A rapid transition, a precise shot and the energy of thousands of supporters make every match an intense sporting experience. MEN'S EHF EURO 2028 will bring together Europe's leading men's national handball teams for a championship taking place from 13 to 30 January 2028 in Spain, Portugal and Switzerland. Matches will be hosted in Madrid, Valencia, Lisbon and Zurich, four cities welcoming teams and fans for one of the major events on the continental sports calendar. Find the available information on the MEN'S EHF EURO page on entradas.com.
What is MEN'S EHF EURO 2028?
MEN'S EHF EURO is the European Men's Handball Championship, a national-team competition organised by the European Handball Federation. Its 2028 edition will take place across three countries and feature 24 national teams competing for the European title through several stages. The tournament combines the prestige of a continental championship with the pace of handball: fast attacks, demanding defence and decisions that can change the score within seconds.
The championship began in 1994 and has since become one of the sport's leading international competitions. Each edition brings together teams with different traditions, playing styles and supporters. This diversity makes the tournament an opportunity to follow established favourites as well as teams hoping to spring a surprise, and to experience high-level matches alongside fans from across Europe.
The 2028 event will return to the Iberian Peninsula, where the championship's first edition was held in Portugal in 1994. Spain and Portugal will host the tournament together with Switzerland, with each country contributing its own cities, audiences and sporting atmosphere. Madrid, Valencia, Lisbon and Zurich are the announced host cities; the full match schedule and venues will be confirmed later.
National-team handball: pace, tactics and excitement
Handball is played between two teams seeking to score in a goal defended by a goalkeeper. The action moves quickly: a team that wins the ball can switch from defence to attack in seconds, while its opponents try to close down space and stop the advance. The combination of strength, agility and game awareness gives every possession a purpose and allows the pace to change several times during a match.
For newcomers to the sport, the tournament offers a direct way to understand the contest: two national teams, one shared objective and a continuous sequence of attacks and defensive responses. Shots from different positions, goalkeeper saves and set plays show the different ways teams create opportunities. The action unfolds close to the stands, making it possible to appreciate the collective effort and players' decisions while keeping track of the score.
Tactics are central to the game. Teams switch defensive systems, look for mismatches and adapt their approach as the match develops. A compact defence can change the rhythm of a game; a turnover can create a fast break; and a rehearsed move can decide an important possession. The tension between preparation and improvisation keeps the match moving and gives every phase its own character.
In a national-team championship, the game is also shaped by each team's identity. Players represent their country and compete within a structure that brings together Europe's leading handball nations. The standings, results at each stage and route to the decisive rounds build a story match by match. The exact competition format and fixtures for 2028 will be published when the official schedule is released.
Three host countries and four host cities
The 2028 edition will have an international character from the outset: Spain, Portugal and Switzerland will share the championship. Madrid and Valencia will host matches in Spain; Lisbon will be a host city in Portugal, and Zurich will represent Switzerland. With four cities involved, the tournament will connect different audiences and atmospheres, bringing the competition to several parts of Europe.
In Madrid, the championship will bring international handball to a city with a wide sporting and cultural offer. Valencia will provide another Spanish venue and a further chance for fans to support the teams in person. The specific arenas and programme for each city have yet to be confirmed, so the match allocation will be known once organisers publish the final plan.
Lisbon will add the Portuguese setting to a competition returning to the country where the Men's EHF EURO began. The city will be part of an edition shared with its Iberian neighbours and Switzerland. Zurich will complete the host-city line-up with a Central European perspective. Four cities, three countries and one championship will bring together supporters travelling to follow their teams and fans discovering elite handball.
The experience in each city will depend on the match, the atmosphere in the stands and the supporters behind each team. In a national-team tournament, flags, colours and chants are part of the shared spectacle. For travel planning, it is best to wait for confirmation of the venues, the matches assigned to each city and the kick-off times; those details will help fans organise their visit and choose the game that suits them.
A championship decided match by match
MEN'S EHF EURO 2028 is scheduled to take place from 13 to 30 January 2028. During that period, the teams will progress through the tournament stages with the title in sight. The competition is planned for 24 teams, and the final tournament draw is scheduled for May 2027. Until the groups and fixtures are announced, it is not possible to know which teams will meet in each city or which matches will be played at each venue.
The championship structure makes every game part of a wider journey. Results affect qualification prospects, giving each matchday consequences for the teams. Fans can follow one particular national team or enjoy the variety of styles in a tournament featuring sides from across Europe. The excitement comes from each match and from the race to reach the decisive rounds.
The participating teams will be determined through the qualification process and the draw. References to specific teams, pairings or players taking part in this edition should therefore wait for official announcements. What is confirmed so far is the championship's January 2028 dates, its 24-team line-up and its four host cities. Following the announcements will reveal how the competition is arranged and which matches can be seen in each city.
International handball is intense because the margin between a brilliant play and a missed opportunity can be very small. A save, a turnover or a move in the final minutes can alter the outcome. In the stands, every attack builds anticipation and every goal brings supporters together in celebration. MEN'S EHF EURO offers a dynamic, close-up and shared sporting experience, whether you already follow the championship or want to attend a major handball tournament for the first time.
The live experience at MEN'S EHF EURO
Attending a match lets you see the speed of the game and the teams' coordination at close range. Changes of pace, shots and defensive responses follow one another with an intensity that is especially vivid from the stands. The atmosphere also comes from the supporters: fans backing their national teams, spectators discovering the sport and a community brought together by an international competition. Live handball combines sporting spectacle with the atmosphere of a major event.
The tournament may appeal to regular handball fans and to anyone looking for a sporting event in Madrid, Valencia, Lisbon or Zurich in January 2028. You do not need to know every tactical detail to enjoy the action; the score, goal chances and reactions from the supporters make the match easy to follow. Those already familiar with the sport can focus on the strategies, defensive systems and decisions made at key moments.
The championship's international scale adds another dimension to the experience. Each city will welcome fans from different places, and each match will bring together different stories and expectations. Visitors can support their national team, choose a game for its sporting appeal or enjoy the atmosphere of a continental event. The tournament invites fans to share the excitement of handball beyond team colours.
Once the specific venues and kick-off times are confirmed, it will be easier to decide where to attend and plan a visit. Official information about tickets, availability and access conditions will be announced as the event planning progresses. For updates about MEN'S EHF EURO on entradas.com, visit the championship page.
Useful info about MEN'S EHF EURO
What is MEN'S EHF EURO 2028?
It is the European Men's Handball Championship, a national-team competition organised by the European Handball Federation. The 2028 edition is planned to feature 24 teams.
When does MEN'S EHF EURO 2028 take place?
The championship is scheduled for 13 to 30 January 2028.
Which cities will host matches?
The announced host cities are Madrid, Valencia, Lisbon and Zurich. The venues and match schedule for each city have yet to be confirmed.
What is the live experience like?
Handball combines fast attacks, tactical play and goals with an international fan atmosphere. Each match features two national teams and forms part of the championship journey.
Where can I buy official tickets for MEN'S EHF EURO?
Check availability and sales information on entradas.com. Ticket phases and details will be announced once confirmed.
