World Handball Championships
Welcome to World Handball Championship Quiz Questions - a fast and fun online quiz for fans of championship drama, classic finals and unexpected records. Here you'll find quiz questions and answers that test both basic knowledge and nerdy details: host countries, medallists, legendary players, rules, venues and memorable matches. The questions are suitable for casual quiz players who want to play for free, by themselves or with friends, and who want to learn something new without it feeling difficult. Each question has a short, clear answer and a neutral explanation that provides context. Whether you've been following the tournament for years or just watched a few games on TV, this is a great way to refresh your memory and challenge yourself. Go ahead and see how much you know!
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Quiz 1
Which country won the gold medal in the 2023 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark won the 2023 final and claimed its third straight World Cup title on the men's side. The tournament was played in Sweden and Poland, and the gold consolidated the team's dominance in the 2020s.
Which country won the 2021 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
The 2021 championship was played in Egypt and ended with a Danish victory. The team's defence and goalkeeping were key, and the final was decided after extra time.
Which country hosted the 2021 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Egypt
The host nation organised the 2021 tournament with matches in several stadiums and cities. The championship was organised with extensive logistical and medical measures during the pandemic period.
Which two countries organised the 2023 Men's World Cup together?
Answer: Sweden and Poland
The 2023 championship was a co-hosted event, with groups and play-offs shared between countries. The final weekend took place in Stockholm, while other key matches were played in Poland.
Which country won gold in the 2019 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
The 2019 tournament was played in Germany and Denmark and ended with a Danish World Championship triumph. It was the country's first men's gold in the World Championship, after a strong final performance.
Which two countries hosted the 2019 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Germany and Denmark
The 2019 championship was jointly organised and was the first time the men's World Cup was shared between two host nations. Matches were played in several cities to reach larger audiences.
Which country won the 2017 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
France won the 2017 World Cup gold medal after winning the final. The team combined physical defence with effective counter-attacking play and added to their already large collection of World Cup medals.
In which country was the 2017 Men's World Cup played?
Answer: France
The 2017 tournament was organised on home soil and attracted a large audience. The host nation capitalised on the home court advantage and went all the way to gold in the final.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold in 2015?
Answer: France
The 2015 championship was played in Qatar and won by France. The team was stable through the playoffs and secured the title with a controlled final.
Which country hosted the 2015 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Qatar
The host country organised the 2015 tournament with modern venues and a high level of organisation. The championship also became known for strong final play and many goals in the top matches.
Which country won the 2013 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Spain
Spain won the 2013 World Cup title on home soil. The team impressed with aggressive defence and quick turnaround, and the final was a clear victory against the opposition.
In which country was the 2013 Men's World Cup organised?
Answer: Spain
The tournament was played in several Spanish cities and was well attended. The host nation went through the championship with strong play and finished with gold.
Which country won gold in the 2011 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
Sweden was the 2011 organiser, but France won the final and took the title. The team was tactically disciplined and settled with effective attacking play at the end of the match.
In which country was the 2011 Men's World Cup played?
Answer: Sweden
Sweden organised the 2011 championship with matches in several cities. The tournament was well attended and received extra attention when the host nation reached the final.
Which country won the 2009 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
The 2009 World Cup was played in Croatia and ended with French gold. The team showed stability in crucial matches and secured the title through strong defence and goalkeeping.
Which country hosted the 2009 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Croatia
The tournament was organised in 2009 with a strong handball tradition in the host country. Several venues were used and the championship reached high intensity already from the group stage.
Which country won the 2007 men's World Cup gold medal?
Answer: Germany
Germany won the 2007 World Cup on home soil after a dramatic final. The championship is remembered for strong crowd support and a defensive edge in the decisive matches.
In which country was the 2007 Men's World Cup organised?
Answer: Germany
The host nation organised the event in 2007 and filled large stadiums throughout the tournament. The home team capitalised on the support and went all the way to World Cup gold.
