France continued their strong form at the 2025 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship with a commanding 43-19 victory over Kuwait. The European giants showcased their class and depth in a one-sided contest that underlined their intent to make a deep run in the tournament. With two wins from two games in Group E, France has practically secured their place in the main round, while Kuwait’s chances are now hanging by a thread.
This win not only boosts France’s morale but also strengthens their position in the group. Their final preliminary round match against Austria will now be an opportunity to seal the top spot, while Kuwait must defeat Qatar and hope results go their way to stay alive in the competition.
A Dominant Display from the Start
From the first whistle, it was clear that France came into the match with focus and intent. The team wasted no time asserting their dominance, with aggressive defense, fast counter-attacks, and clinical finishing. Within minutes, they had opened up a comfortable lead, and Kuwait found themselves on the back foot early.
France’s defense was well-organized and compact, giving Kuwait very little room to operate. Goalkeeper Charles Bolzinger was exceptional between the posts, making several crucial saves that stopped Kuwait from building any rhythm. On the offensive end, France moved the ball fluidly and maintained a high tempo, constantly breaking down Kuwait’s defensive structure.
The first half ended with France firmly in control, having built a substantial lead. It was not just about scoring goals – it was about how they played as a unit, pressing high, rotating their bench efficiently, and keeping the pressure on throughout.
Thibaud Briet Shines Bright
One of the standout players of the match was Thibaud Briet, who was deservedly named the Player of the Match. The 2.05-meter-tall left back was a force to be reckoned with, contributing in both attack and defense. His towering presence and powerful shots made it difficult for Kuwait to contain him.
Briet’s movement off the ball, his vision, and his ability to break through the defense repeatedly made him a nightmare for the opposition. Whether it was scoring from distance or assisting his teammates, Briet showcased the full range of his abilities in this match.
His leadership and performance will be vital as France moves into the next stage of the championship, where the level of competition will only intensify.
France’s Depth on Full Display
One of the key takeaways from the match was the impressive depth of the French squad. Head coach Guillaume Gille made full use of his bench, rotating players regularly to maintain intensity without compromising quality.
Players like Nedim Remili, Kentin Mahé, and Ludovic Fabregas also put in solid performances, each contributing to the team’s fluid play. Every player on the roster seemed locked in, which allowed France to maintain their momentum from start to finish.
This level of balance and squad rotation is essential in a tournament setting, where matches come in quick succession. France’s ability to manage their roster efficiently while maintaining high standards bodes well for the tougher matches ahead.
Kuwait Struggles to Find Answers
For Kuwait, the match was a tough learning experience. Facing one of the top teams in world handball, they struggled to cope with the intensity and physicality of the game. Despite their efforts, they were unable to match France’s speed and technical superiority.
Offensively, Kuwait found it difficult to get past the French defense. Their buildup was often too slow, allowing France to intercept or close down passing lanes. The few times they did manage to get shots on goal, they were frequently denied by Bolzinger’s superb goalkeeping.
Kuwait’s defense also lacked the structure to contain France’s multi-faceted attack. They often found themselves out of position, leading to easy goals for the French side. It was clear that this level of competition exposed the gap between the two teams in terms of preparation and execution.
What This Win Means for France
With this victory, France now stands at the top of Group E and is all but confirmed to enter the main round. They will now turn their focus to their final group game against Austria, which will determine whether they carry maximum points into the next phase.
For the French team, this match served as a strong confidence booster. It gave them a chance to test different lineups, keep players fresh, and continue building chemistry. More importantly, it sent a message to other teams that France is a serious title contender.
Given their current form, experience, and tactical discipline, France looks like one of the most complete teams in the tournament. If they can maintain this level, they are likely to be one of the frontrunners as the championship progresses.
Kuwait’s Final Chance
Kuwait, on the other hand, now faces a do-or-die situation. With two losses from two games, their only hope of reaching the main round is by beating Qatar in their final group match – and even that depends on other results going their way.
While it’s a difficult road ahead, Kuwait can still take positives from their experience against top-tier teams. Exposure at this level can help their players grow and understand the demands of international competition.
They’ll need to regroup quickly, fix their defensive lapses, and find more creativity in attack if they hope to end their campaign on a high note.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship heats up, France’s powerful performance against Kuwait is a clear sign of their title ambitions. The squad has the talent, experience, and hunger to go far, and they have started the tournament in the best possible way.
Their upcoming clash with Austria will be another test – not just in terms of result, but in preparation for the tougher matches awaiting them in the main round.
For Kuwait, the final game against Qatar will be their last shot at redemption. Regardless of the outcome, they will walk away with valuable experience and lessons to take back home.
As we move deeper into the tournament, fans can expect more exciting matchups, dramatic moments, and intense battles. If France keeps playing the way they are now, they will undoubtedly be one of the teams to beat in 2025.
