On Monday, the 2025 Women’s World Championship saw a dramatic upset as Brazil overcame Sweden – while Denmark, Norway and Hungary all did what was expected and secured their spot in the Main Round with maximum four points. Tonight, the final preliminary-round groups conclude, and the Main Round begins with three matches, including hosts Germany taking on surprise package Faroe Islands.
Monday was a pivotal day at the 2025 IHF Women’s World Handball Championship – one full of strong performances, surprising twists and clear qualification battles.
Brazil overthrows Sweden after a strong second half
In a surprising result, Brazil pulled off a comeback to defeat Sweden. The Swedish team had started promisingly, but Brazil turned things around – backed by a series of impressive saves by Gabriela Moreschi in the second half and sharp attacking leadership from Bruna de Paula. The defeat is a major blow for Sweden ahead of the Main Round.
Denmark, Norway and Hungary advance with perfect records
Meanwhile, Denmark did the job against Romania – ensuring they progress ahead of Romania into the next phase with full four points.
Equally solid were Norway and Hungary: Norway beat Angola convincingly, while Hungary also secured a win in their final group-match. Both teams enter the Main Round also carrying four points.
With those results, three Main Round groups are now set – Denmark, Norway, Hungary (and Brazil) among the favourites heading into the next stage.
Looking ahead – tonight’s final group matches & Main Round opener
Tonight the preliminary stage concludes with key matches: Netherlands vs Austria, and France vs Poland. Those results will finalize the last spots into the Main Round.
At the same time, the Main Round already gets underway with three matches – among them a tough test for hosts Germany, who face the surprise package Faroe Islands. The next few days promise high drama as the cream of world handball continues to sort itself out.