Macedonia's Juniors Ahead of the Euros, and the Champions League Expands to 24 Teams

Macedonia's Juniors Win Before the Start of the Euros

The men's junior national team of Macedonia won its final warm-up match before the start of the European Championship. Tests before a big tournament are always more than a result - they give confidence and answers to the questions a coach carries for weeks. These matches will give our juniors extra motivation ahead of the important battles to come. Macedonian handball has for years survived on young generations who play with heart where others have budgets. May they hold up at the championship too.

Jankulovska Heads to Slovakia, Referees Božinovski and Načevski at the Euros

The 23-year-old international Angela Jankulovska has a new club - the left back of our national team has signed for Slovakia's Dunajská Streda, after two seasons at Slavia Prague. Every one of our players who moves to a stronger league is good news for the national team. At the same time, the Macedonian refereeing pair Danielo Božinovski and Načevski is among the 16 pairs the EHF has nominated for the Women's European Championship, played across five countries. When Macedonian players and referees are at the European level, it means something in the system does work after all - despite everything.

The Champions League Expands From 16 to 24 Teams

The most elite club handball competition in Europe is changing its face. From the 2026/27 season, the men's EHF Champions League expands from 16 to 24 teams, with a completely new playing format. More teams means more countries on the stage, more matches and, in theory, a greater chance for clubs from smaller handball nations. The question is whether the expansion will raise the level of competition or just add matches between unequal rivals. Balkan handball has something to gain if the door opens wider - as long as it doesn't stay only on paper.

The EHF Announced Its Best: Nilsen and Bouktit the MVPs of the Season

At the presentation of the EHF awards for 2026, the players of the season chosen were Barcelona goalkeeper Emil Nielsen and Sarah Bouktit of Metz. The awards confirm the names we watched settle the biggest games throughout the season. A goalkeeper named MVP always says something - that saves at the crucial moment are worth as much as the most spectacular goals. Handball, unlike football, still knows how to reward those who work in the unglamorous positions. And that is one of the beauties of this sport.

Gidsel: Every Match Brings Me a New Idea

The star of Füchse Berlin, right back Mathias Gidsel, told in an interview how he thinks on the court - in a standard attack, in the final minutes, at training. „Every time I'm at a handball match, I get new ideas,“ says the Dane, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world right now. What sets him apart is not just talent, but that he still sees the game as something to be learned, not as something mastered. It is precisely that hunger that separates the greatest from the merely very good. Young Balkan backs have someone to learn from.