Caen vs. Ivry Playoff Final Kicks Off French Handball Promotion Battle

The 2026 French handball promotion battle is underway with the playoff final between Caen and Ivry. The first leg of this decisive matchup took place on June 4, 2026, at 8:30 PM at the Palais des sports Caen-la-Mer. The second and return leg is scheduled for June 7, 2026, at 5 PM in Créteil. Fans in Caen have the opportunity to watch the second leg live on giant screens at the Palais des sports, where attendance is free but requires advance reservation through the Caen handball club's ticketing system.

This two-match series is pivotal as the winner will earn promotion to the StarLigue, the elite division of French handball. The event has sparked local excitement, with communal viewing encouraging fan engagement in Caen even when the match is away.

The promotion stakes highlight the significance of the encounter, with both teams battling for a coveted place in France’s top handball tier. The scheduling and fan initiatives reflect the growing enthusiasm surrounding French handball’s competitive structure.

With the first leg completed and the second leg imminent, attention now turns to the final showdown in Créteil, where one team will secure a long-sought StarLigue spot, marking a major achievement in their club history.