Portugal’s handball team has learned its fate for the 2026 European Championship. They’ll face Denmark, North Macedonia, and Romania in the first round. Coach Paulo Pereira is confident about their chances. “We know it’s going to be tough, but we’re ready,” he said.
Denmark is the current world champion and one of the top teams in the world. “They’re an incredibly strong team, especially when playing at home,” Pereira noted. North Macedonia is also a force to be reckoned with, capable of causing upsets on a good day. Romania, on the other hand, is a familiar foe for Portugal, having beaten Israel in the qualifiers, which helped Romania secure a spot in the European Championship.
Path to the Main Round
Portugal is considered one of the favorites to advance to the main round alongside Denmark. The team’s recent performances have been impressive. Pereira stressed the importance of preparation. “We’ve been doing a great job of preparing for these matches,” he said. “We know it won’t be easy, but we’re confident in our abilities.”
The European Championship groups have been announced. Portugal is in Group B with Denmark, North Macedonia, and Romania. Other groups include:
- Group A: Germany, Spain, Austria, and Serbia
- Group C: France, Norway, Czech Republic, and Ukraine
- Group D: Slovenia, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, and Switzerland
- Group E: Sweden, Croatia, Netherlands, and Georgia
- Group F: Hungary, Iceland, Poland, and Italy
What’s Next
If Portugal makes it to the main round, they’ll face tough opponents. The main round will feature teams from Groups A and C, including powerhouses like France, Norway, Germany, and Spain. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re up for it,” Pereira said. The team’s goal is to make it to the next stage and compete against the best teams in Europe. As the championship’s slogan suggests, it’s all about pure greatness.