Switzerland (SUI)

Switzerland are in a new era in more ways than one. In 2020, they made a return to the Men’s EHF EURO after 14 years. One year later, they played the World Championship for the first time since 1995. Switzerland did not qualify for the two next major tournaments, the EHF EURO 2022 and the 2023 World Championship, but made it back to the 2024 edition of the EHF EURO and World Championship the following year. With participations in four of the last seven major events, Switzerland ended a long drought of missing championships. 

Another big change came after the EHF EURO 2024, as leading star Andy Schmid retired from the court — though he immediately took a new role, heading up the bench as coach. After being a highly influential player for the side and in handball in general, Schmid now guides a Switzerland line-up that has become significantly younger on average. 

The rising talents are notable. For instance, 22-year-old centre back Felix Aellen led Switzerland with the most goals of the EHF EURO 2026 Qualifiers and is among the top scorers of the Bundesliga this season. 23-year-old wing Noam Leopold experienced the EHF FINAL4 with his club HBC Nantes last season and is now playing a big role for the French club. 

Such young players complement the experienced, world-class stalwarts like goalkeeper Nikola Portner and defensive specialist Lucas Meister, both of whom won the EHF Champions League title with Magdeburg in 2023. Portner returned to the top of the podium with SCM in 2025, joining the illustrious ranks of three-time EHF Champions League winners. The quality is clearly there, and Switzerland have every reason to hope to beat their previous EHF EURO rank of 21st.  

Coming from a competitive qualifiers group that included Germany, Austria and Türkiye, Switzerland secured their place at the EHF EURO 2026 as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.  

Competition records:
Number of EHF EURO participations, including 2026: 5