Handball World Cup: Denmark's Handball Dominance: What's Behind Their Success?

Denmark's handball team made history with their fourth consecutive World Championship title, sparking questions about the secrets behind their dominance. What sets them apart from the rest?

Denmark's recent victory in the handball World Cup has left a lasting impression, with their fourth consecutive title raising questions about the secrets behind their success. The Danish team's dominance was on full display as they celebrated their win in style at the Taket Club in Oslo.

Mathias Gidsel, the outstanding world handball player from Füchse Berlin, was instrumental in Denmark's triumph. He was once again named the MVP and leading scorer of the tournament. As the team celebrated their victory, Gidsel exclaimed, “It's bloody typical Danish to become world champions!” His comment echoed the sentiments of many, who were left in awe of Denmark's handball prowess.

The 2025 world champions: 🇩🇰 Denmark

⭐⭐⭐⭐#CRODENNOR2025 #inspiredbyhandball pic.twitter.com/1Yir3mom09

— International Handball Federation (@ihfhandball) February 2, 2025

The Danish team's one-sided 32-26 victory over Croatia in the final was a testament to their superiority. This win marked a historic milestone, as Denmark became the first team to win four consecutive World Championship titles. Their unprecedented dominance has left the handball world wondering what sets them apart from the rest.

Denmark's unprecedented dominance in the World Championship is a testament to their exceptional skill and teamwork. According to Eurosport expert Pascal Hens, “That's a bit scary.” The team's impressive record of nine wins in nine games, with seven of those victories featuring a double-digit difference, raises questions about the secrets behind their success.

2019: When it all began 🔙 Six years on — still unbeaten, still world champions, still going strong. 🇩🇰🏆#inspiredbyhandball #CRODENNOR2025 pic.twitter.com/HFUJPiJSMP

— International Handball Federation (@ihfhandball) February 2, 2025

A key factor contributing to Denmark's triumph is the incredible generation of players, led by Mathias Gidsel. This talented group combines enormous skill with boundless energy, childlike enthusiasm, and an insatiable hunger for success. Their unique blend of abilities makes them a formidable force in the world of handball.

The team's success is also attributed to the guidance of coach Nikolaj Jacobsen, who demands perfection from his players. Jacobsen's relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his reaction to technical errors, even when the team is leading by a significant margin. Despite his high expectations, Jacobsen remains popular among fans and players alike.

Jacobsen's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of giving his players ample playing time. This approach is reflected in his decision to play Gidsel in almost all nine games of the tournament. Since taking over as Denmark's coach in 2017, Jacobsen has led the team to an impressive 37-match unbeaten streak in World Cup competitions. His collection of titles with Denmark now stands at five, including the Olympic gold medal won last summer.

The Secret Behind Denmark's Handball Success

Denmark's national handball team benefits greatly from the immense popularity of the sport in their country. Handball is rivalled only by football in terms of popularity among the Northern Europeans. International matches are always sold-out events, and players like Mathias Gidsel are idolized by young people.

The widespread availability of sports facilities in Denmark is often cited as a key factor contributing to their success. German handball officials, including Füchse Berlin coach Bob Hanning, have highlighted the importance of accessible training facilities. In his column for Bild am Sonntag, Hanning noted, “Danish children spend their afternoons in the countless sports halls that are open to everyone... in Germany there is only strictly regulated access to fixed training times. We need to improve this quickly in dialogue with politicians.”

Denmark's dominance is unlikely to end soon, given the youth and talent of their key players. Mathias Gidsel (25), Simon Pytlick (24), and Emil Nielsen (27) are still in their prime, and the team is already looking forward to the next tournament. Their ambition is to win the European Championship title, which would make Denmark the reigning champions of the European and World Championships, as well as the Olympic Games.

The fact that Denmark will host the 2026 European Championships in Herning is likely to cause concern among other handball nations. As Gidsel confidently stated during the World Championships, “with our fans behind us, it's virtually impossible to lose there.” This sentiment underscores the significant home advantage that Denmark can expect to enjoy during the European Championships.