As we enter the final stretch of the season, the championship is set to take a brief hiatus for international fixtures. Here's a look at what's in store for the seven Parisians who have been called up to the ir respective national teams.
First call-up: Wallem Peleka for the EHF Euro Cup
This international break will be a big first for Wallem Peleka! Our 23-year-old left-back has been rewarded for his hard work in all competitions this season with a call-up to Guillaume Gille's France squad alongside Elohim Prandi. The two capital club players could now play a part in helping France win the 2025 EHF Euro Cup. Created in 2018, this tournament pits the four countries that have already qualified for the next European Championship against each other every two years, allowing teams that do not go through the qualifying rounds to gain experience against other top-level teams.
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The 2025 edition will bring together France, the reigning European champions, as well as Denmark, Norway and Sweden, all three of which are organising the next edition of the Euro Cup. In their first appearance in the competition, Les Bleus have made a strong impression and are almost certain to walk away with the trophy. Winners of their first four matches, France are now four points ahead of Denmark and Sweden with two games to go.
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Andreas Palicka to faceLes Bleus - and Jacob Holm
Over those two final matchdays, Wallem and Elohim will cross paths with another clubmate Andreas Palicka. Called up by Sweden coach Michael Apelgren, our goalkeeper will challenge Les Bleus at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg on Wednesday 7 May. Guillaume Gille's men will be assured of lifting the trophy for the first time in their history if they win or draw against the Swedes. Even a defeat could be enough, as Andreas and his teammates would need to win by at least six goals to overtake Les Bleus. Four days later, the French team will conclude their tournament against Norway at the Kindarena in Rouen.
At the same time, Andreas Palicka will face Jacob Holm's Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen. The Danes will be looking to hold on to second place against their neighbours. After being beaten twice by Les Bleus last March, Nikolaj Bredahl Jacobsen's men will be keen to bounce back quickly. Before taking on Sweden, Jacob Holm and his teammates will have their first opportunity to shine against Norway on Wednesday.
Decisive matches for the Netherlands
The pressure is on for the Netherlands. On the rise in recent years, Luc Steins, Dani Baijens' and their compatriots are preparing to play two decisive matches in their EHF Euro 2026 qualifying campaign. Ranked second in Group 6 with four points from as many games, the Oranje are virtually qualified for Euro 2026, which will take place next January. However, in a particularly evenly matched group, Ukraine and Kosovo are keeping pace.
Staffan Olsson's men's next opponent, Ukraine, are tied with the Dutch. The Netherlands will therefore have no room for error on 8 May against Ukraine, who will host the match on neutral ground in Michalovce (Slovakia). On the final matchday of the qualifying round, Luc and Dani will take on Kosovo in ‘s-Hertogenbosch on Sunday 11 May. Currently bottom of Group 6, Bujar Qerimi's side are far from out of the running, as they are only one point behind the Netherlands and two behind the Faroe Islands, who lead the group with five points.
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Yahia Omar also called up
Lastly, Yahia Omar will join the Egyptian national team for their first get-together since the departure of Spanish coach Juan Carlos Pastor. The African champions will face Brazil in two friendly matches in Cairo.
Les Rouge et Bleu's international fixtures
EHF Euro Cup
Wednesday 7 May, 18:00: Sweden (Andreas Palicka) v France (Elohim Prandi, Wallem Peleka) at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg.
Wednesday 7 May, 18:00: Norway v Denmark (Jacob Holm) at the DNB Arena in Stavanger.
Sunday 11 May, 18:00: France (Elohim Prandi, Wallem Peleka) v Norway, at the Kindarena in Rouen.
Sunday 11 May, 18:00: Denmark (Jacob Holm) v Sweden (Andreas Palicka) at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.
2026 EHF Euro Cup qualifying
Thursday 8 May, 19:30: Ukraine v Netherlands (Luc Steins, Dani Baijens), at the City Sport Hall in Michalovce.
Sunday 11 May, 18:00: Netherlands (Luc Steins, Dani Baijens) v Kosovo, at the Maasport in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Friendly matches
Thursday 8 May: Egypt (Yahia Omar) v Brazil, at the Hassan Mostafa Sports Complex in Cairo.
Sunday 11 May: Egypt (Yahia Omar) v Brazil, at the Hassan Mostafa Sports Complex in Cairo.
(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)