Three nations, five cities, 29th World Cup – January has consistently been handball’s month. This year, a new World Cup kicks off today in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway.

The global championship will unfold across five cities, with three located in Croatia: Zagreb, Varaždin, and Poreč. In addition, the renowned handball arena, “Jyske Bank Boxen,” in Herning, Denmark will host matches, while medals will be presented in Berum, Norway, a suburb of Oslo.

The primary question leading up to the tournament is whether any team can disrupt Denmark’s reign, as they’ve clinched the last three World Cups.

France, the European champion, alongside Olympic silver medalists Germany, and teams like Sweden and Norway emerge as significant contenders, while Spain, Slovenia, Egypt, and host nation Croatia also find themselves in the favorites’ mix.

Can Nikolai Jacobsen claim the title for the fourth consecutive time?

– It would be foolish to think otherwise. We must remain optimistic – we are the defending champions and also the Olympic titleholders, the Danish coach remarked.

After a considerable period, Jakobsen will be without legends like Mikkel Hansen and Niklas Landin. However, even without them, Denmark, with Matias Gidsel and Simon Pitlik, seems formidable against the competition.

Denmark will play its opening match today (from 20:30 PM against Algeria), while the first match (17:30 PM) is for a team that is not participating in this major competition.

Italy, who recently shocked everyone by winning a major competition after a 25-year hiatus, will kick off against Tunisia.

In addition to Group B in Herning, Group C will also see action in Poreč today, with France taking on Qatar at 18:00, followed by Austria against Kuwait at 20:30.

This time, there will be no Hansen or Nikola Karabatić, and another great will take the field for his final appearance in red and white squares.

Domagoj Duvnjak will lead Croatia in his last career match.

“Playing for Croatia is always an honor and a privilege; nothing can change that. The Croatian jersey will forever be my favorite,” Duvnjak stated to Dnevni avaz.

SP 2025, Round 1 Pairings

TODAY

Group B (Herning)

Italy – Tunisia (17:30)

Denmark – Algeria (20:30)

Group C (Poreč)

France – Qatar (18:00)

Austria – Kuwait (20:30)

WEDNESDAY

Group A (Herning)

Czech Republic – Switzerland (18:00)

Germany – Poland (20:30)

Group D (Varaždin)

Netherlands – Guinea (18:00)

Hungary – North Macedonia (20:30)

Group E (Berum)

Portugal – SAD (18:00)

Norway – Brazil (20:30)

Group H (Zagreb)

Egypt – Argentina (18:00)

Croatia – Bahrain (20:30)

THURSDAY

Group F (Berum)

Spain – Chile (18:00)

Sweden – Japan (20:30)

Group G (Zagreb)

Slovenia – Cuba (18:00)

Iceland – Cape Verde (20:30)

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