Ukraine’s Handball Team Faces North Macedonia in World Championship Qualification

The Ukrainian men’s handball team will face North Macedonia in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 World Championship, after a narrow 24:27 defeat to Slovakia in the first leg of their qualifying campaign. The decisive return leg against Slovakia took place on March 22, with the winner advancing to face North Macedonia.

First Leg Recap: Ukraine vs. Slovakia

Ukraine began its quest to qualify for the 2027 World Championship with a close contest against Slovakia in Bensheim, Germany, ultimately falling short with a final score of 24:27 (11:16). Despite the loss, the tie remains open, with the return match in Považská Bystrica determining which team will progress.

The Road to North Macedonia

The victor of the Ukraine-Slovakia pairing will move on to the next stage of qualification, where they will compete against the North Macedonia national team for a spot in the 2027 World Championship.

2027 World Championship Details

The 2027 Handball World Championship is scheduled to be held in Germany. North Macedonia is currently a candidate negotiating status for EU accession, with the earliest possible entry date projected for 2030 Accession of North Macedonia to the European Union – Wikipedia. The nation has been a member of NATO since March 27, 2020 NATO.

North Macedonia’s Role in Regional Stability

NATO Secretary General praises North Macedonia’s contributions to the alliance and stability in the Western Balkans NATO.