European champions under pressure

France arrive at the Men’s EHF EURO 2026 at a key moment in their handball history. For the first time in many years, they go into a major tournament without Nikola and Luka Karabatic, the players who defined an era of French dominance.

In this EHF EURO 2026 preview, we analyse how France now play, how their system functions and which players carry responsibility in this new phase. We focus on Dika Mem, Ludovic Fabregas, Elohim Prandi, Nedim Remili, Hugo Descat and the role of head coach Guillaume Gille, the only man to win the EHF EURO as both a player and a coach.

After winning the EHF EURO 2024, France experienced both success and disappointment, exiting in the quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games before bouncing back with a bronze medal at the 2025 IHF World Championship. These results show a team still at the top, but also one being tested in new ways.

Can this French side defend their European crown without its most iconic leaders?
This video breaks down the answers, ahead of the Men’s EHF EURO 2026.

Camera footage recorded during the Men's EHF EURO 2024 by Brian Campion, Vanessa Kraft, Marcio Menino and Luka Zavodnik. Voiceover: Chris O'Reilly. Concept and post-production: Radu Mihai Șuță

Photos © IHF / kolektiff images

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