Ukraine's Men's Handball Team Begins Euro 2028 Qualification Campaign
The draw for the Euro 2028 men's handball qualifiers was held on March 26, 2026, under the auspices of the European Handball Federation. Ukraine's national team was placed into Group 3, where they will face Iceland, Serbia, and Estonia. The qualification matches are scheduled to begin on November 4-5, 2026, and will continue through May 2027. The European Championship remains a premier event in the sport, drawing significant attention across the continent.
Qualification Prospects and Group Rivals
To secure a spot at Euro 2028, Ukraine must finish either first or second in their group. A third-place finish could also be enough, as the four best third-placed teams from all groups will advance. Their group presents a mix of challenges: Iceland finished fourth at Euro 2026 and won a bronze medal in 2010; Serbia holds a silver medal from 2012 but placed only 19th in the last championship; and Estonia has never qualified for a major international tournament. Ukraine's own record includes eight European Championship appearances, with an 11th-place finish in 2002 being their best result. The team recently failed to qualify for the World Championship, losing to Slovakia in the preliminary stage.
The final tournament for Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by Switzerland, Portugal, and Spain. For the Ukrainian squad, this qualification cycle represents a critical opportunity to return to the European stage and rebuild momentum after their recent World Championship setback. A successful campaign would mark a significant achievement for Ukrainian handball and provide a boost for the sport's development at home.
As Ukraine's handball team gears up for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, the excitement in the sports community mirrors the anticipation felt during the recent EuroBasket Women 2027 qualifiers, where Ukraine faced its own set of challenges in the group stage. With both tournaments highlighting the competitive spirit of Ukrainian athletes, fans are eager to see how these teams will perform on the international stage.