Three Quarters of Tickets Sold Months Before Throw-Off
Three quarters of all available tickets were already sold four months before the throw-off for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship, according to tournament organisers. Every match featuring the German host nation is completely sold out ahead of the tournament, which runs from 13 to 31 January 2027.
The high demand mirrors previous major handball events hosted in the country. Germany co-hosted the 2019 tournament and staged the European Men’s Handball Championship in 2024.
Six Host Cities Shape the Tournament Across Germany
Matches will take place across six host cities: Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel, Magdeburg, Hanover, and Cologne. Each venue is expected to bring a distinct regional character to the tournament. In Kiel, the draw placed Sweden, Norway, and reigning world champions Denmark in the same bracket, creating a distinctly Nordic atmosphere in northern Germany. Magdeburg will host fans from Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Munich will stage the opening match on 13 January 2027, featuring Germany against Tunisia in Munich. It marks the first time the German national team has played a major international tournament match in the city.
Cologne Prepares to Host the Decisive Knockout Stages
The LANXESS Arena in Cologne will serve as the venue for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and medal matches. Dominik Klein, a tournament ambassador who won the 2007 world title on home court, describes the venue as the mecca of handball. Twenty years after Germany lifted the 2007 trophy before 20,000 fans in the same arena, the tournament returns to Cologne for its climax.
Beyond 2027, the International Handball Federation has scheduled the World Championship to return to Germany in 2029, when the country will co-host the competition alongside France.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Tournament
Where does the tournament open and who plays?
The 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship opens on 13 January 2027 in Munich, where the German national team plays Tunisia.
Which cities are hosting the 2027 matches?
Six German cities share hosting duties: Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel, Magdeburg, Hanover, and Cologne.
Where will the final matches take place?
All quarter-finals, semi-finals, and medal matches are scheduled to take place at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne.