Denmark wins historic fourth consecutive World Championship

Six years ago, Denmark won its first World Cup gold. Today, Denmark won its fourth consecutive gold medal. The result against Croatia was 26–32.

Denmark was the first nation ever to win the handball World Cup three years in a row in 2023. Now, they have won their fourth consecutive World Cup gold.

Before the match, Denmark averaged over 37 goals per match during the World Championship. But in the final against Croatia, it was the defense that dominated. After ten minutes, Nicolaj Jacobsen’s team led 1–4. In the next ten minutes, Croatia started finding the net behind Emil Nielsen, and the lead was reduced to one, 7–8.

Less than a minute later, the tension rose significantly. Marko Mamić entered a situation completely wrong with Rasmus Lauge and, after a video review, received a red card.

– That was really nasty. I understand the reaction, said the Swedish Viaplay’s expert Claes Hellgren about the situation.

Marko Mamic of Croatia receives a red card. Photo: Vegard Grøtt / BILDBYRÅN /

The situation seemed to awaken all of Denmark, and just eight minutes later, when Mathias Gidsel took a blow to the face, the atmosphere on the field was heated again.

On the court, Mathias Gidsel began to show why he is considered by many to be the best handball player in the world, and the three-time world champions went into halftime with a four-goal lead, 12–16.

Croatia continued to play on the edge in the second half and received a two-minute suspension after two minutes. The bench protested, and Mateo Maraš got two minutes for arguing. Denmark took full advantage of the situation and it quickly became 14–22.

Croatia got a bit closer, but Denmark’s fourth consecutive gold was never in danger, and the final score was 26–32.

Magnus Landin, Henrik Møllgaard, Mads Mensah, Johan Hansen, and Simon Hald are now the first players to win World Championship gold four times in a row.