Women’s World Championship 2025 predictions: Selby picks his winner

From powerhouse clashes to dark-horse drama – here’s how the 2025 Women’s Handball World Championship could unfold. France to fight, Denmark to dream, but Norway? Ready to reign again. This is how our reporter Ola Selby thinks the World Championship plays out.

Group A
1: Denmark
2: Romania
3: Croatia
4: Japan

Through to the main round: Denmark, Romania, Croatia.

Group B
1: Hungary
2: Switzerland
3: Senegal
4: Iran

Through to the main round: Hungary, Switzerland, Senegal.

Group C
1: Germany
2: Serbia
3: Iceland
4: Uruguay

Through to the main round: Germany, Serbia, Iceland.

Group D
1: Montenegro
2: Spain
3: Faroe Islands
4: Paraguay

Through to the main round: Montenegro, Spain, Faroe Islands.

Group E
1: Netherlands
2: Austria
3: Argentina
4: Egypt

Through to the main round: Netherlands, Austria, Argentina.

Group F
1: France
2: Poland
3: Tunisia
4: China

Through to the main round: France, Poland, Tunisia.

Group G
1: Sweden
2: Brazil
3: Czechia
4: Cuba

Through to the main round: Sweden, Brazil, Czechia.

Group H
1: Norway
2: Angola
3: South Korea
4: Kazakhstan

Through to the main round: Norway, Angola, South Korea.

Main round

Group I
1: Denmark
2: Hungary
3: Romania
4: Croatia
5: Switzerland
6: Senegal

Group II
1: Germany
2: Montenegro
3: Serbia
4: Spain
5: Iceland
6: Faroe Islands

Group III
1: France
2: Netherlands
3: Poland
4: Austria
5: Argentina
6: Tunisia

Group IV
1: Norway
2: Sweden
3: Brazil
4: Angola
5: Czechia
6: South Korea

Play-offs

Quarter-finals
France – Hungary
Norway – Montenegro
Denmark – Netherlands
Germany – Sweden

Semi-finals
France – Norway
Denmark – Germany

Final
Norway – Denmark

Gold: Norway
Silver: Denmark
Bronze: France