In almost exactly six months’ time, the wait will be over: the IHF Men’s World Championship 2027 will get underway in Germany. The participating teams have been confirmed, the groups have been drawn, and the match schedule has been finalised. The tournament will be played across six host cities throughout Germany.
The venues include some of the country’s most modern arenas, such as the LANXESS Arena, SAP Garden and Porsche-Arena, while traditional handball strongholds like Magdeburg and Hanover will also stage matches. One arena that combines both modern facilities and rich handball tradition is the Merkur Ostseehalle in Kiel. You can find all information about the tournament and tickets here.
Merkur Ostseehalle – The Heart of German Handball
The home of Germany’s record champions THW Kiel is one of the most iconic and intimidating arenas in European handball. Up to 10,250 fans regularly fill the stands for THW home matches, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Some spectators even sit directly behind the team benches or courtside, experiencing the action from just a few metres away. The close connection between the fans, the arena and the club goes far beyond geography. In Schleswig-Holstein, handball is part of everyday life. Particularly in Flensburg and Kiel, it is the region’s number one sport. It is therefore no surprise that THW supporters refer to the arena as their “second living room”.
It is in this “living room” that THW Kiel has celebrated countless domestic and international titles:
23 German Championships
13 DHB Cup titles
4 EHF Cup titles
4 EHF Champions League titles
Many of these triumphs were built on the unique atmosphere of the Merkur Ostseehalle. Whether you call it a second living room or a handball fortress, one thing is certain: the atmosphere in Kiel is second to none. That is precisely why the arena will host two preliminary round groups at the IHF Men’s World Championship 2027. Groups E and G will play their preliminary round matches in Kiel. Group E features Sweden, Norway, Greece and Qatar. In particular, fans of the Scandinavian teams will appreciate the location, with direct ferry connections from Gothenburg and Oslo to the capital of Schleswig-Holstein.
Former World Championship finalists meet in Kiel
As usual, domestic club competitions will pause during January. Several THW Kiel players will be competing for the World Championship title with their respective national teams. Even without the home club in action, world-class handball will be on display in Kiel. Group E in particular promises outstanding matches. Sweden, Norway, Greece and Qatar all bring exciting stories into the tournament. With the exception of Greece, every team in the group has reached a World Championship final within the past six editions: Qatar in 2015, Sweden in 2021, and Norway in both 2017 and 2019. None of them, however, managed to lift the trophy.
Sweden has nevertheless enjoyed recent success, winning the EHF EURO 2022. Once again, the Scandinavians enter the World Championship among the favourites. Their team is built around exceptional playmakers. Jim Gottfridsson and Felix Claar direct proceedings on the court, while head coach Michael Apelgren leads from the sidelines. But Sweden is about much more than its playmakers. Their mobile defence, led by Jonathan Carlsbogård and Max Darj, combined with their fast-break game, makes them one of the tournament's most complete teams. One Swedish player will especially enjoy returning to Kiel. Eric Johansson plays his club handball for THW Kiel and will therefore compete in his “second living room”.
Norway will also fancy its chances of winning the group. Leading the way is superstar Sander Sagosen of Aalborg Håndbold, who himself played for THW Kiel between 2020 and 2023. Left wing August Pedersen, featured in the All-Star Team at EHF EURO 2026, and right back Patrick Andersson are also key figures within the Norwegian squad. Handball fans attending the World Championship in Kiel can look forward to watching these stars in action.
Greece and Qatar looking to upset the favourites
The Greek national team may be less familiar to many international fans—but perhaps not for much longer. Most of the squad plays in the domestic league, although German handball followers will certainly recognise Savvas Savvas. From 2016 on, the left back spent seven seasons in Germany with different clubs such as Hamm and Minden. He signed with the second league club HSC Coburg for the upcoming season. Goalkeeper Petros Boukovinas is also well acquainted with German arenas, having played in the German second division since 2022 at HSC Coburg as well.
Both players were instrumental in Greece’s remarkable qualification campaign. In one of the biggest surprises of the European play-offs, Greece eliminated the Netherlands in May—a result that caught the attention of the entire handball world, given the Dutch team's rapid rise in recent years. Now the Greeks hope to spring another surprise at the World Championship in Germany.
The same ambition applies to Qatar. The 2015 World Championship runners-up are back on the global stage once again. Much has changed since their historic silver medal. The successful 2015 team featured numerous naturalised stars who had joined the squad specifically for the home tournament. Today, the most recognisable name is on the bench: Valero Rivera. The former FC Barcelona head coach already knows what it takes to win a World Championship, he won the title with Spain in 2013. Since taking charge of Qatar in 2025, he has been tasked with developing the nation's handball programme. The 2027 World Championship will be his first major test.
Secure your tickets for Kiel now
Group E promises plenty of excitement. Will the Scandinavian favourites live up to expectations, or can Greece and Qatar upset the odds? The opening matches on 14 January already carry enormous significance. At the beginning of a major tournament, teams themselves are often unsure exactly where they stand. Sweden opens against Greece, followed by Norway taking on Qatar. Tickets for all Group E matches are available here.
On matchday two, Qatar faces Sweden before Norway meets Greece. If everything goes according to plan for the Scandinavian favourites, the final matchday will see Sweden and Norway battling for top spot in the group and valuable points to carry into the Main Round. Before that, however, Greece and Qatar will face off in what could prove to be a decisive match for qualification to the Main Round.
The IHF Men’s World Championship 2027 schedule can be found here.