How long can Iceland keep up the pace?
Seemingly effortlessly, reigning world and Olympic champions Denmark swept aside Norway (38:24) in their final main round match. This meant that the title favorites remained on one surprising defeat against Portugal (29:31). Their opponents in our Denmark vs. Iceland prediction have not suffered any more tournament defeats to date either.
The host’s entry into the semifinals was to be expected in advance. Head coach Nikolaj Jacobsen and his team have been pursuing the goal of winning a European Championship for the first time since 2012 since the start of the 2026 European Handball Championship. The Denmark vs. Iceland prediction is surprising rather because of the other semifinalist.
Snorri Steinn Gudjonsson has been coaching the Northmen since 2023. He undoubtedly has a strong team at his disposal, but the Northmen last reached the semifinals at the 2010 European Championship – at that time, the tournament ended with the first European Championship medal in the association’s history (bronze).
If you select the Bet-at-home app and look at the Denmark – Iceland odds, you will discover the feared clear picture. The hosts only just exceed the 1.13 mark for a win. In contrast, Gudjonsson’s protégés tend to have double-digit odds for a win.
The silver medalists at the 2008 Tokyo Olympics bring with them a strong will to win. Iceland prevailed against Slovenia in the all-important final main round match under extreme pressure, ultimately winning quite comfortably (39:31).
In addition, the backcourt is filled with high-quality players such as Omar Ingo Magnusson and Gisli Kristjansson. Overall, the Icelandic team has impressed in the current tournament with a low error rate – which should also help against the top favorites.
Denmark – Iceland Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
Iceland has been relatively evenly matched in the three previous encounters between the two semifinalists. Since 2018, the Northmen have not lost a single match against the dominant handball nation of recent years by more than four goals.
In the current tournament, Gudjonsson’s team has impressed with its efficiency and ball control. Only Denmark (5.71) has averaged fewer turnovers per European Championship game than Iceland (7.7). In addition, both national teams have impressed more with their good shot selection than with their volume of shots.
Denmark – Iceland Tip
The hosts will most likely not let the opportunity to reach the final in their own country slip away in front of 15,000 frenetic spectators in Herning. However, Iceland has proven throughout the tournament how difficult the 2010 bronze medalists can make things for their opponents.
Like the Danish team, Iceland lost only one match in the entire competition. The defeat came against Croatia (29:30) – one of the four semifinalists and the upcoming opponent of the German handball team.
It is very important for Iceland that Gisli Kistjansson shows his playmaking skills again and passes the ball accurately to his teammates. His 48 assists and average of 6.86 assists per game are the best in this European Championship in Denmark.
While these two nations battle it out for a place in the 2026 European Handball Championship final, the two Super Bowl participants have already been decided.
