A sold-out arena, the host nation waiting and an opening match that sets the tone. For Luc Steins, the EHF EURO 2026 begins exactly how he likes it.
“This is why you play handball – full arena, tough opponent, everything on the line,” says the Dutch star in an exclusive interview with GoHandball.
Facing Sweden in the opening match is no easy task, but Steins welcomes the challenge. He knows what awaits – a powerful opponent, a passionate crowd and no room for hesitation.
“It’s a nice opening game. Of course it’s a tough one, but to play in a full arena with a great atmosphere is something special. Sweden are really strong, so we have to be at our best to win.”
The matchup is familiar. Previous meetings have shown both the Dutch potential and how small details can change everything at this level. The last time the two nations faced off were at the 2024 Euros in Germany, a game Sweden won by one goal, 29–28.
“That game in Germany was really tough for us, because if we had won it, it would have put us in a really good position for the main round. The first 45 minutes were amazing – then we lost our line player to injury and it caused problems. But it showed what we are capable of if everyone is at their best.”
Energy or pressure
Malmö Arena will be packed, loud and intense. For Steins, the key is how the Netherlands respond to that environment – whether it fuels them or overwhelms them.
“I hope nobody closes themselves because of the atmosphere. Hopefully everyone gets energy from it and rises to the occasion. That’s the most important thing.”
He has been here before. The memories from Hungary in 2022 still stand out – another opening game, another full arena, another underdog situation.
“Hungary 2022 was similar. Opening game, full arena – and we won. Those are experiences you never forget. We go into this game as underdogs again, but we know the quality we have and that we can fight for 60 minutes.”
Ready for the moment
For Steins, the basics remain the same regardless of opponent or setting. Be ready, embrace the moment and see where the game takes you.
“It can go two ways. We are gambling a bit, but we are all ready for it and really looking forward to the game. That’s the base we need.”
More than just handball
Away from the court, Steins is experiencing a different kind of intensity. Recently becoming a father for the second time has added a new dimension to life during a major tournament.
“First of all, it’s really cool. We have two young daughters – one is two years old and the other six months.”
Being away has become harder, especially now that his oldest daughter understands his absence.
“This is the first time she really says she misses me. Before she was too small. Now I feel it much more.”
There is relief on the horizon. His family will soon join him in Sweden, bringing comfort in the middle of the championship bubble.
“My wife comes ahead of the Sweden game and the kids before the Croatia game. Then we are all together again. That makes it much easier.”
Two weeks (if the Netherlands make it past the preliminary round) remain before home. Until then, Steins balances elite performance with family life – driven by love, perspective and the chance to create something special on the court.
“Hopefully we calm the situation a bit when we see each other. Then it’s focus again – this is why we’re here.”