In January 2027, the entire handball world will be watching closely as Germany hosts the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship. From 13 to 31 January, the world's top handball nations will compete for the title of world champions. But who are the favorites? Who are the star players? And which coaches will be leading the top nations? Here is an overview. Today’s focus: Denmark.

Fans can look forward to a star-studded squad

One thing is certain: Danish handball has no reason to worry about its future. The squad of the reigning world champions is packed with superstars in their prime. At centre back, 24-year-old Thomas Arnoldsen pulls the strings. On the left wing, 28-year-old Emil Jakobsen excites fans with spectacular trick shots, while goalkeeper Emil Nielsen, also 28, regularly shuts down opposing attacks. These are just a few examples of the immense quality within the team – even the second and third lines are filled with world-class players.

Still, two players stand out in Nikolaj Jacobsen’s squad. On one side is IHF World Player of the Year Mathias Gidsel of Füchse Berlin. The 27-year-old left-hander is the key figure in Denmark’s attacking play. Fast breaks, one-on-one situations, long-range shots, playmaking – Gidsel excels in every aspect of the game. It is no surprise that he was named World Player of the Year for the third consecutive time in 2026.

On the other side is his perfect counterpart, Simon Pytlick. One year younger than Gidsel, Pytlick and his teammate share an almost telepathic understanding. They already played together in their youth at Danish talent factory GOG Handbold. Their attacking power was evident at the EHF EURO 2026, where they finished first and second in the top scorer rankings. Bundesliga teams will soon feel that impact as well, with Pytlick set to join Gidsel in Berlin by 2027 after his time at SG Flensburg-Handewitt.

The architect of success is no stranger to Germany

Their coach is familiar with German handball, too. In 2016, Rhein-Neckar Löwen finally achieved their dream of becoming German champions. At the heart of the celebrations was head coach Nikolaj Jacobsen – the architect of that success. Having taken charge in 2014, he led the team to two Bundesliga titles and a DHB Cup victory.

Like many Danish players, Jacobsen began his career at GOG Handbold, progressing from the youth system to the professional team. In 1997, he moved to Germany to join TSV Bayer Dormagen, before transferring to THW Kiel a year later. After six successful years, he returned to Denmark in 2004 to play for Viborg HK. Over his career, Jacobsen earned 148 caps for Denmark, scoring 584 goals.

While at Viborg, he also took on coaching responsibilities, laying the foundation for his future career. After further coaching roles in Denmark and at Rhein-Neckar Löwen, he became head coach of the Danish national team in 2017 – the beginning of an era of dominance. Under his leadership, Denmark has become one of the most successful teams in handball history, winning the last four World Championships – a feat no other team has achieved.

Denmark: A nation accustomed to success

Handball is one of the most popular sports in Denmark, and today the national team’s success captivates the entire country. However, it was not always this way. Denmark first participated in a World Championship in 1938, but it was not until 1967 that the team won its first medal (silver). Years of inconsistency followed before a bronze medal in 2007 marked the beginning of a new era.

Since then, Denmark has added silver medals in 2011 and 2013, as well as four consecutive world titles from 2019 to 2025.

A similar pattern can be seen at the Olympic Games. For many years, Denmark failed to win a medal until finally breaking through in 2016, defeating France 28:26 in the final in Rio de Janeiro. This was followed by silver in 2020 and another gold medal in Paris 2024.

Denmark has been particularly successful at the European Championships, winning:

• Bronze: 2002, 2004, 2006, 2022  
• Silver: 2014, 2024  
• Gold: 2008, 2012, 2026  

Currently, Denmark holds the title in all three major competitions. The team’s goal is clear: to defend that status at the IHF Men’s World Championship 2027.

Denmark’s road to title defence

Denmark does not need to qualify for the tournament. As reigning world champions, the team is automatically qualified for the 2027 edition. It has already been confirmed that Denmark will be the top-seeded team in Group G, with matches taking place at the Merkur Ostseehalle in Kiel. The arena’s proximity to the Danish border is expected to attract a large number of Danish fans.

If Denmark advances to the main round, the team will travel to Hanover, where they will face teams from Group H at the ZAG Arena.

All remaining knockout matches, including the final, will be played at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne – the venue where Denmark lost its most recent major final at the EHF EURO 2024. At the 2027 World Championship, Nikolaj Jacobsen’s team will be aiming to lift the trophy in Cologne.

An overview of the full match schedule is available here.