Postavke privatnosti

Buy tickets for Italy vs Hungary - Handball – European Handball Championship 2026 Buy tickets for Italy vs Hungary - Handball – European Handball Championship 2026

Handball – European Handball Championship 2026 (GROUP F)
18. January 2026. 20:30h
Italy vs Hungary
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
2026
18
January
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

Tickets and seats for Italija – Mađarska, handball EHF EURO 2026 in Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad

Looking for tickets for the Italija – Mađarska handball clash at EHF EURO 2026 in Kristianstad? Here you can easily compare options and secure the best seats before they sell out, so you and your friends can enjoy top-level handball in Kristianstad Arena with peace of mind. Buying tickets early keeps you close to the action

European Handball Spring in January: Italy and Hungary in the Fight for Important Points

The match between Italy and Hungary at the 2026 European Men's Handball Championship in Kristianstad, scheduled for January 18, 2026, at 20:30, is both a clash of two different handball worlds and one of the key duels of Group F in Sweden. On one side stands Italy, a national team returning to the big European stage after almost three decades with a new generation and fresh energy, and on the other Hungary, a country with a deeply rooted handball tradition, a regular participant in the final stages of major competitions, and a natural favorite in the fight for advancement to the next phase. In the ambiance provided by the Kristianstad Arena, known for its noisy and demanding fans, supporters can expect a match in which every detail – from the goalkeeper's first save to the last shot from nine meters – can turn the game around. Because of this, interest in tickets for this event is extremely high: fans who want to secure their place in the stands and experience an evening of top-class handball from close range should plan their travel, accommodation, and ticket purchase in a timely manner and monitor the dynamics of ticket sales, as this is a match that can very easily attract a capacity close to the Arena's upper limit. To all this, one must add the fact that the Euro 2026 Championship is being played in three handball superpowers – Sweden, Denmark, and Norway – which additionally raises the prestige of every slot and makes this duel a perfect opportunity to combine travel, sport, and the fan experience at a top level in one go.

Kristianstad and its Arena: A City that Breathes Handball and a Hall for Unforgettable Evenings

Kristianstad is a city in the northeast of the Scania province, with just over forty thousand inhabitants in the urban area, which in recent decades has gone from a former garrison base to a developed commercial and university center with a clear sports identity. The city center is characterized by a combination of historical architecture, modern shopping streets, and Scandinavian-style restaurants, and in the warmer months attracts numerous visitors from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, while in January 2026 the streets will be flooded with the jerseys and scarves of EHF EURO participants. Kristianstad Arena, located at Västra Storgatan 69, just about a kilometer and a half from the central station, is a modern multi-purpose hall opened in 2010, with a handball capacity of about 4500–4700 spectators, where the local giant IFK Kristianstad, known for one of the loudest handball crowds in Sweden, normally plays. The interior of the hall is designed so that almost every seat has a good view of the court, with steep stands that enhance the feeling of proximity to the game and allow fans to literally "stand above" the players in the decisive minutes. Besides the match itself, fans can use their arrival to explore the city, and when planning their stay, it is worth checking available options through accommodation offers in the host city, because increased demand for rooms in the wider center is expected during the championship. In such an environment, tickets for this event are not just a piece of paper or a digital code, but a key to entering an atmosphere that combines the local "orange" handball culture with the fan enthusiasm that Italian and Hungarian supporters will bring.

Atmosphere in the Stands and Why It Is Important to Secure Tickets on Time

Kristianstad Arena has been building a reputation for years as one of the liveliest handball venues in Europe, and the fan culture created by local handball lovers easily spills over into international tournaments like the European Championship. When disciplined Scandinavian organization, local fans accustomed to IFK Kristianstad's big matches, and thousands of visiting fans from Hungary and Italy come together in one hall, the result is an atmosphere in which every goal, save, or suspension gains special weight. For Hungarian fans, known for loud singing and a red-white-green sea of flags, this match represents an opportunity to once again show how much handball means to their sports culture, while Italian fans – including the numerous diaspora in Scandinavia – will try to transfer football temperament to the handball stands. This is precisely why it is expected that tickets for this slot, which brings two matches in one evening, will be among the most sought-after in the entire Group F schedule, so ticket sales are taking place with great interest from audiences from several countries. Fans who want to be sure they will sit closer to the court, in zones behind the benches or in parts of the stands where organized fan groups gather, should secure tickets as early as possible, because the best seats traditionally sell out first. Such planning means not only a guaranteed ticket but also the possibility to calmly devote the rest of the match day to walking around the city, joint fan gatherings, and enjoying handball without stress about the last minute.

