France Triumphs Over Norway 38-34 to Lead Euro 2026 Main Round

The French men's handball team secured a pivotal 38-34 victory against Norway during the group C stage of Euro 2026 in Baerum, finishing the preliminary round with an unblemished record of three wins. This win positions France strongly as they enter the main round, carrying two crucial points and boosting their confidence for upcoming encounters.

France began the match with a commanding 4-2 lead despite Norway briefly seizing a 6-5 advantage. Goalkeeper Charles Bolzinger played a key role, making several vital saves alongside Rémi Desbonnet, who contributed five saves in the second half. France maintained a halftime lead of 20-17 despite a slightly lower shooting efficiency (65% compared to Norway’s 71%).

Standout performances came from Hugo Descat, who scored six goals in his Euro debut following an injury, and matched Norway’s star Sander Sagosen, who netted nine goals. Nicolas Tournat highlighted the team’s intensity and commitment, noting that while not flawless, their engagement was strong. Coach Guillaume Gille praised the team’s mastery and preparation, underscoring the victory’s importance in building momentum ahead of the main round.

France will now face a challenging main round lineup, competing with Spain, Germany, Denmark, and either Portugal or North Macedonia. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and respond effectively to Norwegian scoring attempts signals strong prospects moving forward.

This victory not only demonstrates France's dominance in the early stages of the tournament but also sets a positive tone as they prepare to take on the toughest opponents in the coming days.