Sweden, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Portugal: If the favourites come through their preliminary round groups, fans at the 2027 Handball World Championship in Hanover could look forward to an exciting mix of Scandinavian handball tradition, ambitious underdogs and a Portuguese team full of confidence.

From 13 to 31 January 2027, Hanover will be one of the major stages of international handball as Germany hosts the World Championship. The ZAG arena will host two main round groups, with the potential line-up of Group III promising top-class encounters. Tickets for Hanover are available at www.handball2027.com.

The path to Hanover is clear: Sweden and Norway will compete in preliminary round Group E in Kiel, while Portugal and the Faroe Islands will play in Group F in Magdeburg. If they qualify for the main round, they will continue their World Championship journey in Hanover. All four teams still need to secure their places on the court, but the potential match-ups already promise plenty of excitement.

Sweden: A Handball Powerhouse with World-Class Stars

Sweden has been one of the leading nations in international handball for decades. Four World Championship titles and five European Championship titles reflect an extraordinary history of success. The team will once again be among the contenders at the 2027 World Championship, provided it can deliver its best performances on the court.

Sweden demonstrated its quality at the 2026 European Championship, finishing sixth. In the fifth-place match, the team suffered a narrow 36:35 defeat against Portugal. That encounter highlighted just how competitive the top level of European handball has become.

Sweden is traditionally known for its well-organised defence, tactical discipline and versatile attacking play. A combination of experienced internationals and dynamic backcourt players makes the team difficult to predict. Two Bundesliga stars in particular, Felix Claar (SC Magdeburg) and Nikola Roganovic (VfL Gummersbach), will be looking to lead Sweden deep into the tournament. In Hanover, the Swedish team could have the opportunity to show that it is once again capable of reaching the decisive stages of a major championship.

Norway: Experience and Scandinavian Rivalry

When Norway faces Sweden, there is more at stake than just points. The Scandinavian rivalry adds an extra level of intensity to the encounter and would make a potential main round meeting particularly exciting.

Norway often relies on its considerable experience, quick transitions and versatile backcourt play. When the team finds its attacking rhythm, it can pose a serious threat even to established top nations. Norway demonstrated its international quality at the 2025 World Championship, including a 29:24 victory over Sweden.

Although Norway finished only ninth at the 2026 European Championship, the team still has the potential to deliver competitive performances against strong opposition in the main round.

Faroe Islands: A Small Nation with Big Ambitions

The Faroe Islands are still a relatively new name on the biggest stage of international handball. However, the team's development makes it a particularly interesting contender for a place in the main round. Qualification for the 2027 World Championship was secured with two victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina – an important milestone for a nation whose passion for handball far exceeds what its small population might suggest.

At the 2026 European Championship, the Faroe Islands finished 13th. Their performances demonstrated that they are increasingly capable of competing at European level. With fearless attacking play, plenty of passion and a team determined not to be intimidated by bigger names, they can prove difficult opponents.

For fans in Hanover, the Faroe Islands would also offer an opportunity to experience one of the most remarkable success stories in European handball. Should they reach the main round, they could test themselves against opponents with considerably more tournament experience on paper – and that is exactly what makes their story so exciting.

Portugal: From Dark Horse to Serious Contender

Portugal has steadily established itself among Europe's leading handball nations in recent years. At the 2026 European Championship, the team finished fifth, achieving its best result to date at the tournament. Particularly impressive was the narrow victory over Sweden in the fifth-place match: superstar Martim Costa, who is set to join SG Flensburg-Handewitt, scored the decisive goal in the final second to secure a 36:35 win.

Brothers Francisco and Martim Costa are prime examples of Portugal's attacking quality. With creativity, power and pace, the team can find solutions even against highly favoured opponents. Portugal's progress is no longer based on occasional surprise results but reflects a consistent development over recent years.

Portugal therefore enters the 2027 World Championship with justified ambitions. The team will be looking to build on its recent performances and continue its rise on the world stage.

Hanover Can Look Forward to a Thrilling Main Round

Four teams, four different stories: Sweden brings a rich history of success at major tournaments, Norway relies on speed and attacking power, the Faroe Islands represent a remarkable rise in international handball, and Portugal has firmly established itself among Europe's elite.

Whether these four teams will actually meet in main round Group III will be decided on the court. If they all qualify, Hanover will host an exciting mix of established handball nations and ambitious challengers. For fans at the ZAG arena, this would promise intense encounters and handball of the highest quality.

For more information on the match schedule and tickets, visit handball2027.com.