The Swiss women's national handball team lost a 2026 European Championship qualification match to the Netherlands, the world's fourth-ranked team, 23:31 on Wednesday evening in St. Gallen. Despite a good start, the hosts could not maintain their lead and succumbed to a more experienced opponent. A key problem for the Swiss team was numerous absences due to injuries, including the absence of captain Lena Gautschi and the Huser sisters. Despite the loss, the team is in second place in the group and has a realistic chance of advancing.

Match Result Against the Netherlands

Switzerland lost to the Netherlands 23:31 in a 2026 European Championship qualifier. The hosts started the match well, leading 3:1, but the Dutch quickly took the initiative and were already leading 17:13 at halftime, ultimately winning comfortably.

Switzerland's Squad Problems

The Swiss team played in a severely depleted squad due to injuries. The list of absentees included captain Lena Gautschi, sisters Amy and Kelly Huser, and other important players. Coach Martin Müller had to use a limited rotation, which affected the team's fitness.

Situation in the Group Table

After three rounds, Switzerland is in second place in Group 4 with four points (two wins against Israel and a loss to the Netherlands). The Dutch lead with a full six points. The top two teams qualify, and the Swiss team still has a good chance of making it.

Upcoming Qualifying Matches

In the coming days, Switzerland will play two more qualifying matches: on Saturday against Portugal in Kreuzlingen and on Wednesday against Israel. Points from these matches are crucial for maintaining second place and ultimately qualifying for the main tournament in December 2026.

The Swiss women's national handball team lost a 2026 European Championship qualification match to the Netherlands, the world's fourth-ranked team, on Wednesday, March 5 in St. Gallen. The final score was 23:31 for the visitors. The match, watched by 2,200 spectators, began with good play from the hosts, who led 3:1 and maintained the advantage until around the 11th minute. However, the Dutch team, led by experienced coach Per Johansson, gradually took control and were already leading 17:13 at halftime. After changing sides, they continued their dominance, ultimately winning by an eight-goal difference.

Women's handball has been developing in Switzerland since the 1970s, and the national team first qualified for the World Championships in 1997. The greatest success of the Swiss women's handball players is fifth place at the 2020 European Championship, which remains their best historical result to this day. A key problem for the Swiss team before and during the match was numerous absences due to injuries. The list of absentees included key players, such as captain Lena Gautschi and sisters Amy and Kelly Huser. These absences forced coach Martin Müller to play with a very limited rotation, which in the longer term affected the team's fitness and efficiency. Despite the loss, Switzerland remains in a favorable position in Group 4 of the qualifiers. After two wins against Israel (in a double-header) and a loss to the Netherlands, the Swiss team is in second place with four points, behind the leading Dutch team (6 points), but ahead of Portugal and Israel (both with 0 points).

Result of the Euro 2026 Qualifying Match: Szwajcaria 23:31 Holandia

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Euro 2026 Qualifiers Group 4 Standings (after 3 rounds): 1. Holandia — 6 pts; 2. Szwajcaria — 4 pts; 3. Portugalia — 0 pts; 4. Izrael — 0 pts

Mentioned People

  • Lena Gautschi — Captain of the Swiss women's national handball team, absent due to injury.
  • Amy Huser — Swiss handball player, sister of Kelly Huser, absent due to injury.
  • Kelly Huser — Swiss handball player, sister of Amy Huser, absent due to injury.
  • Martin Müller — Coach of the Swiss women's national handball team.
  • Per Johansson — Coach of the Netherlands women's national handball team.