Sweden Handball Team Shows Promise in Warm-up Victory Amid Goalkeeper Selection Drama Ahead of EM 2026

The Swedish national handball team is intensifying its preparations for the European Championship 2026 with a strong start, securing a 34-27 victory against Brazil in their first warm-up match on January 5.

Goalkeeper Mikael Appelgren, returning to the national squad at 36, was named the best player of the match, announcing a promising comeback that boosted the team's morale. Appelgren shared his excitement, saying, "It feels fantastic. It feels almost like being new again in the national team," while admitting to initial nerves akin to a debutant. The team also saw goalkeeper Andreas Palicka, recovering from an elbow injury, enter the match to enthusiastic crowd cheers and make crucial saves, underlining the depth in Sweden’s goalkeeping options. Head coach Michael Apelgren praised both Appelgren and Palicka's contributions, emphasizing their importance as the squad finalizes its goalkeeper hierarchy.

This selection process remains a pressing issue with top contenders Andreas Palicka, Tobias Thulin, and Appelgren all vying for positions. The coach faces challenges in balancing these strong candidates, especially since Fabian Norsten was previously viewed as the future starter but has not yet claimed the role. Sweden’s subsequent warm-up match against Brazil on January 7 will further clarify these choices ahead of Sweden’s EM opener against the Netherlands on January 17 in Malmö.

The team is responding to a disappointing 14th place finish at last year’s World Championship by engaging in a record-long 15-day training camp beginning January 2. Coach Apelgren emphasized the need to "chase every little margin" to improve, stating the longer preparation period is designed to address weaknesses, particularly in defense, as evidenced in the Brazil match. Star player Felix Claar, who scored seven goals during the Brazil match on his 29th birthday, continues to be a key asset alongside the goalkeepers.

With the EM set to unfold from January 15 to February 1 across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, this extended preparation phase and rigorous warm-up schedule highlight Sweden’s commitment to overcoming past shortcomings and competing strongly on home ground. The team’s mix of seasoned veterans and emerging players, combined with detailed planning and strategic goalkeeper decisions, shape an optimistic outlook as the tournament approaches.