Which country won the 2005 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Spain
The 2005 World Cup was played in Tunisia and won by Spain. The team was highly efficient in attack and controlled the final with a disciplined defence.
Which country hosted the 2005 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Tunisia
Tunisia organised the 2005 championship and became the first African country to host the Men's World Handball Championship. The tournament provided international exposure and was played in front of enthusiastic crowds.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold medal in 2003?
Answer: Croatia
Portugal hosted in 2003, but Croatia won the tournament. The team combined technical skill and strong goalkeeping to win the final with a clear advantage.
In which country was the 2003 Men's World Cup played?
Answer: Portugal
The 2003 championship was organised in Portugal with several venues. The tournament produced many close matches and a play-off where several top European teams dominated.
Which country won the 2001 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
The 2001 World Cup was played in France and ended with home gold. The team built on a strong generation and won the final after a tactically executed play-off.
In which country was the 2001 Men's World Cup organised?
Answer: France
France hosted the tournament in 2001 with matches in several stadiums. The tournament was a milestone for the country's handball, with the home team winning the title in front of a large crowd.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold in 1999?
Answer: Sweden
The 1999 championship was played in Egypt and won by Sweden. The final was a classic, with the team securing its second men's gold in the history of the World Championships.
Which country hosted the 1999 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Egypt
Egypt organised the tournament in 1999 and attracted many spectators. The championship was played in several cities and became known for the intense play and strong defence of the top teams.
Which country won the 1997 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Russia
The 1997 World Cup was played in Japan and won by Russia. The team was effective in the play-offs and took the title by winning the final with a steady and controlled game.
In which country was the 1997 Men's World Cup played?
Answer: Japan
Japan organised the 1997 Men's World Cup and became an important host in spreading the sport in Asia. The tournament was organised with several venues and international participation.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold medal in 1995?
Answer: France
The 1995 World Cup in Iceland ended with French gold. The team established itself as a new great power and won the final after a strong final game with high defensive quality.
Which country hosted the 1995 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Iceland
Iceland organised the 1995 championship, creating a compact tournament with a strong atmosphere. Despite a small population, the country had a well-organised event and great interest in handball.
Which country won the men's world championship in 1993?
Answer: Russia
The 1993 World Cup was played in Sweden and won by Russia. The final was close and decided by small margins, with Russian defence and goalkeeping being decisive.
In which country was the 1993 Men's World Cup organised?
Answer: Sweden
Sweden hosted the tournament in 1993 with matches in several cities. The tournament was well attended and became an important period for Swedish handball, even though the title went to another team.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold in 1990?
Answer: Sweden
The 1990 championship was played in Czechoslovakia and ended with a Swedish victory. It was Sweden's first men's gold medal in the World Championship and marked the start of a successful era.
Which country hosted the 1990 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Czechoslovakia
The 1990 tournament was organised in the then Czechoslovakia with several venues. The championship provided many close matches and a playoff where Sweden won its first title.
Which team has the most men's gold medals in the World Cup?
Answer: France
France has the most World Cup titles on the men's side through a long period of excellence. This success has been built on strong width, defensive structure and several generations of elite players.
How many players per team are on the pitch in handball?
Answer: Seven
A team plays with six outfield players and a goalkeeper at the same time. Substitutions are made on the fly, allowing pace and tactical adjustments to change quickly during a match.
How long is a regular men's match in international handball?
Answer: 60 minutes
A match is played in two halves of 30 minutes each. The clock is stopped at certain breaks, and in the event of a tie in a play-off, extra time and penalties may be used.
Which federation organises the World Handball Championships?
Answer: IHF
The International Handball Federation is responsible for the rules, qualification system and organisation of championships. The organisation also sets tournament formats and refereeing standards for international matches.
In which year was the first Men's World Handball Championship played?
Answer: 1938
The first men's world championship was organised in 1938. The tournament had fewer participating nations than today and was played at a time when the sport was still developing internationally.
