2026 Asian Men's Handball Championship

Last updated
2026 Asian Men's Handball Championship
2026 Asian Men's Handball Championship.png
Tournament details
Host countryFlag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait
Venues2
Dates15–29 January
Teams15 (from 2 confederations)
Tournament statistics
Matches played47
Goals scored2,629 (55.94 per match)
Attendance33,960 (723 per match)
Top scorer(s) Flag of Kuwait.svg Saif Al-Adwani
(44 goals)
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The 2026 Asian Men's Handball Championship is the 22nd edition of the Asian Men's Handball Championship, the biennial international men's handball championship of Asia and Oceania organized by AHF. The tournament is held from 15 to 29 January 2026 in Sabah Al-Salem, Kuwait. [1]

Contents

It is the fourth time in history that the championship is organised by the Kuwait Handball Association.

It also acts as a qualification tournament for the 2027 World Men's Handball Championship in Germany, with top four teams from the championship directly qualifying for the event. If Australia finishef inside the top five, they would have qualified as well as the representative of Oceania.

Qatar are the six time defending champions, recently beating Japan 30–24 in the 2024 final in Isa Town.

Host selection

Kuwait was given the hosting rights on 24 February 2025. [2] It will be the fourth time in history that the championship will be organised by the Kuwait Handball Association after 1977, 1995, and 2020.

Teams

TeamAppearance(s)Previous best performance [A]
TotalFirstLastStreak2024
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 4th 2018 2022 1N/AEleventh place (2018)
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 19th 1977 2024 133rdRunners-up (2010, 2014 , 2016 , 2018, 2022)
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 17th 1977 210thRunners-up ( 1979 , 2000)
Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong 6th 1983 413thEighth place (1983)
Flag of India.svg  India 6th 1979 316thFifth place (1979)
Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 17th 1989 146thThird place (2014)
Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 7th 1977 48thFifth place (1977)
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 21st 1977 22ndChampions (1977, 1979)
Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 8th 1983 2022 1N/ASeventh place (1983, 2006)
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait (H)18th 1977 2024 44thChampions ( 1995 , 2002, 2004, 2006)
Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 7th 2004 312thEighth place (2014, 2016, 2018)
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar 18th 1983 131stChampions (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024)
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 17th 1977 109thThird place (2002, 2008, 2012 , 2022 )
Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 19th 1977 115thChampions ( 1983 , 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2008, 2010, 2012)
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 15th 1977 117thFourth place (2014)

Venue

The venue is the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls Complex in Sabah Al-Salem.

Sabah Al-Salem
Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls Complex
Capacity: TBD
Blank.svg

Draw

The draw was held at 17:30 AST on 15 October 2025 at the Conference Room of the Safir Fintas Kuwait Hotel, Fintās, Kuwait. [3] [4] The draw started with, in order, pots 4, 3, 2 and 1 being drawn, with each team selected then allocated into the first available group alphabetically.

Seeding

The seeding was based off the results of the previous edition.

Pot 1Pot 2Pot 3Pot 4
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait
Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea
Flag of Iran.svg  Iran
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates
Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
Flag of Oman.svg  Oman
Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong
Flag of India.svg  India
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan

Draw results

Group A
PosTeam
A1Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar
A2Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea
A3Flag of Oman.svg  Oman
Group B
PosTeam
B1Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain
B2Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq
B3Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
B4Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan
Group C
PosTeam
C1Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait (H)
C2Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates
C3Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong
C4Flag of India.svg  India
Group D
PosTeam
D1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
D2Flag of Iran.svg  Iran
D3Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia
D4Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia

Schedule

Schedule
RoundMatchdayDate
Preliminary roundMatchday 115–16 January 2026
Matchday 217–18 January 2026
Matchday 319–20 January 2026
Main round and Ranking groupsMatchday 422 January 2026
Matchday 523 January 2026
Matchday 625 January 2026
Ranking gamesAll games27 January 2026
Knockout stageSemi-finals27 January 2026
Final29 January 2026

Preliminary round

All times are local (UTC+3).

