The French women’s national handball team continues its quest to qualify for the 2026 European Championship, facing Croatia this Thursday, March 5th. Coming off a bronze medal performance at the 2025 World Championship, Les Bleues aim to solidify their position atop their qualifying group. This match, taking place in Bjelovar, Croatia, is followed by a rematch on Sunday, March 8th, in Metz, France.
France enters this stage of qualification with momentum, having convincingly defeated Kosovo (43-12) and Finland (15-32) in October 2025. Currently leading their group, the team needs to finish among the top two – or as one of the best third-place teams – to secure a spot in the final phase of the Euro, which will be hosted across five nations: Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Turkey.
Match Details: Croatia vs. France
The third qualifying match for the Euro will be played on Thursday, March 5th, at 17:00 local time (16:00 UTC). Fans can watch the game live on L’Équipe Live and beIN Sports 1.
Injury Concerns for France
Head coach Sébastien Gardillou will be without Clarisse Mairot and Méline Nocandy for the matches against Croatia due to injuries. This presents a challenge for the team, but also an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their abilities.
France’s Path to Qualification
The European Championship qualification process is a complex one, with teams divided into groups and competing for a limited number of spots in the final tournament. France’s strong start to the qualifying campaign has put them in a favorable position, but they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. The team’s success will depend on their ability to maintain their high level of play and overcome the challenges posed by Croatia and other teams in the group.
The recent bronze medal at the World Championship has instilled a sense of confidence within the French squad. That tournament saw them defeat the Netherlands 33-31 to claim the third-place spot, a result that signaled a promising future for the program. Gardillou’s leadership will be crucial as the team navigates the remaining qualifying matches and prepares for the potential of competing on the European stage.
What to Expect from Croatia
Croatia, while defeated in their recent matches against stronger opponents, will be a determined competitor on their home court. They previously won their first two matches in this qualifying group but finished 25th at the 2025 World Championship. The team will likely rely on a strong defensive strategy and quick counter-attacks to challenge France. Their captain, Dejana Milosavljevic, is a key player to watch, having scored 8 goals in a recent match against France.
Looking Ahead: The Return Match in Metz
Following the match in Bjelovar, France will host Croatia in Metz on Sunday, March 8th. This return fixture provides another opportunity for Les Bleues to secure valuable points in their qualifying campaign. Playing on home soil will undoubtedly deliver them an advantage, as they will have the support of their passionate fans.
The upcoming matches against Croatia are pivotal for France’s Euro 2026 aspirations. A strong performance in both games will significantly increase their chances of reaching the final tournament and competing against the best handball teams in Europe. The team’s focus will be on executing their game plan, minimizing errors, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
For fans eager to follow the team’s progress, L’Équipe Live and beIN Sports 1 will provide live coverage of the matches. Updates and analysis will also be available on Archysport.com as the qualification campaign unfolds.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the French women’s handball team is the return match against Croatia on Sunday, March 8th, in Metz. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of their Euro 2026 qualifying journey.
What are your predictions for the France vs. Croatia matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
