Handball: Poland qualify for world championship in Germany after draw with Austria

Poland secured a place at next year's handball world championship in Germany after a 30-30 draw with Austria in a qualifying match on Sunday.

Poland players celebrate earning a berth at the 2027 Men's Handball World Championship in Germany after drawing 30-30 with Austria in the northeastern Polish city of Olsztyn on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Photo: PAP/Tomasz Waszczuk

The draw in the northeastern Polish city of Olsztyn followed a 26-25 away win in Graz earlier in the playoff. It ensured Poland's qualification for the global tournament for the 19th time, the Polish Handball Association said.

BRAMKA MICHAŁA DASZKA NA WAGĘ AWANSU NA MŚ 2027 💥

I ta radość Polaków 🤩#handballpolska | @handballpolska pic.twitter.com/PoafxDm79U

— Polsat Sport (@polsatsport) May 17, 2026

Coached by Spaniard Jota González, Poland advanced on aggregate after the two-leg tie.

Przeżyjmy to jeszcze raz! Mamy awans na Mistrzostwa Świataaaaaa! ❤️@TeamORLEN @SPORT_GOV_PL #TworzymyPolskiSport pic.twitter.com/ETBXeScOrZ

— Handball Polska (@handballpolska) May 17, 2026

The 2027 tournament will be held from January 13 to 31 in six host cities across Germany, with 32 teams taking part.

Poland handball coach Jota González. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Waszczuk

Poland will learn their group-stage opponents at a draw in Munich on June 10.

Reprezentacja @handballpolska swoich grupowych rywali w Mistrzostwach Świata Mężczyzn 2027 pozna w środę 10 czerwca, kiedy odbędzie się losowanie w Monachium. Polacy będą losowani z 3. koszyka.

— Maciek Szarek (@Maciek_Szarek) May 17, 2026

Denmark are the four-time defending champions, most recently defeating Croatia in the 2025 final in Bærum, Norway.

Poland won silver at the 2007 world championship and bronze medals in 1982, 2009 and 2015. Last year, the Polish team finished 25th at the tournament hosted by Norway, Denmark and Croatia.

(gs)

Source: zprp.pl, IAR, PAP