Which country won the gold medal in the 2023 Women's World Cup?
Answer: France
The 2023 Women's World Cup was played in Denmark, Norway and Sweden and was won by France. The team won the title after a strong play-off and a final where defence was crucial.
Which three countries organised the 2023 Women's World Cup together?
Answer: Denmark, Norway and Sweden
The 2023 Women's World Cup was a triple host event with matches in three countries. This arrangement allowed more cities to take part in the championship and shared the logistics between the organisers.
Which country won the 2021 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
The 2021 championship was played in Spain and ended with a Norwegian victory. The team was stable in decisive situations and took the title after a final with high tempo and few mistakes.
In which country was the 2021 Women's World Cup played?
Answer: Spain
Spain organised the 2021 tournament with groups and play-offs in different cities. The championship brought together the world's elite and provided several close matches already from the intermediate round.
Which country won gold in the 2019 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Netherlands
The 2019 Women's World Cup was played in Japan and won by the Netherlands. The title came after a strong final and a play-off where the team showed high efficiency in attack.
In which country was the 2019 Women's World Cup organised?
Answer: Japan
Japan hosted the tournament in 2019 and organised it in several venues. The championship was important for the visibility of the sport in Asia and offered an open and competitive game.
Which country won the 2017 Women's World Cup?
Answer: France
The 2017 Women's World Cup was played in Germany and ended with a French victory. The team built its success on a disciplined defence and a strong final performance.
Which country hosted the 2017 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Germany
Germany organised the 2017 championship with matches in several cities. The tournament attracted large crowds and produced a playoff in which several traditional top teams reached far.
Which country won gold in the 2015 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
The 2015 Women's World Cup was played in Denmark and ended with the Norwegian title. The team was strong in counterattacks and had a high level of goalkeeping, which was decisive in the play-offs.
In which country was the 2015 Women's World Cup played?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark was the host in 2015 and organised the tournament with several venues. The championship attracted a large Nordic audience and offered many close matches in the knockout phase.
What type of throw is used at the start of a handball match?
Answer: Yield
The game starts with a throw from the centre after the signal. The same procedure is used after each goal, which allows the match to have a high rhythm and quick transitions between teams.
How many steps can a player take without bouncing the ball?
Answer: Three
A player may take up to three steps with the ball without dribbling. After that, the ball must be passed, pushed or bounced, otherwise it is a foul.
What is the line marking the goal area in handball called?
Answer: The six-metre line
The line shows the boundary of the goal area where only the goalkeeper may stand. Outside players may jump in and shoot, but must release the ball before landing inside.
Which free throw line is used for the seven-metre throw in handball?
Answer: The seven-metre line
The penalty kick is taken from a marked point seven metres from the goal. It is used for clear goal scoring chances that are stopped illegally, and is taken against the goalkeeper with no defenders in between.
How many minutes is an expulsion in handball normally?
Answer: Two minutes
A two-minute penalty is given for an offence deemed more serious than a free kick. The team plays with one less man during this time, which often clearly affects the match.
What colour is the disqualification card in handball?
Answer: Red
A red card means that the player is not allowed to continue the match. The team is numerically reduced for a period of time, but can normally replace the player after the sending off period.
What is the situation called when a player commits a foul that stops a clear scoring opportunity?
Answer: Chequers throw
When a clear goal-scoring opportunity is illegally obstructed, a penalty throw is awarded. The referees assess whether the player had a clear path or clear opportunity to finish, and then give the decision.
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Quiz 2
Which country won silver in the 2023 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
The final opponent 2023 reached the gold medal match after a strong play-off. The team has a long World Cup history and won another medal through solid play in crucial matches.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2023 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Spain
The 2023 bronze medal match earned Spain a medal after victory in the placement match. The team has often been competitive in championships and is known for tactically disciplined play.
