Hungary (HUN)

There has been a plethora of changes in the Hungarian national team over the last decade, but everything looks to be on the up after former star centre back Istvan Gulyas was appointed as head coach in 2019, with two other former excellent players, Chema Rodriguez and Laszlo Nagy, assisting him.

At the EHF EURO 2020, Hungary got their best finish since 2014, ninth. One year later, at the IHF Men’s World Championship in Egypt, Hungary were fifth, their best result since 1997.

This is a team which mixes exuberant youth and experienced players masterfully. Stalwarts like Roland Mikler, Mate Lekai or Adrian Sipos are doubled by breakout stars such as EHF EURO 2020 All-Star line player Bence Banhidi, or Dominik Mathe, who is poised to become a household name in the next years. The relative lack of experience could show in inconsistency and Hungary still have one of the youngest rosters in the competition.

Yet the feeling is Hungary are up to something, especially in defence, where Banhidi makes a strong partnership with Sipos and Ligetvari, shielding an excellent goalkeeper in Mikler. But the attack, led by Lekai and inspired by Mathe, should also take a step forward.

A best-ever EHF EURO finish – topping sixth place in 1998 – is not out of the question.