Tiebreakers

In the group stage, teams are ranked according to points (2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss). After completion of the group stage, if two or more teams have the same number of points, the ranking will be determined as follows:

  1. Highest number of points in matches between the teams directly involved;
  2. Superior goal difference in matches between the teams directly involved;
  3. Highest number of goals scored in matches between the teams directly involved;
  4. Superior goal difference in all matches of the group;
  5. Highest number of plus goals in all matches of the group;

If the ranking of one of these teams is determined, the above criteria are consecutively followed until the ranking of all teams is determined. If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by AHF through drawing of lots.

Group A

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 22006155+64 Group I
2Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar 21015847+112 Group II
3Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 20023956170 Group III
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
16 January 2026
14:00
Oman  Flag of Oman.svg15–27Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Al-Mawt, Marhoon (BHR)
Al-Dughaishi 5(6–12) Madadi 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

18 January 2026
16:00
South Korea  Flag of South Korea.svg29–24Flag of Oman.svg  Oman Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Al-Naseem, Al-Enezi (KUW)
Kim R., Kim T. 6(15–10) Al-Dughaishi, T. Al-Hadidi 6
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

20 January 2026
18:00
Qatar  Flag of Qatar.svg31–32Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Gheisarian, Gheisarian (IRI)
Madadi 5(16–14) Jang 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Group B

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 330010668+386 Group II
2Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 3201717764 Group I
3Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 31028095152 Group IV
4Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 30037087170 Group III
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
16 January 2026
16:00
Jordan  Flag of Jordan.svg21–32Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Ismoilov, Ismoilov (UZB)
Abu Hasan 7(10–17) Al-Showaikh 6
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
16 January 2026
18:00
China  Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg22–27Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 300
Referees: Al-Enezi, Al-Naseem (KUW)
Sun, Xie 5(12–14) Al-Moulidi 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

18 January 2026
14:00
Jordan  Flag of Jordan.svg21–26Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 150
Referees: Ismoilov, Ismoilov (UZB)
Abu Hasan, Al-Otaibi 5(10–14) B. Hammoodi 12
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
18 January 2026
18:00
China  Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg29–40Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Al-Wahibi, Al-Shahi (OMA)
Song 5(10–20) Khamis 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

20 January 2026
14:00
Jordan  Flag of Jordan.svg28–29Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Furukawa, Murata (JPN)
Abu Hasan 10(17–17) Song 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
20 January 2026
16:00
Iraq  Flag of Iraq.svg18–34Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Al-Wahibi, Al-Shahi (OMA)
Al-Moulidi 7(8–15) Khamis 8
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Group C

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait (H)330011259+536 Group I
2Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 320110169+324 Group II
3Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong 310282105232 Group III
4Flag of India.svg  India 300363125620 Group IV
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
15 January 2026
14:00
Hong Kong  Flag of Hong Kong.svg21–36Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Ali, Al-Aradi (BHR)
Chan T. 7(12–18) Radwan 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
15 January 2026
18:15
India  Flag of India.svg12–45Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 2,500
Referees: Furukawa, Murata (JPN)
Mandeep 5(6–25) Al-Adwani 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

17 January 2026
16:00
India  Flag of India.svg21–43Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Al-Suqufi, Al-Saqer (KSA)
Valiyaveettil 6(10–21) T. Al-Maazmi 9
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
17 January 2026
18:00
Hong Kong  Flag of Hong Kong.svg25–39Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 1,800
Referees: Gheisarian, Gheisarian (IRI)
Lee S. 6(12–23) Al-Harbi, Dashti 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

19 January 2026
16:00
India  Flag of India.svg30–36Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 300
Referees: Ali, Al-Aradi (BHR)
Manjeet 9(10–16) Lee S. 13
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
19 January 2026
18:00
United Arab Emirates  Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg22–27Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 3,500
Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB)
Radwan 6(11–13) Al-Adwani 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Group D

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 33009370+236 Group II
2Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 32019979+204 Group I
3Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 31029067+232 Group IV
4Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 300360126660
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
15 January 2026
16:00
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg23–45Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Al-Zayyat, Awwad (JOR)
Clowes 9(13–22) Nakata 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
15 January 2026
20:15
Saudi Arabia  Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg24–22Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 1,500
Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB)
Al-Mohsin 9(15–10) Norouzinejad 9
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg

17 January 2026
14:00
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg13–39Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 300
Referees: Cha, Pak (KOR)
Gahan 7(5–21) Rahnama 10
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
17 January 2026
20:00
Saudi Arabia  Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg27–24Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Cheng, Zhou (CHN)
Mo. Al-Salem 8(12–9) Yoshino 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg

