The results of the Men’s Handball World Cup

The World Handball Championship has a rich history where Spain has played a leading role, especially in the last two decades. Although there are selections that surpass the “Hispanos” in the rankings of this championship, the most prestigious in this sport, it is undeniable that since 2005, the national team has experienced undisputed growth.

Spain has two world titles to its credit: that of 2005 in Tunisia and that of 2013, contested on its soil (the host cities were Granollers, Seville, Zaragoza, Madrid, Guadalajara and Barcelona).

In 2005, the team’s iconic figures included players such as Juan García, the top scorer, Mateo Garralda and goalkeeper David Barrufet (Ian’s father, selected for the 2025 World Cup and FC Barcelona legend). In 2013, the stars were goalkeeper Juan Manuel Sierra, pivot Julen Aguinagalde and left winger Alberto Entrerríos.

The “Hispanos” also won three bronze medals at the World Championships in 2011 (Sweden), 2021 (Egypt) and 2023 (Poland/Sweden). This rise in Spanish handball is based on concrete foundations.

The development of Liga ASOBAL in the 80s and 90s was decisive. The arrival of major sponsors and the rise of historic clubs such as FC Barcelona, ​​BM Ciudad Real, Portland San Antonio and Ademar León have boosted the level of handball competition in Spain. These clubs not only attracted top international players, but also served as a springboard for the development of domestic talent.

Moreover, the creation of a solid network of sports clubs and schoolssupported by regional federations, has encouraged the emergence of new talents. The professionalization of sport has allowed handball to move from an amateur activity to a competitive and more visible discipline.

A key protagonist of this success story is Juan de Dios Romancoach of the Spanish selection (first between 1985 and 1988, then from 1995 to 2000). He introduced advanced tactical concepts and instilled a winning mentality in Spanish players. His work laid the foundation for the team’s world summit.

It was in this favorable context that a golden generation was born, marking a new era in the history of this sport in Spain: Talant Dujshebaev, Rafael Guijosa, David Barrufet and Enric Masip led the team to compete with world powers, a major turning point having taken place during the 2005 World Cup, under the leadership of Juan Carlos Pastor.

Who has won the most handball world championships?

The historic results of the World Championships reveal a true European dominion. All the countries that have won the World Handball Championship are European, et France is the most successful nation, with 6 victories. The French won their first title in 1995, during a tournament organized in Iceland, and subsequently won titles in 2001, 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2017.

Romania and Sweden follow with four titles each. Then come Germany et Denmarkwho managed to chain three consecutive World Cups (2019, 2021 and 2023) thanks to a generation of talented players such as Mathias Gidsel, Mikkel Hansen and goalkeeper Niklas Landin.

The first edition of the World Handball Championship was held in 1938 in Nazi Germany, won by the local team. After a long break, the second World Cup took place in 1954 in Sweden.

Between 1958 and 1970, the World Cup took place every three years, then from 1970 to 1990, it took place every three years, and from 1993, every odd year, generally in January. Since 2021, 32 countries participate, having qualified during continental championships.