Italy: Return to the Handball Map of Europe and a Generation Writing a New Story

The Italian national team was on the margins of major handball competitions for a long time, with only one appearance at the World Championship in 1997 and hosting the European Championship in 1998, after which followed a period without significant results on the top stage. That is precisely why the return to the World Championship 2025 after the victory over Montenegro in the qualifiers, as well as the placement at EHF EURO 2026 through a demanding qualifying group, has a special symbolic charge – it shows that investment in the development of the domestic league and work with younger categories has begun to yield results. The Italian national team has been playing increasingly bravely against established opponents for several years, and although it still does not have the depth of roster that handball powers possess, it is recognizable for its fighting spirit, aggressive defense, and readiness to "break" the match with a rhythm of fast transition. In Group F, Italy enters the role of an underdog who has nothing to lose but a lot to gain, especially if it surprises the favorite in the evening slot like this one against Hungary. For Italian fans, who will easily plan the trip due to the proximity and transport connections of northern Italy with Scandinavia, this match is an opportunity to witness live how their national team stands shoulder to shoulder with the best again after almost three decades. Because of all this, tickets for this event have almost collector's value among Italian fans: it is not just about entering the match, but about being present at a historic return to the European stage.

How Italy Plays: Fast Transition, Brave Defense, and the Search for a Surprise

Italian handball in recent years has increasingly relied on a modern style of play where the emphasis is on a quick throw-off, running in counter and semi-counter attacks, and using mobile backs who are ready to enter into duels in all positions of the back line. In defense, Italians often start from a solid 6-0 formation, but they have a habit of switching to shifted 5-1 variants or even asymmetric formations to throw favored opponents out of rhythm, which could be particularly applicable against Hungarian shooters and dominant line players. In addition, it is important to mention a style of defense that is very grateful to goalkeepers, with many blocks and forcing shots from unfavorable angles, which often leads to series of saves that can turn the tide of the match in just a few minutes. For Italy against Hungary, the key will be to reduce the number of technical errors and not allow the opponent to get into their rhythm from set play, so fans in the stands of Kristianstad Arena will see a national team that will look for a chance in running, intelligent ball distribution, and brave one-on-one entries. Those who secure their tickets in a timely manner will be able to watch from the front row whether the Italian surprise plan will work against the flexible, but physically very powerful Hungarian defense, which additionally increases the attractiveness of this match for neutral spectators.

Hungary: Experienced Favorite with Ambition to Turn Euro 2026 into a Breakthrough

The Hungarian men's handball national team has belonged to the upper house of European and world handball for decades, with a series of notable placements in major competitions, from regular participations in world championships to notable performances at European reviews. In the last cycle, Hungary has further consolidated the status of a national team that is not satisfied with mere participation, but aims to fight for places at the top, which is confirmed by the results at EHF EURO 2024 and the qualifications for the World Championship 2025, where they showed the depth of the squad with convincing victories over Lithuania and other opponents. A special dimension is added by the fact that in recent years the national team has once again earned an Olympic appearance after a long break, whereby the generation gathered around leading stars like the dominant line player Bence Bánhidi and powerful backs has further confirmed its value. Ahead of the European Championship 2026, Hungary is rightly considered one of the main favorites in Group F – their combination of experience, physical power, and tactical diversity makes them an extremely unpleasant opponent, especially in matches where the stakes rise from round to round. That is precisely why the meeting with Italy in Kristianstad will not be perceived as an "easy task", but as a key step on the way to the main round and a potentially great story that could continue in the final stages of the tournament, which further increases fan interest in taking care of tickets as early as possible and attending one of the key stops of the Hungarian journey at this championship.

