Lisbon, Portugal 26 March 2026
Source: https://www.eurohandball.com/en/news/en/draw-sets-stage-for-mens-ehf-euro-2028-qualifiers/
The Men’s EHF EURO 2028 Qualifiers draw took place in Lisbon, Portugal, on Thursday evening, revealing who each of the 32 participating teams will face on their journey to the final tournament.
In total, 20 teams will qualify through the qualifying tournament: the first and second-ranked teams of each group, as well as the four best third-ranked teams.
EHF EURO 2026 silver medallists Germany will face Italy, Belgium and Slovakia on the first steps in their bid to go one better in 2028. Bronze medallists Croatia are drawn against the Netherlands, Lithuania and Finland.
Meanwhile 2024 champions France have Poland, Romania and Latvia ahead in the qualification stage.
Austria and Türkiye, the Faroe Islands and Kosovo, and Poland and Romania, will play each other once again after meeting in the EHF EURO 2026 Qualifiers.
Men’s EHF EURO 2028 Qualifiers
Group 1: Croatia, Netherlands, Lithuania, Finland
Group 2: Norway, Austria, Georgia, Türkiye
Group 3: Iceland, Serbia, Ukraine, Estonia
Group 4: Hungary, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Kosovo
Group 5: Slovenia, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel
Group 6: France, Poland, Romania, Latvia
Group 7: Germany, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia
Group 8: Sweden, North Macedonia, Greece, Luxembourg
The draw for the Men’s EHF EURO 2028 Qualifiers took place in Lisbon on March 26, 2026, setting the groups for the 32 nations vying for a spot in the final tournament.
The qualifiers will determine 20 of the 24 participants. The reigning champions, Denmark, and the three host nations. Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland—have already qualified automatically and will compete in the EHF EURO Cup 2028 instead.
Men’s EHF EURO 2028 Qualification Groups
| Group | Teams |
| Group 1 | Croatia, Netherlands, Lithuania, Finland |
| Group 2 | Norway, Austria, Georgia, Türkiye |
| Group 3 | Iceland, Serbia, Ukraine, Estonia |
| Group 4 | Hungary, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Kosovo |
| Group 5 | Slovenia, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel |
| Group 6 | France, Poland, Romania, Latvia |
| Group 7 | Germany, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia |
| Group 8 | Sweden, North Macedonia, Greece, Luxembourg |
Key Information
- Qualification Format: The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the final tournament.
- Match Schedule: The qualifiers will be played in six rounds:
- Rounds 1 & 2: November 4–8, 2026
- Rounds 3 & 4: March 10–13, 2027
- Rounds 5 & 6: May 5–9, 2027
- The Finals: The tournament is scheduled to run from January 13 to 30, 2028, across the host cities of Madrid, Valencia, Lisbon, and Zurich.