Which country won silver in the 2021 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Sweden
Sweden reached the final of the 2021 championship and took the silver medal. The team played a defensively strong tournament and had several close games that were decided late.
Which country took the bronze medal in the 2021 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Spain
Spain finished third in 2021 after winning the bronze medal match. Combining routine and physical strength, the team continued its trend of strong placements in major tournaments.
Which country won silver in the 2019 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
Norway reached the 2019 final and took silver after a strong tournament. The team was effective on the counter-attack and had several key players carrying the offence through the knockout matches.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2019 Men's World Cup?
Answer: France
France finished third in 2019 after winning the bronze medal match. The result showed the team's breadth and ability to perform even when missing out on the final spot.
Which country won silver in the 2017 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
Norway took silver in 2017 after losing the final. The tournament was a milestone for the team internationally, with strong goalkeeping and effective attacking tactics through the playoffs.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2017 Men's World Championships?
Answer: Slovenia
Slovenia won the bronze medal in 2017 and claimed a historic medal. The team was tactically well organised and managed to beat several higher ranked opponents at crucial stages.
Which country won silver in the 2015 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Qatar
The host nation reached the final in 2015 and won the silver medal. The success came through a strong tournament at home and an effective offence that produced many goals.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2015 Men's World Championships?
Answer: Poland
Poland finished third in 2015 after winning the bronze medal match. The team showed solid defence and high tempo in conversions, which paid off in the placement match.
Which country won silver in the 2013 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark reached the final in 2013, taking silver after losing the gold medal match. The team was offensively strong during the tournament and had several high-scoring games in the playoffs.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2013 Men's World Championships?
Answer: Croatia
Croatia won the bronze medal in 2013. The team is a recurrent top nation and has often reached far through the combination of physicality and technical skill.
Which country won silver in the 2011 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark took silver in 2011 after losing the final. The tournament was played in Sweden and the team impressed with a consistent level of performance, especially in the semi-finals and for much of the final.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2011 Men's World Championships?
Answer: Spain
Spain finished third in 2011 by winning the bronze medal match. The team maintained high defensive standards and showed the ability to recover from the semi-final loss.
Which country won silver in the 2009 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Croatia
Croatia won silver in 2009 after losing the final on home soil. The team had strong crowd support and played an intense tournament with several close matches in the playoffs.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2009 Men's World Championships?
Answer: Poland
Poland won the bronze medal match in 2009. The result was based on disciplined defence and effective goalkeeping in the decisive minutes.
Which country won silver in the 2007 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Poland
Poland reached the final in 2007 and took silver. The team had a strong tournament, beating several top teams, but fell in the final after a match with high defensive pressure.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2007 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark took bronze in 2007 after winning the placement match. The medal came thanks to solid goalkeeping and an offence that worked well in crucial situations.
Which country won silver in the 2005 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Croatia
Croatia won silver in 2005 after losing the final. The team was strong in the knockout matches and had a clear game plan with tough defence and quick finishing.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2005 World Men's Championship?
Answer: France
France finished third in 2005 by winning the bronze medal match. The result signalled the team's return to the top during a period of generational change and tactical development.
Which country won silver in the 2003 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Germany
Germany reached the final in 2003, taking silver after losing the gold medal match. The team had a strong defensive structure and won several close matches on the way to the final.
Which country won the bronze medal at the 2003 World Men's Championship?
Answer: France
France took bronze in 2003 after winning the placement match. The medal came after a playoff in which the team showed breadth and was able to raise the level in crucial situations.
Which country won silver in the 2001 Men's World Cup?
Answer: Sweden
Sweden took silver in 2001 after losing the final. The team had a strong tournament with a disciplined defence and reached the gold medal match through solid play in the knockout round.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2001 World Men's Championship?
Answer: Spain
Spain finished third in 2001 by winning the bronze medal match. The team combined technical skill and tactical variety and consolidated its position among the top teams.
