Germany will host the 30th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship from 13 to 31 January 2027, bringing the world’s biggest handball event back to one of the sport’s strongest nations. Under the official motto “Where handball is alive,” 32 national teams will compete in 106 matches across six German cities.
The 2027 Handball World Championship venues are Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel, Magdeburg, Hanover and Cologne — combining world-class arenas, passionate fan bases and decades of international tournament experience.
Here is everything you need to know about the host cities and arenas of the 2027 IHF World Championship in Germany.
Munich (SAP Garden) – Opening Match and Preliminary Round
The tournament will begin in Munich at the state-of-the-art SAP Garden, one of Europe’s most modern indoor arenas with a capacity of 10,299 spectators. The opening match on 13 January 2027 will be played here.
Munich has previously hosted World Championship matches in 1961, 1982 and 2019. The SAP Garden made its handball debut in 2025 during the German Super Cup and quickly established itself as a premier international venue. The arena is also home to EHC Red Bull Munich (ice hockey) and FC Bayern Munich Basketball.
Stuttgart (Porsche Arena) – Preliminary Round Venue
The Porsche Arena in Stuttgart will host preliminary round matches during the 2027 Handball World Championship. With a capacity of approximately 6,200 spectators, the venue has strong international credentials.
Stuttgart previously hosted matches at the 2007 IHF Men’s World Championship and the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship. As the home arena of TVB Stuttgart and a frequent venue for international fixtures and the DHB Women’s Cup Finals, it is firmly established in Germany’s professional handball landscape.
Kiel (Wunderino Arena) – Traditional Handball Stronghold
The Wunderino Arena in Kiel is one of Germany’s most iconic handball venues. With space for 10,250 fans, it has hosted World Championship matches in 1982 and 2007, as well as the 2019 EHF European League Final Four.
During the 2027 tournament, Kiel will stage two preliminary round groups, including Group G featuring Denmark, making the city a key destination for Scandinavian supporters. Few arenas in Europe combine tradition and atmosphere quite like Kiel.
Magdeburg (GETEC Arena) – Champions League City
The GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, home of reigning EHF Champions League winners SC Magdeburg, has a capacity of 6,500 spectators and a strong international tournament history.
The arena hosted matches at the 2007 Men’s World Championship, the 2017 Women’s World Championship, and the 2023 IHF U21 World Championship. In 2027, Magdeburg will not only stage preliminary round matches but also the President’s Cup, where teams ranked 25th–32nd will compete.
Hanover (ZAG Arena) – Main Round Action
The ZAG Arena in Hanover will be one of the main round venues of the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship. With a capacity of 10,000 seats, it is the home of TSV Hannover-Burgdorf and a proven host of major international matches.
From 20 to 25 January 2027, two main round groups will compete in Hanover for a place in the knockout stage.
Cologne (LANXESS Arena) – Knockout Stage and Final
The LANXESS Arena in Cologne will be the centerpiece of the 2027 Handball World Championship. With a capacity of 19,250 spectators, it is the largest venue of the tournament and widely known as the “Cathedral of Handball.”
Cologne previously hosted decisive matches at the 2007 and 2019 World Championships and at EHF EURO 2024.
During the 2027 event:
- Two main round groups (including Germany, if qualified) will play in Cologne
- All quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches will take place here
- The World Championship Final will be held on 31 January 2027
2027 Handball World Championship in Germany – At a Glance
- Tournament: 30th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship
- Dates: 13–31 January 2027
- Teams: 32 nations
- Matches: 106
- Host Cities: Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel, Magdeburg, Hanover, Cologne
- Final Venue: LANXESS Arena, Cologne
Further information: