Group F:
Defending Champions France Face Familiar Opponents
During the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship, the Maaspoort in ’s-Hertogenbosch will host the action for Group F. Four teams from three continents will go head-to-head: France and Poland from Europe, Tunisia from Africa, and China from Asia. Of these four teams, three will advance to the Main Round.
France as the Favorites
As defending champion, France once again start as the clear favorites. The team has won 17 of their last 18 World Championship matches and reached the final in three of the past four editions. Alongside Norway, France has dominated international women’s handball over the past decade, claiming five world titles and two Olympic golds.
However, France is currently in a transition phase. After the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, former assistant Sébastian Gardillou took over from Olivier Krumbholz as head coach.
Historical Edge in France’s Favor
France holds a clear advantage over Tunisia and China. Of the three matches against China, France won two, including a 29-18 victory at the 2001 World Championship. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the two teams split their wins: China won 21-18 in the group stage, while France took revenge with a 31-23 win in the fifth-place match.
Against Tunisia, France also recorded two convincing victories: 25-17 at the 2011 World Championship and 33-15 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Qualification Tournament.
However, France will be without three key players for this tournament: backs Estelle Nze Minko and Laura Flippes (both pregnant) and left wing Chloé Valentini, who gave birth in September.
On Friday, November 28 at 21:00 , France will face Tunisia at the Maaspoort in ’s-Hertogenbosch, followed by the match against China on Sunday, November 30 at 18:00. Both games promise excitement and give the favorites a chance to prove themselves right from the start. Don’t miss out, get your tickets now!
Poland: A Tough Opponent with a Rich History
Poland has been a tricky opponent for France in the past. The first two World Championship meetings in 1986 and 1997 were won by Poland (19-17 in 1986 and 30-20 in 1997). France took revenge in 1999 with a 28-21 victory, but in 2013, Poland again secured a crucial 22-21 win in the quarterfinals in Serbia, keeping France off the podium.
Over the past nine years, the two countries have met three times, with France winning each encounter comfortably. Two of those victories were double-digit wins: 26-16 at the 2021 World Championship and 31-22 at the 2016 EHF EURO. The most recent meeting was at the 2024 EHF EURO, where France recorded its largest-ever win over Poland, 35-22.
On Tuesday, December 2 at 21:00 , France and Poland will face each other again at the Maaspoort in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Both teams will give everything to claim the victory.
Poland’s Chances Against China and Tunisia
Poland enters the tournament with confidence against China and Tunisia, as they hold a perfect record against both teams. All three previous World Championship matches against China were wins (31-17 in 1990, 27-20 in 2007, and 29-24 in 2015), while Tunisia was defeated 29-23 in 2007.
After strong fourth-place finishes in 2013 and 2015, Poland finished no higher than 15th in 2021. The team hopes to make a fresh start in ’s-Hertogenbosch and secure points for the Main Round if they qualify.
China and Tunisia: Head-to-Head Could Decide
China will be making its 19th consecutive World Championship appearance. Their best finishes were 8th in 1990 and 12th in 2009. Matches against Tunisia have been difficult: Tunisia won all three previous encounters (30-27 in 2007, 28-23 in 2013, and 32-31 in 2017).
This year presents an opportunity for Tunisia. The team has never reached the Main Round in the ten previous appearances, but with their strong head-to-head record against China, that could finally change in 2025.