Romania clinches victory at M18 EHF Championship 2026

Romania has emerged victorious at the M18 EHF Championship 2026, triumphing over Lithuania with a score of 32-23 in the final held in Skopje, North Macedonia. This victory not only marks a significant achievement in youth handball but also secures Romania's qualification for the M20 EHF EURO 2028.

The final match saw standout performances from several Romanian players, with David Andrei Comănici leading the charge by scoring six goals. Ovidiu Buzu and Ianis Alexandru Chiruț also contributed significantly, each netting five goals. Meanwhile, Ionuț Raul Ionescu shone in goal, making 14 crucial saves with a success rate of 43.33%.

Romania's path to the championship was impressive, having qualified from Group A despite a loss to Latvia (25-28). They began the tournament with a close victory against Lithuania (34-32) and followed it up with a decisive win over Ukraine (39-22). In the semifinals, Romania overcame Greece with a score of 33-27, showcasing their determination and skill throughout the competition.

Individually, Romanian players were recognized for their outstanding performances, with Comănici named the best left winger of the tournament, Andrei Mihai Matei voted best pivot, and Ianis Chiruț honored as the best center. This championship win not only highlights the talent within Romania's youth handball program but also sets the stage for future competitions.