19 January 2026
14:00
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg24–42Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Al-Zayyat, Awwad (JOR)
four players 4(8–23) Al-Saffar 12
Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
19 January 2026
20:00
Iran  Flag of Iran.svg29–30Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 600
Referees: Mohamed Ali, Marhoon (BHR)
Oraei 10(15–13) Enomoto 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Martyr Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Cup

Group III

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong 21105551+43 Ninth place game
2Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 21015249+32 Eleventh place game
3Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 2011546171 13th place game
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
22 January 2026
12:00
Jordan  Flag of Jordan.svg31–24Flag of Oman.svg  Oman Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Cha, Pak (KOR)
Abu Hasan 12(16–10) A. Al-Hadidi 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

23 January 2026
14:00
Hong Kong  Flag of Hong Kong.svg25–21Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Al-Suqufi, Al-Saqer (KSA)
Lee S 8(11–13) Abu Hasan 9
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg

25 January 2026
12:00
Oman  Flag of Oman.svg30–30Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Al-Mawt, Marhoon (BHR)
S. Al-Hasani 7(13–16) Lin
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Group IV

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 330010162+396 Ninth place game
2Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 32019966+334 Eleventh place game
3Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 31027593182 13th place game
4Flag of India.svg  India 300360114540
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
22 January 2026
14:30
India  Flag of India.svg16–39Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Al-Suqufi, Al-Saqer (KSA)
H. Singh 6(9–20) Adelkhani 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
22 January 2026
17:00
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg19–32Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 100
Referees: Al-Zayyat, Awwad (JOR)
Anderson 8(9–17) Li S., Song 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

23 January 2026
16:30
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg17–37Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Ali, Al-Aradi (BHR)
Anderson, Verdier 5(6–14) Rahnama 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
23 January 2026
19:00
India  Flag of India.svg20–36Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 30
Referees: Furukawa, Murata (JPN)
Shubham 7(9–19) Li S. 6
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

25 January 2026
14:30
India  Flag of India.svg24–39Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Al-Wahibi, Al-Shahi (OMA)
Ankit 9(13–17) Anderson 9
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
25 January 2026
17:00
China  Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg33–23Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 50
Referees: Al-Zayyat, Awwad (JOR)
Fangwei 8(19–13) Heidarian 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

13th place game

27 January 2026
12:00
Oman  Flag of Oman.svg34–28Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Attendance: 30
Referees: Ahmad, Amir (IRI)
T. Al-Hadidi 11(19–18) Anderson 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg

Eleventh place game

27 January 2026
14:00
Jordan  Flag of Jordan.svg10–0Flag of Iran.svg  Iran Kuwait Handball Association Hall, Da'iya
Report

Ninth place game

29 January 2026
14:00
Hong Kong  Flag of Hong Kong.svgvFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Report

Main round

Group I

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 32108179+25 Semifinals
2Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait (H)32018771+164
3Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 31118584+13 Fifth place game
4Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 30037594190 Seventh place game
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
(H) Hosts
22 January 2026
12:00
South Korea  Flag of South Korea.svg23–23Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 150
Referees: Al-Wahibi, Al-Shahi (OMA)
Kim Jin-y. 8(11–10)three players 4
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
22 January 2026
18:00
Iraq  Flag of Iraq.svg16–29Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 2,500
Referees: Al-Mawt, Marhoon (BHR)
Al-Moulidi 4(6–14) Al-Adwani 8
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

23 January 2026
18:00
Japan  Flag of Japan.svg28–27Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 3,500
Referees: Gheisarian, Gheisarian (IRI)
Yoshino 8(15–14) Al-Adwani 8
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
23 January 2026
20:00
South Korea  Flag of South Korea.svg35–30Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 200
Referees: Cheng, Zhou (CHN)
Kim Jin-y. 9(14–16) Hafedh, B. Hammoodi 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg

25 January 2026
12:00
Iraq  Flag of Iraq.svg29–30Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Ali, Al-Aradi (BHR)
B. Hammoodi 8(16–19) Watanabe 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
25 January 2026
18:00
South Korea  Flag of South Korea.svg27–31Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 4,500
Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB)
Kim Jin-y. 9(15–14) S. Ali 7
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Group II