Tactical Clash: Hungarian Strength on the Line and Back Line against Italian Mobility

When speaking about the Hungarian game, it is almost impossible to bypass the role of the line attacker and the entire structure around which the attack is built, because play on the line is precisely one of their greatest advantages. With a player like Bence Bánhidi, whom many experts rank among the best line players in the world, Hungary has the possibility of continuously attacking the defense through deep entries into the six-meter space, thereby opening space for shooters from nine meters and wings. Right back Dominik Máthé, as a tall shooter over two meters in height and with an extremely powerful shot, adds an additional dimension because he can threaten both from static positions and from dribbling, which forces Italians to constantly adapt and cover multiple lines of attack simultaneously. In such an environment, the Italian defense will have to choose moments very precisely when to go out high and when to remain compact, because an overly aggressive exit leaves space behind the back for passes to the line or crossing of backs, while a too withdrawn block opens space for long-range projectile shots. Fans in Kristianstad Arena, especially those who bought tickets on time and secured seats closer to the floor, will be able to feel the tactical "chess" battle on the six-meter line up close, where every duel between the pivot and Italy's defensive pillars will seem like a small duel within a great war. Precisely because of that tactical layer, this meeting is interesting not only to fans of the two national teams but also to neutral handball lovers who appreciate the complexity of the game and want to see it from the perspective provided by the hall in Kristianstad.

Group F and the Importance of the Duel in the Fight for Continuing the Championship

Group F in Kristianstad brings together four national teams – Hungary, Iceland, Poland, and Italy – and already according to the first announcements of experts, it is considered one of the more interesting in the preliminary phase of the European Championship 2026. Hungary and Iceland come with a reputation as teams that have played very exciting and tense mutual duels in recent cycles, while Poland performs with the ambition of returning to the upper house of European handball, and Italy enters as an underdog, but with a clear plan to use every opportunity for a surprise. In such a match schedule, the duel between Italy and Hungary, placed between the clashes with Iceland and Poland, becomes a kind of turning point for both teams: for Hungary, it can be a step by which they confirm the role of favorite and ensure a calmer continuation of the tournament, while for Italy a victory or even a point can dramatically complicate the standings and open scenarios in which everything is decided in the last round. For spectators in the stands of Kristianstad Arena, this means that they are not buying tickets just for "another group match", but for a meeting that can very easily shape the group's path towards the main round and determine whether the fans of individual national teams will move to larger arenas and host cities in the final stages of the tournament. Given that each slot in the hall brings two matches, tickets for January 18 also represent an opportunity to follow two top-level matches in one evening, which makes this evening particularly attractive for those planning a short but content-rich handball trip.

Psychology of Head-to-Head Duels and the Burden of Previous Results

Italy and Hungary have met in the last decade mainly in qualifications for European championships, where Hungary has generally emerged as the winner thanks to a greater depth of squad, continuity of participation in major competitions, and generally higher level of experience. The results from those matches – often with a difference of several goals in favor of Hungary – create a psychological framework in which the Hungarian national team is aware that it enters the match with a certain advantage in the players' heads, while the Italians have yet to prove that the new generation can break that streak. But at the same time, precisely the fact that Italy has in the meantime earned placement at the World Championship 2025 and passed difficult qualifying groups for EHF EURO 2026, gives this national team an additional dose of self-confidence and the belief that the difference in quality is smaller than older statistics suggest. In Kristianstad Arena, in front of thousands of fans and television cameras, psychological stability and the ability to withstand black holes of several minutes will be just as important as purely technical-tactical elements of the game. Those fans who secure their tickets on time will have the opportunity to watch live how these invisible pressures manifest on the faces of the players – from nervous glances at the scoreboard to moments when one series of saves or goals turns the Italian national team from an underdog into a serious challenger. Precisely that uncertainty and the possibility of a turnaround are the reason why numerous handball enthusiasts will decide to buy tickets for this very duel, even if they might be rooting for a third national team.

Travel to Kristianstad: How to Arrive, Where to Stay and What to Expect on Match Day

Kristianstad is well connected by transport with the rest of Scandinavia, especially with Malmö and Copenhagen, so fans from all over Europe can relatively easily organize their arrival with a combination of air transport and train or bus. The most common scenario involves a flight to Copenhagen or Malmö, and then a train ride to Kristianstad, during which passengers already often meet fans in jerseys and scarves on the trains, which further creates the atmosphere of a sports trip. Kristianstad Arena is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the main railway station and about 500 meters from the nearest bus stop, so the hall can be reached by a light walk through the city streets or a short ride by local transport. Given the winter conditions in January, it is worth calculating a bit more time for arrival and passing security checks, especially if arrival is planned immediately before the start of the match at 20:30. In order to avoid stress about looking for accommodation at the last minute, it is advisable to study accommodation for fans on match day in advance, where fans will be able to choose between hotels in the very center, smaller guesthouses, and options in the vicinity of the city. In combination with the timely purchase of tickets, such planning will allow the match day to pass in the sign of enjoyment – from morning coffee in the city center to the evening spectacle in the hall.

