The lineup for the Women’s EHF EURO 2026 is rapidly taking shape as the qualification rounds reach their climax. Following a weekend of high-stakes handball across the continent, both Sweden and Spain have officially secured their spots in the final tournament.
Sweden and Spain will now join the five host nations — Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, and Czechia — as well as the defending champions France, in the prestigious championship that will take place in December 2026.
Swedish dominance in Lund
Sweden’s path to the tournament was cemented in style at the Sparbanken Skåne Arena in Lund. After a somewhat tighter battle against Serbia earlier in the week, Tomas Axnér’s side left no room for doubt in the return leg.
The Swedish team produced a clinical performance, fueled by a rock-solid defense and a lethal transition game that the Serbian side simply couldn’t live with. The 33–25 victory not only delighted the home crowd but also maintained Sweden’s perfect record in Group 7, making it mathematically impossible for any opponent to overtake them in the standings with two rounds still to play.
The victory in Lund also highlights a remarkable period of dominance for the Swedish national team. Sweden entered the match with twelve consecutive victories in European Championship qualifiers, a record streak that has now been extended to thirteen. In fact, Sweden has not dropped a single point in qualifying since their last defeat against Serbia back in 2022. This impressive run of form underlines Sweden’s status as a top-tier power in international handball as they prepare for the big stage.
Photo: J.L Recio / RFEBM
Spain ensures their 13th consecutive appearance at the European Championships
While Sweden celebrated their record-breaking streak, Spain was busy finishing their own job in Group 6. The team continued their dominant run through the qualifiers by securing their fourth consecutive victory, this time against Azerbaijan.
Under the guidance of head coach Ambros Martín, the Spanish team has shown impressive tactical maturity throughout the campaign, blending experienced veterans with a new generation of talent. By booking their spot this early, Spain ensures their 13th consecutive appearance at the European Championship, a testament to their enduring status as a powerhouse in the women’s game.
With the pressure now lifted for Sweden and Spain, both nations can look toward the final two qualification rounds in April as an opportunity to experiment and fine-tune their squads.
For the rest of Europe, however, the tension remains high. Several groups are still wide open, and the remaining spots for the EHF EURO 2026 will be decided in a final sprint where every goal and every point could be the difference between a ticket to the big stage or a winter spent watching from the sidelines.