The new season in Iceland is approaching, and GoHandball asked Icelandic handball expert Styrmir Sigurðsson to share his thoughts ahead of the Men’s league season. Sigurðsson backs Haukar for the title and highlights several of Iceland’s brightest young talents, including a 16-year-old he believes could be something special.
Which team will win the league this season and why?
– I believe Haukar will win the Men’s league this season. They have made some good additions to the squad, while reigning champions Valur have lost several experienced players. Both Valur and FH will participate in the EHF European League this winter, and I believe that will take its toll on their squads. Therefore, Haukar will win the league this season.
Which players will stand out?
– Freyr Aronsson (Haukar), one of the key players on Iceland’s U18 men’s team, will have another breakout season this winter. Also, his teammates from the Iceland U18 team, Gunnar Robertsson (Valur) and Omar Darri Sigurgeirsson (FH), will stand out. I expect that this will be their last season in the Icelandic league for many years.
Which player will have his big breakthrough?
– Brynjar Narfi Arndal (FH). He is one of the most talented players Iceland has ever seen, and at the age of 16, he was already a key player on Iceland’s U18 team this summer.
Which player, team or event will be the most disappointing?
– After a great EURO in 2026, the Icelandic nation is very optimistic about the upcoming IHF World Championship in Germany in January 2027. I really hope I’m wrong about this, but I somehow have a bad feeling about this tournament which I can’t quite put my finger on at the moment. I’ve been wrong so many times before when it comes to handball, so let’s hope we add one more event to that list.
What are you looking forward to the most?
– I’m really looking forward to seeing the project that Daniel Birkelund and his team are working on with Thor Akureyri. They were promoted last season and managed to secure their place in the league. Since then, they have signed a few foreign players from Denmark and the Faroe Islands, which I believe has strengthened the squad ahead of the upcoming season. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the new players will thrive in the Icelandic league.