Germany's handball national team lost the European Championship final in Herning 27:34 to host Denmark. Despite strong performances from goalkeeper Andreas Wolff and captain Johannes Golla, it wasn't enough against the superior Danes. The team secures silver and looks optimistically to the 2027 World Cup in Germany.
In the 2026 Handball European Championship final in Herning, Germany lost to Denmark 27:34 (16:18). The Danes secured their home title and hold all three major titles – European, world, and Olympic champions – as only France did previously in the Nikola Karabatić era. Before 15,000 spectators, Germany's team under coach Alfred Gíslason fought bravely, but setbacks marked the match.
Even before kick-off, pivot Justus Fischer was out with a stomach flu, which Gíslason called "very impactful." In the 13th minute, defender Tom Kiesler received a red card for a foul on Mathias Gidsel's face. Despite this, Germany stayed competitive, thanks to 14 saves by Wolff, who was selected to the All-Star team, and strong starts from Julian Köster (four goals by halftime). Simon Pytlick from SG Flensburg-Handewitt scored eight goals for Denmark, while Gidsel was tournament MVP with a record 68 goals.
In the second half, momentum shifted: After another red card to Jannik Kohlbacher in the 56th minute, Germany didn't score again. "It was a tough match," said Denmark coach Nikolaj Jacobsen, praising the young German team: "Someday they will break us. I just hope it's not in my time." Gíslason drew a positive balance: "The guys played a great tournament; the gap to Denmark has narrowed."
Team manager Benjamin Chatton emphasized: "Tomorrow the hunger to beat the Danes will be even greater." Captain Golla and Wolff, both All-Stars, expressed pride in the resilient team with an average age of 26. The silver medal brings 24,000 euros prize money per player. The 2027 World Cup in Germany will be the next showdown.