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar 32018576+94 [a] Semifinals
2Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 32018471+134 [a]
3Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 32018172+94 [a] Fifth place game
4Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 30035990310 Seventh place game
Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.
Notes:
  1. 1 2 3 Qatar 2 Pts, +4 GD; Bahrain 2 Pts, +1 GD; Saudi Arabia 2 Pts, –5 GD.
22 January 2026
14:00
United Arab Emirates  Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg20–32Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 150
Referees: Cheng, Zhou (CHN)
Rashed 5(10–12) Khamis, Habib Naser 7
Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Red card.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg
22 January 2026
16:00
Saudi Arabia  Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg25–32Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Ismoilov, Ismoilov (UZB)
Al-Abbas 10(14–14) Madadi 8
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

23 January 2026
14:00
Qatar  Flag of Qatar.svg28–31Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB)
Carol 11(12–12) Al-Sayyad 11
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23 January 2026
16:00
Saudi Arabia  Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg33–19Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Al-Naseem, Al-Enezi (KUW)
Mo. Al-Salem 10(15–11) Radwan 8
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25 January 2026
14:00
Qatar  Flag of Qatar.svg25–20Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Pak, Cha (KOR)
Hamam 8(14–8) T. Al-Maazmi, Afify 4
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25 January 2026
16:00
Bahrain  Flag of Bahrain.svg21–23Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 500
Referees: Ismoilov, Ismoilov (UZB)
Al-Sayyad 6(11–10) Al-Abbas 7
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Final round

Bracket

 
Semi-finalsFinal
 
      
 
27 January
 
 
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 25
 
29 January
 
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 35
 
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain
 
27 January
 
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar
 
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar (ET)27
 
 
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait 26
 
Third place
 
 
29 January
 
 
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
 
 
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait

Semifinals

27 January 2026
16:00
Japan  Flag of Japan.svg25–35Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 2,000
Referees: Cheng, Zhou (CHN)
Watanabe 7(14–17) Khamis 10
Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

27 January 2026
18:30
Qatar  Flag of Qatar.svg27–26 (ET)Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 4,500
Referees: Sekulić, Jovandić (SRB)
Madadi 9(8–13) S. Ali 7
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FT: 22–22  ET: 5–4

Seventh place game

27 January 2026
12:00
Iraq  Flag of Iraq.svg34–34Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 100
Referees: Marhoon, Al-Mawt (BHR)
Al-Moulidi 8(19–17) T. Al-Maazmi 10
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report  Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

FT: 34–34  Pen: 4–2

Fifth place game

27 January 2026
14:00
South Korea  Flag of South Korea.svg32–31Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Attendance: 300
Referees: Al-Naseem, Al-Enezi (KUW)
Kim T. 6(16–16) Mo. Al-Salem 9
 Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg Report Yellow card.svg Number 2 in light blue rounded square.svg

Third place game

29 January 2026
16:00
Japan  Flag of Japan.svgvFlag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Report

Final

29 January 2026
18:00
Bahrain  Flag of Bahrain.svgvFlag of Qatar.svg  Qatar Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls, Sabah Al-Salem
Report

Final ranking

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsFinal result
1TBD00000000Champions and qualified for 2027 World Championship
2TBD00000000Runners-up and qualified for 2027 World Championship
3TBD00000000Third place and qualified for 2027 World Championship
4TBD00000000Fourth place and qualified for 2027 World Championship
5Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 00000000Fifth place game
6Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 00000000
7Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq 7304184207236Seventh place game
8Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 720519619714
9TBD00000000Ninth place game
10TBD00000000
11Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 620413213644Eleventh place game
12Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 7304189143+466
13Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 5113127145183Thirteenth place game
14Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 7106163253902
15Flag of India.svg  India 60061232391160Fifteenth place
Updated to match(es) played on unknown. Source: IHF
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) goal difference.


Notes

  1. Bold text indicates they hosted that edition.

References

  1. "Kuwait to host 2026 handball AFC Asian Cup". Kuwait Times. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  2. "الكويت تستضيف كأس آسيا لكرة اليد 2026". Asharq Al-Awsat. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  3. "Draw for 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship – Kuwait 2026". AHF. 9 October 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  4. "Draw Results of 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship – Kuwait 2026". AHF. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.