Match Day: Fan Walk, City Rhythm and Entry into the "Colosseum" of Handball

On match day, the city will live by the handball rhythm: already from the morning hours, an increasing number of fans in jerseys and flags can be expected, who will fill the city squares, cafes, and restaurants, creating excitement that will grow as the evening slot approaches. Kristianstad is compact enough that the main city amenities can be visited on foot, and visitors often combine a walk through the historical core, buying fan souvenirs, and joint gatherings in local bars before heading towards the hall. In that context, tickets for the match become the final piece of the puzzle: after securing tickets and settling into one of the facilities from the offer enabled by accommodation near the venue, fans can head towards Kristianstad Arena without rushing and take their seats in the stands long before the first referee's whistle. The hall itself is often described as a "colosseum" of handball, with extremely steep stands and acoustics that amplify every fan shout, so entering it is a special moment, especially for those watching a major handball competition live for the first time. When the lights go down before the start of the show, the official championship music plays, and the national teams of Italy and Hungary run onto the floor, it is clear that tickets for this match are at the same time a ticket into an experience that transcends mere statistics and the result.

What Fans Can Expect from Time in the Hall and Outside It

European Championship matches, especially those in evening slots, offer much more than ordinary sixty minutes of play, because the entire experience in the hall is designed as a combination of sport, entertainment, and fan socializing. In Kristianstad Arena, fans can expect well-organized entrances, clearly marked sectors, and diverse catering points where they will be able to refresh themselves during breaks or before the start of the match, while it is important to keep in mind that crowds form during the most popular slots, especially around food and drink kiosks. That is precisely why many visitors choose an earlier arrival and entry into the hall as soon as the doors open, in order to find their seat in peace, study the fan choreography of the opposing camps, and prepare for cheering. Tickets for this event, besides the entry itself, also bring the opportunity to experience the specific atmosphere of tournament handball, where fans from several countries meet in the corridors, in front of the hall, and in fan zones, exchange scarves, and create spontaneous friendships that often last even after the championship ends. For those planning a whole weekend or several days of stay, timely purchase of tickets and reservation through accommodation offers in the host city are the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises and using the time in Kristianstad to the maximum, with a combination of sport, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Why It Pays to Secure Tickets Specifically for the Italy – Hungary Duel

In the wide schedule of the European Handball Championship, every fan will find their favorites, but the Italy – Hungary duel in Kristianstad Arena has several specific elements that set it apart from the others. First of all, it is a clash of a favorite and an underdog at a moment when the group is still open, so every mistake and every flash can dramatically change the standings and the later outcome of the tournament. At the same time, this is also a story about Italy's return to the big stage after almost thirty years, and witnessing that live means being part of a historic moment for a national team that is trying to catch up with the handball elite. On the other hand, Hungary comes with a generation that has proven through a series of difficult qualifying matches and appearances at major competitions that it can cope equally with the best, so fans can expect a serious, professional approach and a huge motive to turn EHF EURO 2026 into a breakthrough towards the top. When the specific atmosphere of Kristianstad Arena, the strong local handball tradition, and the fact that tickets for this event are already among the more sought-after in fan circles are added to that, it becomes clear why it is wise to buy tickets on time via the button below and secure your place in the stands. For those who do so, the Italy – Hungary match will not be just one of many sports events, but an evening they will remember as a blend of top-class handball, fan togetherness, and the special ambiance of a city that lives for this sport.

Sources:
- EHF EURO – page about Kristianstad as a host city and Kristianstad Arena, data on Group F and hall capacity
- Wikipedia – Italy men's national handball team, historical appearances of Italy at World and European Championships and return to WC 2025 and EHF EURO 2026
- EHF – Italy team page, Italy's schedule in Group F and qualification results for EHF EURO 2026
- EHF – Hungary team page, Hungary's results at EHF EURO 2024 and in qualifications for Euro 2026
- Kristianstad Arena and local information portals, data on address, capacity, and year of opening of the hall and description of the city of Kristianstad

Everything you need to know about tickets for Italy vs Hungary

+ Where to find tickets for Italy vs Hungary?

+ How to choose the best seat to watch the Italy vs Hungary match?

+ When is the best time to buy tickets for Italy vs Hungary?

+ Can tickets for Italy vs Hungary be delivered electronically?

+ Are tickets for Italy vs Hungary purchased through partners safe?

