Poland-Hungary

Poland secure ninth place with hard-fought 12-9 victory over Hungary

Zlín, 23 October 2026 – Poland claimed ninth place at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026 after a tightly contested 12-9 victory over Hungary in the final placement match of the day at Sportovní hala Datart. Both teams had already secured their qualification for the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 before kick-off, with the top ten finishers from the European Championship earning automatic berths.

In a low-scoring, physical encounter that reflected the high stakes of the 9th/10th place playoff, Poland showed greater efficiency from the penalty spot and clinical finishing in key moments. Natalia Klimczyk led the Polish scoring with three goals, while captain Tamara Siemieniuk and Jedrzej Masztaleruk each contributed two. For Hungary, Zsombor Dénes and Csernák Szabolcs scored twice apiece as the Magyars pushed hard throughout the 40 minutes.

Poland established control in the first half and never relinquished the lead, absorbing a late Hungarian push that saw them close the gap to three goals before the final whistle. The result confirmed Poland’s status as the strongest team from the lower half of the draw and completed a strong recovery after finishing third in their initial group.

With the top ten positions at the European Championship guaranteeing qualification for the World Championship in the Netherlands next year, both Poland and Hungary will now look ahead to the global stage with renewed confidence.

Tournament recap

Poland – 9th place

Poland recovered impressively after a third-place finish in Group A. They topped their second-phase pool and then overcame Slovakia and Hungary in the placement rounds to finish ninth. Under coach Robert Williams, the side displayed solid defensive organisation and effective medium-range scoring, with Klimczyk and Siemieniuk among the standout performers. Ninth place represents a successful championship for the Poles, who now head to the 2027 World Championship having proven they can compete at the highest European level.

Hungary – 10th place

Hungary also progressed through a demanding path after finishing third in Group B. They dominated their second-phase pool before a narrow defeat to Poland in the 9th-place match. Coached by Hack Barnabas, the Hungarians showed attacking variety, particularly through the contributions of Dénes and Csernák, and remained competitive against strong opposition throughout the tournament. Tenth place confirms their qualification for the World Championship and underlines the progress of Hungarian korfball on the international stage.

The top ten teams at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026 automatically qualify for the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 in the Netherlands.