The co-favorites France, Sweden and Spain started successfully in the main round of the Handball World Championship.

The Spaniards prevailed against co-hosts Poland in Krakow with 27:23 (16:15), European champion Sweden had no problems with the clear 37:28 (18:14) success against Hungary in Gothenburg. Previously, Olympic champion France had also clearly won 35:24 (16:13) against Montenegro.

The French's most successful thrower was Melvyn Richardson with ten goals. Milos Bozovic was the top scorer for Montenegro with six goals. Former Bundesliga professional Hampus Wanne was the most successful for the Swedes with nine goals. Alex Dujshebaev, Angel Fernandez and Adrian Figueras each scored four goals for the Spaniards, the most for their team. All three top teams are on course for the quarter-finals.