Hungary (HUN)

Hungary have been labelled as dark horses for a semi-final berth at major tournaments over the past few years. Yet, they have not been able to reach the medal matches. 

After a disappointing EHF EURO 2022 at home, placing 15th, they missed out on the semi-finals of EHF EURO 2024 by just one point, finishing the tournament in fifth – their best result in EHF EURO history. Hungary also finished eighth at the 2023 and 2025 IHF World Championships. 

The team has definitely developed since Chema Rodriguez took over as head coach in 2022 and now consists of an interesting mix of youth and experience. Young players like Bence Imre (THW Kiel), Kristóf Palasics (MT Melsungen), and Zoran Ilić (Wisla Plock) are playing at top clubs and have gained experience in the Bundesliga, as well as in the Machineseeker EHF Champions League and EHF European League. Adding experienced players who lead the team, such as Adrián Sipos or Bence Bánhidi, the squad seem to be ready to finally take one step further into the final weekend. 

En route to a potential semi-final, some familiar faces will be waiting. Hungary and Iceland meet in the group stage of an EHF EURO once more, after the Magyars took a comfortable 33:25 win at the 2024 edition. 

In the main round, a rematch of last year’s World Championship quarter-finals against Croatia could be waiting. Rodriguez will not want to remember that match in Zagreb too much, as his team suffered a 0:5 run in the last five minutes, resulting in a 30:31 loss at the buzzer. To end the potential route on a more positive note, Slovenia could be a Hungarian opponent again. The teams met in the 5/6 placement match at EHF EURO 2024, which Hungary won 23:22.

It will not be an easy task for Hungary, but with a historic achievement in sight, something special could emerge.

Competition records:
Number of EHF EURO participations, including 2026: 15