National Team rankings

At the end of each year, the European Handball Federation publishes a National Team ranking list.

The ranking – men’s, women’s and the two combined – is calculated from points given for the performance of the national teams at major international competitions.

A maximum of 80 points can be gained by winning a Younger Age Category event and 160 by winning a senior championship.

This year the Women’s 18 World Championship, Women’s 20 World Championship and the Women’s EURO 2008 were taken into account on the one hand; and the Men’s 18, Men’s 20 European Championships and Men’s EURO 2008 on the other.

Spain in the spotlight - women's ranking

1. Spain 276 p
2. Russia 220 p
3. Denmark 212 p

It is remarkable that Spain are on the top of the 2008 women’s ranking, which underlines the development shown at the recently finished EURO 2008 in FYR Macedonia as well.

Russia follow on second position, the Danes are third.

Denmark clear on top - men's ranking

1. Denmark 316 p
2. Germany 276 p
3. France 256 p

The Danes are leading the men’s list with an almost unbeatable performance. After winning the EURO 2008 in January in Norway, the young Danes have also proved themselves with a silver and a gold medal from the Men’s 18 and Men’s 20 European Championships.

Germany are second, Sweden third on the men’s ranking.

Danish dominance - combined results

1. Denmark 528 p
2. Spain 480 p
3. Germany 476 p

By adding up the points gained by the women’s and men’s national teams, every country was calculated a total number of points and a ranking position.

The country that delivered the best performance regarding World and European Championships in 2008 was Denmark. Spain and Germany follow on the list, but the competition was very close.

Find a .pdf document with the complete list of all EHF Member Federations by clicking here.