Triple delight as Denmark seal majestic treble at the Men's EHF EURO 2026

Denmark completed a historic treble on February 2, 2026, securing the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 title with a 34:27 victory over Germany. This win follows their gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, making them only the second team in history to hold all three major international titles simultaneously.

A Championship Run

Denmark’s path to the title wasn’t without challenges. They suffered a 29:31 loss to Portugal during the preliminary round. However, they rebounded strongly, winning six consecutive matches to reach the final. This performance marks their best-ever showing at the EHF EURO, with the most wins and highest goals-per-match average.

Key Performances

Mathias Gidsel, the 2025 IHF Male World Player of the Year and Simon Pytlick were instrumental in Denmark’s success. Gidsel scored seven goals in the semi-final against Iceland, a 31:28 win, while Johan Plogv a Hansen added six and Pytlick five. In the final, Pytlick led the scoring with eight goals, followed by Gidsel and Hansen with seven each.

Did You Know? Mathias Gidsel broke the record for the largest number of goals scored in a single edition of the Men’s EHF EURO, with 68 goals.

The Road to the Final

Germany advanced to the final after defeating Croatia 31:28 in the semi-final. This marked Germany’s first appearance in the EHF EURO final since winning the title in 2016. The final was a rematch of the Olympic final, where Denmark had previously defeated Germany 39:26.

Medal Standings and Qualification

Croatia secured the bronze medal with a dramatic 34:33 win over Iceland. Denmark now has nine medals in the competition’s history – three gold, two silver, and four bronze. Germany earned their fifth medal and second silver, while Croatia claimed their fourth bronze and seventh medal overall.

Expert Insight: Denmark’s achievement of winning the treble is a testament to their consistent performance and depth of talent. Holding all three major titles simultaneously places them among the elite teams in handball history, comparable to France’s feat from 2008-2010.

The top four teams – Denmark, Germany, Croatia, and Iceland – have qualified for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship. Due to Denmark and Germany already being qualified as the reigning world champions and hosts respectively, Portugal and Sweden will also participate in the competition.

EHF EURO 2026 All-Star Team

The All-Star team included Andreas Wolff (GER) as goalkeeper, Mario Šoštarić (CRO) as right wing, Francisco Costa (POR) as right back, Gísli Kristjánsson (ISL) at centre back, Simon Pytlick (DEN) as left back, August Pedersen (NOR) as left wing, Johannes Golla (GER) as line player, and Salvador Salvador (POR) as defender. Francisco Costa (POR) was named the best young player, and Mathias Gidsel (DEN) was awarded MVP and top scorer with 68 goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What titles did Denmark win to complete the treble?

Denmark won the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, and the Men’s EHF EURO 2026.

Who was named MVP of the EHF EURO 2026?

Mathias Gidsel was named the MVP of the EHF EURO 2026.

Which teams have qualified for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship through the EHF EURO 2026?

Denmark, Germany, Croatia, Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden have qualified for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship.

As Denmark continues to dominate the sport, what challenges might they face in maintaining their position at the top of the international handball scene?

Triple delight as Denmark seal majestic treble at the Men’s EHF EURO 2026