Sweden's Handball EM Hopes Hang by a Thread After Draw Against Hungary

The Swedish men's handball team finds itself in a precarious position after a dramatic 32-32 draw against Hungary in the 2026 European Handball Championship. The match, held in Malmö, ended with Sweden needing help from other teams to advance to the semifinals.

Andreas Palicka, Sweden's experienced goalkeeper, missed a critical opportunity in the final seconds of the match when he failed to score an open goal from a distance after making a save. Palicka described the moment as "very bitter," underscoring the frustration surrounding the team's missed chances. Despite his miss, teammate Jim Gottfridsson emphasized that the overall failure to win was a collective issue rather than relying on a single moment.

Sweden currently sits third in their group behind Croatia and Iceland, the latter who recently drew 38-38 with Switzerland—a result that somewhat benefits Sweden by keeping their group victory hopes alive. To progress, Sweden must win their final group match against Switzerland while hoping for favorable outcomes in other matches, specifically that Slovenia loses to Iceland and Hungary to Croatia.

Players like Hampus Wanne expressed disappointment and frustration, lamenting missed opportunities and the emotional toll of playing on home ground without securing a win. The Swedish team has now gone two matches without a victory, making their advancement contingent not only on their own performance but also reliant on other group results.

Historically, Sweden's handball team is recognized for strong performances, but their recent struggles in the tournament highlight a challenging phase. With Denmark already secured in the semifinals and threatening to be a difficult opponent if Sweden falls short, the stakes are high.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming match against Switzerland, which is decisive for Sweden's fate. A win there could secure group leadership and help avoid a tough semifinal against Denmark. However, failure to capitalize could mean early elimination, continuing a pattern of near misses in recent championships.

In summary, after the 32-32 draw against Hungary, Sweden's European Championship hopes are hanging by a thread. The team must secure victory in their last game and rely on other results to advance, setting up a tense conclusion to their group stage.