, January 28
18:00 CET Croatia vs Hungary
21:00 CET France vs Egypt
Wednesday, January 29
17:30 Denmark vs Brazil
20:30 Portugal vs Germany