Ukraine vs France on 17 January
On January 17th, the European Handball Championship 2026 enters a new chapter with an electrifying clash between Ukraine and France at the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden. The stakes are high as both teams battle not only for tournament progression but for national pride. With only a few games left in the group stages, this encounter will define each team’s fate in the competition. The tension is palpable as France, a perennial powerhouse in international handball, meets an up-and-coming Ukrainian squad hungry for a statement victory. This showdown promises to deliver a tactical masterclass, as both sides bring different styles to the court. The question is: who will emerge victorious in this clash of handball titans?
Ukraine: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Ukraine enters this match on a high, having demonstrated a competitive edge in their last few games. With a record of two wins and three losses in the past five encounters, their form has been a rollercoaster, but their resilience is undeniable. Their attacking system relies heavily on fast breaks and fluid transitions, with an emphasis on counter-attacks. Ukraine often looks to exploit wide areas, utilizing the pace of their wingers to stretch opposition defenses. They average 28.6 goals per game in the tournament, showcasing their ability to score from a variety of positions, particularly in the transition from defense to attack.
Defensively, Ukraine adopts a 6-0 formation, with their backcourt players often stepping up to challenge shooters. Their goalkeeper has been a standout performer, boasting a save percentage of 31%, but they are vulnerable in 1v1 situations, especially when defending fast breaks. Ukraine’s defense often struggles when they fail to maintain their shape during fast transitions from their opponents, and this will be a crucial area to address against a team as quick and tactical as France.
Key players include Dmytro Horiha, the left-back who is their primary weapon in attack, and Artem Kozakevych, a tenacious defensive midfielder. Kozakevych’s ability to break up opposing attacks will be vital against the French playmakers. The injury to their pivot player, Andrii Tkachenko, could prove costly, as he is essential in both blocking out defenders and setting screens for shooters.
France: Tactical Approach and Current Form
France has arrived at this tournament with a typical air of dominance. With four wins and one loss in their last five matches, they are in great form. The French team’s tactics are built around a structured yet flexible 5-1 defense, with their center-back often dropping into a deep position to facilitate a smooth transition into attack. Their attacking play is characterized by highly coordinated movements between the pivots and wings, combined with explosive counter-attacks led by their dynamic backcourt players. France’s goal-scoring efficiency is exceptional, averaging 32.4 goals per game, largely due to the creativity of their attacking players and their ability to control the tempo of the game.
At the heart of their system is the dual threat of Nikola Karabatic and Dika Mem. Karabatic, with his vision and experience, is a maestro who dictates the rhythm of their offense, while Mem, one of the most dynamic right-backs in the game, excels in both scoring and assisting. Their synergy will be crucial in breaking down Ukraine’s defense. France’s defensive system is built on agility and intelligence, with exceptional defensive transitions, but they can be caught off-guard when their aggressive approach is out-maneuvered, particularly on the wings.
France’s goalkeeper, Vincent Gerard, has been in top form, with a save percentage of 36%, and his ability to perform in key moments will be pivotal in neutralizing Ukraine’s fast-paced attack. However, France has suffered some injury setbacks with key players like left-back Ludovic Fabregas and right-winger Timothey N’Guessan being sidelined. While these absences weaken the depth of their squad, the remaining players have proven they can step up when needed.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Looking back at the previous encounters between these two sides, France has dominated, winning the last five meetings by comfortable margins. The most recent encounter was a 34-26 victory for France in the 2024 World Cup, where their superior tactical discipline and depth were on full display. Ukraine, however, has shown steady improvement and has become a tougher opponent over the years. While the French have historically been the stronger side, Ukraine’s performance against other top teams in the tournament suggests they are ready to challenge the handball elite. Psychologically, this match presents Ukraine with an opportunity to prove they belong among Europe’s top teams, while France will be looking to assert their dominance early on and avoid any slip-ups.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The first key battle will take place between Ukraine’s defense and France’s dynamic backcourt duo, Karabatic and Mem. Ukraine will need to disrupt their offensive flow, especially Karabatic, who can single-handedly shift the tempo of a match. Expect Ukraine’s defense to be aggressive, but if they overcommit, France’s quick ball movement and variety of attacking options could exploit this weakness.
The second critical area will be the battle in goal. Ukraine’s goalkeeper, who has had a strong tournament, will face a serious test against the high-caliber French shooters. If he can produce a few crucial saves early on, Ukraine’s chances of slowing down France will increase, but if Gerard’s confidence remains high, France’s attack will be near unstoppable. A decisive element could be Ukraine’s ability to convert fast breaks and counter-attacks into goals. France’s defense is compact but not impenetrable; Ukraine’s wingers need to make their presence felt by exploiting the space on the wings.
Finally, the battle in the pivot position will be crucial. With Tkachenko out, Ukraine will need a solid performance from his replacement, who will need to fill his shoes in blocking defenders and helping Ukraine’s backcourt create chances. France’s pivot defense, typically strong and organized, will have to adjust to this change.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Expect a high-paced, high-intensity encounter from the outset. France will likely start with their usual control of the game, utilizing their aggressive 5-1 defense and fast transitions. However, Ukraine’s ability to disrupt play and convert fast breaks will be key to their strategy. If they can create chaos on the wings and capitalize on counter-attacks, they may keep France on their toes. Still, France’s superior depth, tactical discipline, and overall quality should prevail in the latter stages of the game.
The match will likely see a high number of goals, with both teams averaging over 28 goals per game. France’s depth in attack will wear down Ukraine’s defense, particularly in the second half. Ukraine’s key to staying competitive will be their goalkeeper’s performance and limiting turnovers, but France’s all-around quality should ultimately see them through. Prediction: France 32-27 Ukraine.
Final Thoughts
This match will test whether Ukraine has the resilience and tactical discipline to take on one of the world’s most dominant handball teams. Can Ukraine rise to the occasion and shake up the tournament, or will France’s experience and depth ensure a routine win? With both teams possessing dangerous weapons, this encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Who will seize control and move one step closer to the European Handball Championship glory?
