Czechia secured the bronze medal at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026 with a composed 20-12 victory over Germany at the Datart Sports Hall in Zlín. Playing in front of their home supporters, the hosts controlled the contest after an even opening and finished strongly to claim third place. Germany finish fourth. Both teams had already qualified automatically for the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 in the Netherlands by reaching the semi-finals.

Czechia, coached by Edwin Bouman, gradually imposed themselves through superior medium-range shooting and clinical finishing from close range. Lukas Holik and Sofie Vojnova each scored four goals to lead the hosts, with Petr Snajdr adding three and further contributions from Jitka Pavlickova, Petr Galicek and Rostislav Kortus. The Czech side recorded ten medium-range goals and three running-in strikes, building a clear advantage in the second half after the score remained competitive in the opening stages. Defensive organisation limited Germany’s most dangerous attacking options and allowed Czechia to pull clear in the final quarter.

Germany, under Wilco van den Bos, remained competitive early and scored through a balanced mix of medium-range efforts, penalties and long-range shots. Jan Robert Heming, Lea Witthaus, Lucas Witthaus and Madeline Gust each found the target twice. However, the Germans were unable to match Czechia’s consistency once the hosts increased the tempo, and the final margin of eight goals reflected Czechia’s stronger control over the full 40 minutes.

Tournament Recap

Czechia – Bronze Medallists

As hosts, Czechia produced a strong tournament that culminated in a home bronze medal. They topped Group D and finished second in Group E to reach the semi-finals, where they were defeated 26-14 by Belgium. Recovering well, they controlled the bronze-medal match against Germany to finish third. Key contributors throughout included Petr Galicek, Lukas Holik, Sofie Vojnova, Petr Snajdr and Nela Kubu. The medal provides a fitting reward for coach Edwin Bouman’s side and their supporters, while confirming automatic qualification for the 2027 World Championship.

Germany – Fourth Place

Germany confirmed their status among Europe’s leading nations by reaching the semi-finals. After topping Group C and finishing second in Group F, they faced the Netherlands in the semi-final and were defeated 35-11. In the bronze-medal match they were competitive early but could not sustain their challenge against the hosts. Fourth place still represents a solid result and guarantees their place at next year’s World Championship. Lea Witthaus, Madeline Gust, Jan Robert Heming and others contributed important goals across the tournament under coach Wilco van den Bos.

With the top ten teams from this European Championship automatically qualifying for the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 (the Netherlands already qualified as hosts), both Czechia and Germany have secured the primary objective of the tournament. Czechia’s bronze medal on home soil provides an excellent platform for the future, while Germany’s fourth-place finish underlines their continued strength at the highest level of European korfball.

Match officials: Sebastiaan de Jong and Dave Mertens (referees), Bartosz Jaszczuk (reserve).