Which country won silver in the 1999 men's world championship?
Answer: Russia
Russia won silver in 1999 after losing the final. The team was strong throughout the tournament and reached the final thanks to an effective attack and solid defence.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 1999 World Men's Championship?
Answer: France
France took bronze in 1999 after winning the placement match. The medal became part of the team's long-term build-up towards a period of multiple future titles.
What is the passive warning in handball signalled by the referee called?
Answer: Advance warning
The referees signal that the team must finish the attack soon. If the team continues without a clear ending situation, it may result in the ball being handed over to the opponents.
Which throw is judged when a defender touches the goalpost and affects play?
Answer: Chequers throw
If a clear goal-scoring opportunity is affected by unauthorised encroachment into the goal area, a penalty throw may be awarded. The referees judge the clarity of the situation and whether the attack was actually prevented from finishing.
What is the name of the zone where only the goalkeeper can stand in handball?
Answer: The target farm
The area in front of the goal is reserved for the goalkeeper in defence. Outside players are not allowed to stand there with ball control, but can shoot in jump and land outside after finishing.
How many teams will take part in the men's World Cup since the 2021 expansion?
Answer: 32
The tournament was expanded to accommodate more nations and more matches. It changed the group structure and increased the number of teams from several continents in the championship.
How many teams will take part in the Women's World Cup since the 2021 expansion?
Answer: 32
The women's tournament was expanded with more participating nations to broaden the sport globally. The multi-group format provided a greater spread of matches and more opportunities for experience.
Which country has the most women's gold medals in the World Cup?
Answer: Russia
Russia has the most World Cup titles on the women's side, including titles from previous nationalities. This success has been built on strong generations and a tradition of physical and tactical handball.
In which year was the first Women's World Handball Championship organised?
Answer: 1957
The first Women's World Championship was played in 1957. The tournament marked an important international establishment of women's handball and laid the foundation for a recurring championship.
Which country hosted the 2023 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark, Norway and Sweden
The 2023 Women's World Cup was jointly organised by three Nordic hosts. The distribution of groups and play-offs between the countries allowed more stadiums and audience markets to be included.
Which country won silver in the 2023 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
Norway reached the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup and won silver. The team played a strong tournament with high efficiency in attack and a defence that kept the opponents' goal chances down.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2023 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark won bronze at the 2023 Women's World Cup after winning the placement match. The medal came through solid play in the playoffs and a strong performance in the deciding match.
Which country won silver in the 2021 Women's World Cup?
Answer: France
France took silver in 2021 after losing the final. The team had a strong defence and reached the gold medal match by winning several close knockout matches with small margins.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2021 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Denmark
Denmark finished third in 2021 with victory in the bronze match. The result was built on an organised defence and effective play in the second phase, especially in crucial periods.
Which country won silver in the 2019 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Spain
Spain won silver in 2019 after losing the final. The team surprised many by going far, with a tactically disciplined game and a strong team effort in the final.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2019 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Russia
Russia took bronze in 2019 after winning the placement match. The medal came through a physical game and strong goalkeeping when the matches were at their most decisive.
Which country won silver in the 2017 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Norway
Norway took silver in 2017 after losing the final. The team was effective throughout the tournament, reaching the gold medal match with a fast attacking game and solid defence.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2017 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Netherlands
The Netherlands took bronze in 2017 after winning the bronze medal match. The team showed an offensive style of play with high tempo and reached one of their best placements in the championship.
Which country won silver in the 2015 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Netherlands
The Netherlands won silver in 2015 after losing the final. The tournament was a breakthrough at the highest level, where the team combined creative offence with strong play in the final minutes.
Which country won the bronze medal in the 2015 Women's World Cup?
Answer: Romania
Romania took bronze in 2015 by winning the placement match. The result was based on experience, physical strength and an effective finishing game when the pressure was on.
What ball size is usually used in international men's handball?
