In January, Žatika Sports Centre in Poreč will once again welcome the world’s top handball players, as this coastal city is set to host part of the 29th Men’s World Handball Championship!

The 2025 IHF Men’s World Handball Championship, jointly organized by Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, will run from January 14 to February 2. While two groups will compete in Zagreb, Poreč and Varaždin will each host one group, with Poreč also hosting the exciting President’s Cup competition.

Group C matchups will be held in Poreč, where teams from France, Austria, Qatar, and Kuwait will clash in Istria. The tournament action in Poreč kicks off on the first official day, Tuesday, January 14.

The French national team - multiple-time world, European, and Olympic champion - stands as one of the most successful teams in handball history and is once again among the favourites for a top finish. Austria, a close neighbour to the region, promises to bring strong support and spirited play, while the rising Asian teams, Qatar and Kuwait, are making significant strides on the world handball stage thanks to their substantial investments in the sport.

Everything is set for another handball spectacle in Istria, with the President’s Cup offering thrilling matches as well. This competition is specially designed for teams that didn’t advance past the group stage or were eliminated early, giving them an additional opportunity to compete for final rankings and experience more international play.

Žatika Sport Centre Poreč, built specifically for the 2009 World Handball Championship, has since become a premier venue in Croatian handball, hosting top-tier events across numerous sports at both national and international levels.

Match schedule in Poreč:
January 14, 2025
France – Qatar
Austria – Kuwait

January 16, 2025
Kuwait – France
Austria – Qatar

January 18, 2025
France – Austria
Qatar – Kuwait

IHF Men’s World Handball Championship 2025
CROATIA | DANMARK | NORWAY

» Schedule of All Matches