What our internationals are up to during the break

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After two months of competition, it's time for the first international break of the 2024-2025 season. It's a week of rest for some, but for others there is some important business to take care of. Here's a look at what's in store for the Red and Blues with their respective national teams.

Four Parisians at the EHF Euro Cup

While the qualification campaign for EHF Euro 2026 kicks off this week for most European nations, four countries are exempt from this phase. In addition to Denmark, Norway and Sweden, who have qualified as hosts, France also have a ticket - as defending champions. The quartet are preparing to take part in the fourth edition of the EHF Euro Cup, a friendly tournament starting this Wednesday and finishing in May 2025. The aim is to maintain form by competing against the best nations in the world.

On Wednesday, Elohim Prandi and Luka Karabatic will face Andreas Palicka's Sweden on the first day of the tournament. The three capital club stars will only have a short trip to make for this fixture, as they will face off at the CO'Met Arena in Orléans. Meanwhile, Kent Robin Tonnesen and his Norwya side will take on Denmark - a top-of-the-table clash against the world champions, which will precede another prestigious fixture when they welcome recent European champions France to Stavanger on Saturday. On Sunday, Sweden conclude this first break of the season with a clash of neighbours against Denmark.

First tests for Dani and Kamil

For several Parisians, the international break promises to be a difficult one. Dani Baijens and Kamil Syprzak are preparing to kick off their EHF Euro 2026 qualifying campaign. Dani Baijens, who has been called up by Dutch coach Staffan Olsson, will have a leading role to play in the absence of Luc Steins. The Dutch have made no secret of their ambitions, and are hoping to build on their fine campaign at the last Euros. The Oranje will be looking to pick up points and build confidence when they host Ukraine in Almere on Thursday, before travelling to Kosovo on Sunday.

This is the opposite dynamic to that of Kamil Syprzak's Poland. Marcin Lijewski's men were cruelly eliminated in the preliminary round of Euro 2026 qualifying, and will be keen to bounce back and regain their confidence after a difficult 2024. Poland first face Israel in Olsztyn on Thursday, before travelling to Buzau on Sunday to take on Romania. Finally, although no matches are scheduled for his side, Yahia Omar has also joined the Egyptian squad in order to prepare as well as possible for the IHF World Championship 2025.

FIXTURES

Wednesday 6 November

EHF Euro Cup - Matchday 1: Denmark-Norway in Herning (21:00)

EHF Euro Cup - Matchday 1: France - Sweden in Orléans (21:10)

Thursday 7 November

EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers - Matchday 1: Poland - Israel in Olsztyn (18:00)

EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers - Matchday 1: Netherlands - Ukraine in Almere (19:30)

Saturday 9 November

EHF Euro Cup - Day 2: Norway - France in Stavanger (18:15)

Sunday 10 November

EHF Euro Cup - Day 2: Sweden - Denmark in Linköping (16:00)

EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers - Day 1: Kosovo - Netherlands, Pristina (17:15)

EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers - Day 1: Romania - Poland in Buzau (18:00)

(Credits: Team Pics/PSG)