Answer: Size 3
Size 3 is standard for senior men and is adapted for grip and throwing power. The size differs from women's and youth classes, which affects shot and passing speed.
What ball size is usually used in international women's handball?
Answer: Size 2
Size 2 is normally used for senior ladies and provides balance between grip and ball control. The difference in size affects passing, screwing and shot accuracy at match pace.
How many referees normally officiate an international handball match?
Answer: Two
The match is refereed by a pair of referees working together from different positions on the pitch. This reduces blind spots and helps in fast-paced situations near the goal and on the counter-attack.
What is the throw that resumes play after the ball has crossed the touchline called?
Answer: Inkast
When the ball crosses the sideline, the team that did not touch it last may throw it in. The throw is taken from the spot where the ball went out, making positional play and quick start-up important.
What is the throw when the ball is last touched by an attacking team and goes out over the short line?
Answer: Goalkeeper throw
Play is restarted from the goal area when the attacking team last touched the ball before it crossed the short line. The goalkeeper starts play and can quickly start a counter-attack.
What is the name of the throw that is adjudged in the case of a minor offence without a clear chance of scoring?
Answer: Free kick
Free kicks are given for example in the event of an incorrect block or unauthorised contact without destroying a clear scoring opportunity. The defence must keep its distance, and the attack can choose a passing or shooting solution.
Which throw is used when the game needs to be restarted after an unclear situation?
Answer: Download
When the referees cannot decide which team should have the ball, play is restarted with a drop. The ball is dropped where play was interrupted, and both teams have a chance to win it.
How many teams normally advance from a World Cup group in the intermediate round format?
Answer: Three
In intermediate round arrangements, three teams often advance from each group. Points can be carried over to the next phase, making each group match important for placement and advancement.
What type of timing is used for penalty kicks in international handball?
Answer: Effective time
Penalties are counted in actual game time, not just running clock time. As the match clock can be stopped in case of an interruption, penalty time is handled with separate control to be correct.
Which playing position is the only one allowed in the goal area in defence?
Answer: Goalkeeper
The rules give the goalkeeper exclusive rights to the goal area when defending. Outside players may not stand inside the area, but may jump in for shots if the ball is released before landing.
What penalty can follow three two-minute penalties for the same player?
Answer: Disqualification
After three sending-offs, the player is not allowed to continue the match. The team is affected by the fact that a substitute is allowed to enter only after the relevant penalty time, which may result in an important numerical disadvantage.
Which word is often used to describe a quick attack after winning the ball?
Answer: Countermeasures
A quick conversion takes advantage of the fact that the opposition has not had time to organise its defence. Counterattacks often result in free kicks or shots from good positions, which can decide matches in championships.
Which line marks the area where defences often line up compactly in front of the goal?
Answer: The six-metre line
The defence often builds its base position near the goal line. This makes it harder for forwards to get in close, and forces shots from outside or crosses to line players.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold medal in 1997?
Answer: Russia
The 1997 Men's World Cup ended with a Russian title. The team won the final after a strong play-off, showing high efficiency in both defence and organised attacking play.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold medal in 1995?
Answer: France
The 1995 Men's World Cup gave France an important title in the team's early heyday. The tournament marked a shift at the top, with French team play and defence proving decisive in the final.
Which country won the men's World Cup gold medal in 1993?
Answer: Russia
The 1993 Men's World Cup was played in Sweden and won by Russia. The team won the title by performing consistently in the knockout matches and winning the final by small margins.
Which country won the 2005 men's World Cup gold medal?
Answer: Spain
The 2005 Men's World Cup was won by Spain after a strong final. The team was efficient in attack and highly disciplined in defence, giving them a clear advantage in the final.
Which country won the 2007 men's World Cup gold medal?
Answer: Germany
The 2007 Men's World Cup ended with Germany winning the title on home soil. The tournament became known for packed stadiums and a final in which the home team won through tight defence and confident finishing.