Metz, France, will host a crucial match this Sunday, March 8th, as the French women’s handball team faces Croatia in the fourth round of qualifying for the 2026 European Championship. Les Bleues enter the contest undefeated in their qualifying group, looking to solidify their position at the top.
This match represents a significant step in the qualification process for the Women’s EHF EURO 2026. France has already demonstrated its dominance in the group, having secured convincing victories over Kosovo (43-12) and Finland (32-15) in October. More recently, they triumphed over Croatia in their first meeting this week, winning 30-19 on Croatian soil.
The French team carries momentum from a successful 2025, where they claimed the bronze medal at the World Championships in December, defeating the Netherlands 33-31 in the third-place match. That performance underscored the team’s growing potential and established them as a contender on the international stage.
Match Details: France vs. Croatia
The match between Croatia and France is scheduled for Sunday, March 8th, at 4:15 PM local time (CET). For viewers in the United States, that translates to 10:15 AM Eastern Time. The game will be played at the Arènes de Metz in Metz, France.
Fans can watch the match live on beIN SPORTS 3. This provides a direct broadcast of the action as France aims to continue its winning streak and move closer to securing a spot in the 2026 European Championship.
France Looks to Maintain Dominance
Following their impressive win in Croatia, the French team returns home with a clear objective: to build on their advantage. The coaching staff anticipates a strong response from the Croatian side, particularly after the significant defeat they suffered earlier in the week.
According to comments from Amandine Leynaud, an assistant coach for the French team, Croatia will likely attempt to implement a more aggressive defensive strategy. “We expect a reaction from the Croatian group,” Leynaud stated. “It was the first time we won with such a large goal difference away from home. Of course, they have lost some key players, especially in defense. So I imagine that on Sunday, they will strive to propose a somewhat tougher defense, trying to counter us and see what worked for them in the first match, in order to build on that.”
Leynaud also highlighted the importance of France maintaining their intensity and adapting to any changes in Croatia’s approach. “From our side, we will have to continue to put a lot of commitment into this match, especially on quick engagements, and try to impose our rhythm even more. The goal is to continue the function we have started, being in continuity in the game. And if they impose a stronger defense on us, we will have to be able to adapt and respond to that intensity.”
Team Updates and Key Players
France will be without Marie-Hélène Sajka, who is still recovering from a back injury. Chloé Valentini has rejoined the squad after a brief absence, bringing the total number of available players to nineteen. Sébastien Gardillou, the head coach, will have the flexibility to select sixteen players for the match.
Lucija Bešen, Croatia’s goalkeeper who plays in the Champions League, is expected to play a more significant role in this match. The French coaching staff anticipates a stronger performance from her compared to the first encounter.
What’s Next for France?
Following the match against Croatia, France will continue its Euro 2026 qualifying campaign with further matches scheduled in the coming months. Securing a victory on Sunday will be a crucial step towards guaranteeing their place in the tournament. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and future schedule through the official website of the French Handball Federation (https://www.ffhandball.fr/).
The French team’s performance in these qualifiers is not only important for their participation in the EHF EURO 2026 but also for the continued growth and development of women’s handball in France. A strong showing will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players and further elevate the sport’s profile within the country.