+ Are there tickets for Italy vs Hungary in family sections?

+ What to do if tickets for Italy vs Hungary are sold out?

+ Can I buy tickets for Italy vs Hungary at the last minute?

+ What information do I need to buy tickets for Italy vs Hungary?

+ How to find Italy vs Hungary tickets for the away fans section?

3 hours ago, Author: Sports desk

Find accommodation nearby

Other matches
Handball – European Handball Championship 2026
GROUP F

Thursday 15.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Thursday 15.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Thursday 15.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Thursday 15.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Friday 16.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Friday 16.01. 2026 18:00
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
Friday 16.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Friday 16.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Friday 16.01. 2026 20:30
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
Friday 16.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Saturday 17.01. 2026 18:00
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE
Saturday 17.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Saturday 17.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Saturday 17.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Saturday 17.01. 2026 20:30
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE
Saturday 17.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Sunday 18.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Sunday 18.01. 2026 18:00
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
Sunday 18.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Sunday 18.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Sunday 18.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Monday 19.01. 2026 18:00
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE
Monday 19.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Monday 19.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Monday 19.01. 2026 20:30
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE
Monday 19.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Monday 19.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 18:00
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 18:00
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 18:00
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 20:30
Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, DK
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 20:30
Unity Arena, Fornebu, NO
Tuesday 20.01. 2026 20:30
Kristianstad Arena, Kristianstad, SE
Wednesday 21.01. 2026 18:00
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE
Wednesday 21.01. 2026 20:30
Malmo Arena, Malmö, SE

Sports desk

Our Sports Editorial Team consists of experienced sports journalists and volunteers who have been following and covering sporting events at an international level for many years. The editorial staff brings together people whose work is grounded in decades of real sports experience, including competitions, top results, and field reporting.

Our team members have been involved in sports for more than thirty years — as participants, competitors, and authors — which enables us to approach every piece of news, analysis, or report with an understanding that comes from personal experience. We write about sports from the perspective of those who have lived sports for years, trained, travelled, and regularly reported from numerous events.

Expertise based on personal experience
Our newsroom includes athletes and journalists who, throughout their careers, have taken part in various sports disciplines and achieved recognised competitive results. This diversity, gained through years of active engagement in sports and journalism, gives our texts clarity, credibility, and depth.

The content we publish is created through careful monitoring of sports competitions, research, interviews with relevant sources, and analysis of sports trends. We pay special attention to accuracy, context, and useful information for readers.

Stories that reveal the true spirit of sport
Through our articles, we blend professional journalism with authentic sports experience. We write about competitions, achievements, recreational activities, and sports stories that shape communities around the world. Our focus is on sportsmanship, dedication, discipline, and inspiring examples that define sporting life.

Our mission
The goal of our Sports Editorial Team is to provide reliable, clear, and informative content for readers who follow sports — whether professional, amateur, or recreational. Every day we strive to create articles that combine experience, expertise, and passion for sports, with responsible and high-quality journalism.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This article is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or approved by any sports, cultural, entertainment, music, or other organization, association, federation, or institution mentioned in the content.
Names of events, organizations, competitions, festivals, concerts, and similar entities are used solely for accurate public information purposes, in accordance with Articles 3 and 5 of the Media Act of the Republic of Croatia, and Article 5 of Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The content is informational in nature and does not imply any official affiliation with the mentioned organizations or events.
NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Karlobag.eu provides news, analyses and information on global events and topics of interest to readers worldwide. All published information is for informational purposes only.
We emphasize that we are not experts in scientific, medical, financial or legal fields. Therefore, before making any decisions based on the information from our portal, we recommend that you consult with qualified experts.
Karlobag.eu may contain links to external third-party sites, including affiliate links and sponsored content. If you purchase a product or service through these links, we may earn a commission. We have no control over the content or policies of these sites and assume no responsibility for their accuracy, availability or any transactions conducted through them.
If we publish information about events or ticket sales, please note that we do not sell tickets either directly or via intermediaries. Our portal solely informs readers about events and purchasing opportunities through external sales platforms. We connect readers with partners offering ticket sales services, but do not guarantee their availability, prices or purchase conditions. All ticket information is obtained from third parties and may be subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that you thoroughly check the sales conditions with the selected partner before any purchase, as the Karlobag.eu portal does not assume responsibility for transactions or ticket sale conditions.
All information on our portal is subject to change without prior notice. By using this portal, you agree to read the content at your own risk.