Spain’s reign as European champions will end on Sunday.
Hungary eliminated the reigning titleholders from medal contention at the 2026 European Championships in Belgrade, defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in the decisive third-round clash of Group E. After a fiercely contested 32 minutes, the teams were level at 11:11, before Hungary prevailed 15:14 in the shootout, thanks largely to goalkeeper Soma Vogel, who saved two penalties in the shootout and two more during regular time.
With the victory, Hungary secured a place in the semi-finals, while Spain — semi-finalists at every European Championship between 2018 and 2024 — will now play for fifth place in Belgrade.
Since the Spain–Hungary match ended level in regular time, the subsequent game between Serbia and Montenegro had no impact on the standings, as Serbia had already locked up first place in the group before the opening sprint. Montenegro nevertheless claimed a deserved 15:13 victory over the hosts and Olympic champions, silencing a partisan crowd in the Belgrade Arena.
Hungary advance to the semi-finals from second place in Group E and will face Greece, while Serbia will await the outcome of the Italy–Croatia clash to learn their opponent.
Earlier in the day, France defeated the Netherlands 14:10 to secure fifth place in the group and a spot in the ninth-place match.
Hungary vs Spain – a shootout thriller
The Hungary–Spain encounter was balanced throughout, with the score tied nine times. Spain led only once — at 10:9 — yet came within a second of sealing victory. Sergi Cabanas, Spain’s offensive leader, equalised at 11:11 with a spectacular last-second lob to force penalties. Ultimately, however, Hungary held their nerve.
Hungary struck first, building a 3:1 lead before Spain responded to make it 3:3 at the first break. Hungarian captain Krisztián Manhercz collected two personal fouls early, presenting an early challenge for the Magyars.
Midway through the second quarter, Vogel denied Bernat Sanahuja from the five-metre line. Moments later, Ákos Nagy restored Hungary’s lead, before Vogel saved a second penalty — this time from Álvaro Granados. Biel eventually converted from the rebound, sending the teams into halftime tied at 5:5.
Hungary again opened the second half strongly, moving ahead 7:5, prompting Spain to replace Unai Aguirre with Edoardo Lorrio in goal. The World Champions fought back to 7:7, but lost veteran Marc Larumbe to exclusion with substitution following a VAR review. Despite long scoreless spells, Hungary edged ahead again, yet Spain levelled before every break.
The final quarter saw Spain take their only lead of the game at 10:9 through consecutive power-play goals from Cabanas. Ákos and Ádám Nagy responded, restoring Hungary’s advantage at 11:10. Vogel then produced a crucial save with 40 seconds remaining, but Spain forced penalties thanks to Cabanas’ last-gasp equaliser.
In the shootout, Vogel saved efforts from Sanahuja and Biel, sealing Hungary’s semi-final berth.
Spain head coach David Martín acknowledged Hungary’s superiority:
Vogel himself highlighted Hungary’s mental recovery after defeat to Serbia:
Montenegro spoil the party in Belgrade
With no qualification implications, Serbia appeared relaxed against Montenegro, who seized the opportunity. The teams traded goals in an open first half, with Montenegro matching Serbia’s offensive output and trailing just 10:8 at halftime.
Defences tightened after the break, but Montenegro remained relentless, levelling repeatedly before pulling ahead late on. After Dušan Mandić gave Serbia a brief 13:12 lead, Montenegro responded with three unanswered goals. Balsa Vučković sealed the win on the counterattack with his fifth goal of the match.
France too strong for the Netherlands
France controlled their clash with the Netherlands after a balanced opening half, pulling away early in the second half. Thomas Vernoux was unstoppable, scoring six goals in the first three quarters — more than the entire Dutch team combined at that stage.
France goalkeeper Hugo Fontani played a key role, finishing with 15 saves, while the Netherlands struggled on the man-up. Despite a late rally and a brief seven-field-player gamble, France capitalised on the empty goal to secure a 14:10 victory.
Group E standings
- Hungary – 11 pts
- Serbia – 11 pts
- Spain – 10 pts
- Montenegro – 9 pts
- France – 3 pts
- Netherlands – 1 pt
What’s next
The final semi-final pairings will be confirmed on Wednesday evening. Croatia and Italy will meet in a decisive battle for second place in Group F and the last semi-final ticket (18:00). Earlier, Türkiye and Georgia will contest fifth place in the group, while Romania face Greece in the final match of the day.
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