Group B:
Hungary as the favourite, Switzerland, Senegal and Iran chasing surprises
Less than two months separate us from the start of the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship, with all 32 participating teams now confirmed.
The draw took place on Thursday, 22 May, in the historic halls of the Noordbrabants Museum in ’s-Hertogenbosch, one of the five host cities of the tournament, and produced several exciting groups.
Favourites and underdogs
Group A already looks set to be one of the toughest groups, perhaps even the toughest of the entire competition, while Group B features two clear favourites: European sides Hungary and Switzerland.
The African team Senegal and the Asian representative, the Islamic Republic of Iran, enter the competition as underdogs. It promises to be a thrilling group with fascinating matchups you won’t want to miss.
Hungary: rich history and rising talents
Hungary have missed only two editions of the World Championship, in 1990 and 2011, and have earned nine medals in total: one gold (1965), four silver, and four bronze, the most recent in 2005, when they finished third.
Since then, Hungary have reached the top 10 five times, though never higher than eighth place. With their role as hosts of the 2027 World Championship already confirmed, they will be determined to improve on that record.
The team is clearly on an upward path, having taken third place at the EHF EURO 2024, and boasting a tight-knit group of young talents, including Petra Simon, the 2024 IHF Young Female Player of the Year.
Hungary: impressive head-to-head record
Hungary hold a flawless record against two of their group-stage opponents. They defeated Senegal twice at the World Championship, both times by the same scoreline: 30:20 in 2019 and 2023.
Against Switzerland, Hungary have also been dominant, winning all three encounters so far: first at the EHF EURO 2022 (33:28), then twice at the EHF Euro Cup 2024 (38:26 and 35:27). This clearly shows Hungary’s strength against the emerging European challenger.
Coach Vlagymir Golovin knows his squad better than anyone, having worked with many of these players in the younger age categories and leading the senior team since 2021. His experience and deep understanding of the group will certainly be an advantage in this competitive pool.
Switzerland: debutants with potential
Switzerland will make their debut at this edition of the IHF Women’s World Championship and have never faced Senegal or Iran at senior level. Still, the European side can be seen as one of the dark horses of the group.
A strong performance in the preliminary round could see them advance to the main round, where anything is possible.
In recent years, Switzerland have shown steady growth, as many of their young players, who impressed at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship and IHF Women’s Youth World Championship, have made the transition to the senior team.
At their first major international tournament, the EHF EURO 2022, they finished 14th without a win. Two years later, at the EHF EURO 2024 in Basel, they improved to 12th place, recording two victories.
With players such as right wing Mia Emmenegger and line player Tabea Schmid, who have already made their mark in Denmark, alongside several experienced players competing in Germany, Switzerland look like the team most likely to carry points into the main round.
On 1 December at 20:30 , Hungary and Switzerland will face each other at the Maaspoort in ’s-Hertogenbosch. This clash promises excitement and is a perfect chance to see the favourites in action right from the start.
Senegal vs Iran: the battle for the main round
The match between Senegal and the Islamic Republic of Iran will likely decide which team secures the third spot in the main round, a position Senegal aim to claim for the second consecutive time.
This will be Senegal’s third World Championship appearance, after finishing 18th in both 2019 and 2023. They booked their ticket to Germany/Netherlands 2025 by finishing second at the 2024 CAHB African Women’s Handball Championship, losing only to Angola in the final.
Iran are also participating for the third consecutive edition, but have never faced any of their current group opponents before.
So far, they have recorded one win in the competition’s history, against Greenland in the Placement Match for 31st/32nd place at the 2023 World Championship, where they finished 31st, matching their result from 2021, when they benefited from China’s withdrawal.
On 1 December at 18:00 , Senegal and Iran will meet at the Maaspoort in ’s-Hertogenbosch for a crucial battle for main-round qualification, a match you definitely don’t want to miss!
Be there!
Expect thrilling group-stage encounters at the Maaspoort Den Bosch , where teams will battle for a spot in the main round. From top-level clashes to potential surprises on court, every second promises excitement.
Tip: With just one ticket for Group B, you get access to both matches in the same session, offering double the action, double the fun, and all for one price!
Get your tickets now and experience the handball spectacle up close!