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2026 European youth handball tournaments

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2026-08-12 23:37 UTC → 2026-08-16 12:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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