Sweden’s Men's Handball Team Debuts Young Talent Amid Reflections on 2020 'Enhetsgate' Ahead of EM 2026

The 2026 European Men's Handball Championship (EM) has kicked off, with Sweden participating as a co-host alongside Denmark and Norway. The Swedish men's team is drawing attention not only for its competitive aspirations but also for introducing its youngest player, 19-year-old Nikola Roganovic, who is making his championship debut in a major international tournament.

The tournament started on January 15 with matches taking place in Swedish cities Malmö and Kristianstad. Sweden's first group stage match was scheduled against the Netherlands on January 17, with further group play against Croatia and Georgia. The format stipulates the two best teams from each group will advance, with the tournament final set for February 1. Fans can follow the matches live on the Viaplay platform.

Nikola Roganovic is a rising star, having scored an impressive 131 goals for HK Malmö, ranking him second in the Swedish Handbollsligan. At the EM, he presents a fresh face eager to contribute, stating, "It will be incredibly fun. I am proud to play for my country." His commitment traces back to his formative years, which saw him training with the senior national team and learning from experienced teammates. Roganovic also comes from a handball pedigree; his father, Zoran, was a six-time top scorer in the elite series. Next season, Roganovic will join Germany’s Gummersbach club, but for now, his focus remains on helping Sweden succeed in the championship.

Beyond the current competition, EM 2026 also reverberates with memories of challenges faced by the Swedish team. Six years after the infamous 'enhetsgate' scandal during the 2020 tournament, where four key players—Jim Gottfridsson, Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz, Lukas Nilsson, and Andreas Nilsson—were caught drinking before an important match, the team is navigating a legacy of strict discipline. Former coach Kristján Andrésson reflected on that episode with regret, remarking, "With hindsight, I should have sent them home." The scandal arguably contributed to Sweden finishing seventh in that event.

To prevent a repeat, current coach Michael Apelgren has enforced a zero-tolerance alcohol policy within the squad. This new ethos symbolizes a determined effort to uphold professionalism and restore Sweden’s standing on the European handball stage. The blend of youthful talent like Roganovic and a stricter team culture underpins Sweden’s ambitions as they pursue success in EM 2026 hosted on home soil and beyond.