Sweden's Handball EM 2026 Performance Draws Sharp Criticism Amid Coaching Questions

Sweden's national handball team has faced harsh criticism following a disappointing performance at the 2026 European Handball Championship (EM), with many experts deeming it an even bigger failure than last year's World Championship (VM) outing. Despite entering the tournament without injury concerns and the advantage of playing at home, the team struggled defensively and mirrored issues seen in prior championships, raising serious questions about the leadership of head coach Michael Apelgren.

Sweden's journey in the EM ended without a chance for a medal, as they failed to progress beyond the main round and will now compete for fifth place against Portugal. A decisive victory over Switzerland, 34-21, came only after elimination was certain, reflecting the team's inability to capitalize when it mattered. Key player Felix Claar's visible frustration during the match and comments from teammate Max Darj about the mental challenges highlight the psychological toll of the tournament's outcomes.

SVT handball analyst Mikaela Mässing, while expressing disappointment especially with Sweden's defensive shortcomings, stopped short of calling the campaign a full "fiasko," suggesting the potential for growth despite early exit. In contrast, Johan Flinck of Aftonbladet was more damning, describing this EM result as a greater fiasco than the recent World Championship, emphasizing the decline in performance under Apelgren's leadership compared to the era under Glenn Solberg.

Sweden's defensive struggles were notably apparent in critical matches against Hungary and Iceland, where the team failed to contain opponents and relied too heavily on individual brilliance. The issues around Apelgren's dual role and the broader coaching approach are under increasing scrutiny by the Swedish Handball Federation, especially considering that four of the last five major tournaments have ended in disappointments for Sweden.

As Sweden contemplates its future direction, the coaching staff's capability to revive the team's competitive edge remains a pivotal question. With expectations once high, the current reality has prompted calls for a thorough review and reconsideration of leadership strategies ahead of upcoming international challenges.