# 2026 European youth handball tournaments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-european-youth-handball-tournaments > Updated: 2026-08-16T08:33:11.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 6. In early July 2026, the U20 European Handball Championship saw Iceland eliminated after defeats to Austria and Spain. The following month, the U18 European Championship continued the youth competition narrative. Germany’s under-18 men’s team advanced to the championship final in Serbia after defeating Iceland 33-31 in the quarter-finals and overcoming Spain 32-27 in the semifinals. Following a 3-0 start by Spain, coach Erik Wudtke credited halftime adjustments regarding ball movement for the comeback. Key performances included eight goals from Julius Pöthke, contributions from Elvis Kretzschmar, and strong goalkeeping from Tjorven Knackstedt. Germany ultimately won the U18 Men's European Handball Championship in Belgrade, defeating Slovenia 36-27 in the final. Despite an early 5-8 deficit, the team regained control, bolstered by goalkeeper Tobias Dengler, who helped extend the lead to 20-11. The squad included players from the 2025 U17 World Championship-winning team, such as Kalle Gaugisch and Elvis Kretzschmar. During the tournament, three German players earned All-Star honors: Tjorven Knackstedt was named best goalkeeper, and Julius Eisend was recognized in a field position. This victory marks Germany's fourth U18 men's European title, following previous wins in 2008, 2012, and 2021. The championship squad featured four players from the SC Magdeburg club: Elvis Ernesto Kretzschmar, Mats Brigzinsky, Tim Bennet Thielicke, and Malte Elze. In other U18 tournament developments, Austria secured qualification for the 2027 U19 World Championship after a 31-29 victory against Serbia. However, Austria subsequently lost 22-31 to Israel, leaving them to compete for 11th place against Portugal. Meanwhile, France finished the tournament in 7th place. After being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain, France defeated Serbia 27-22 but lost their final placement match against Iceland 33-30, despite a seven-goal performance from MVP Isaac Saillard. ## Claims - Germany U18 men's handball team defeated Spain 32‑27 in the semifinal of the European Championship. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The semifinal match was played in Serbia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Germany U18 previously defeated Iceland 33‑31 in the quarter‑final. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Germany U18 will face Spain again in the championship final. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Julius Pöthke scored eight goals, the most for Germany in the semifinal. (single source) - Coach Erik Wudtke instructed the team to increase movement without the ball during halftime. (single source) - Goalkeeper Tjorven Knackstedt delivered a strong performance, especially before halftime. (single source) - Elvis Kretzschmar scored a goal and provided several assists before the 20‑minute mark. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Germany wins U18 European handball championship Germany's U18 men's handball team won the European Championship title after defeating Slovenia 36-27 in the final, highlighting the strength of the nation's youth development programs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-wins-u18-european-handball-championship ### 2026-08-12: France U18 handball team finishes 7th at European Championship The France U18 men's handball team finished 7th at the European Championship, highlighted by a victory over Serbia and a close final placement loss to Iceland. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-u18-handball-team-finishes-7th-at-european-championship ### 2026-08-09: Germany wins U18 Men's Handball European Championship Germany's U18 men's handball team won the European Championship in Belgrade, defeating Slovenia 36:27 in a dominant final performance. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-wins-u18-mens-european-handball-championship ### 2026-08-07: Austria Men's U18 handball team secures World Championship berth Austria's U18 handball team qualified for the 2027 U19 World Championship after beating Serbia, but fell to Israel 22-31, missing a top-10 finish in the M18 EHF EURO. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-mens-u18-handball-team-secures-world-championship-berth ### 2026-08-07: German U18 Handball Team Reaches European Championship Final Germany U18 men’s handball beat Spain 32‑27 in the European Championship semifinal after a 33‑31 win over Iceland, advancing to the final. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-u18-handball-team-reaches-european-championship-final ### 2026-07-08: Iceland falls to Austria and Spain at U20 European Handball Championship Iceland was beaten 32‑27 by Austria and 33‑28 by Spain in U20 European Handball Championship matches in Cluj‑Napoca, Romania. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iceland-falls-to-austria-and-spain-at-u20-european-handball-championship --- Cite as: 2026 European youth handball tournaments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-european-youth-handball-tournaments