Over the past decade, Denmark has steadily developed its role as a host of international sporting events. In 2014, the country staged several high-profile championships — among them the EHF Men’s Euro in handball, the BWF World Championships in badminton, and the World Half Marathon Championships. In 2026, Denmark will once again welcome the international sports community for a new selection of events, including the EHF Men’s Euro, the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, and the World Athletics Road Running Championships. These events reflect both continuity and progression, as they build on the country’s accumulated experience and ongoing collaboration with international federations and local stakeholders.
A Decade of Experience
The 2014 events marked important milestones in Denmark’s sporting event history both in terms of public engagement and international cooperation. Each event contributed new insights, particularly in areas such as fan experience, integration of host cities, and sustainable operations. Looking ahead to 2026, the same types of events return in a renewed format. This isn’t a repetition, but rather a further development, shaped by a decade of learning and refinement. “Every international event we host adds to our collective knowledge,” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark. “2026 gives us an opportunity to revisit these formats — with updated frameworks, new technology, and more collaboration.”
The Men’s EHF EURO 2026: Handball Returns
In 2014, Denmark hosted the Men’s European Handball Championship, drawing strong attendance and wide public interest. In 2026, the tournament returns, co-hosted by Denmark, Sweden and Norway New digital tools and broader community activities are expected to enhance the experience for both fans and participants. “We look forward to creating a true handball celebration when Denmark once again hosts the Men’s EHF EURO – not only for the fans in the arenas, but for the whole population following the championship. It’s our chance to showcase the very best of Danish handball culture, community spirit and volunteer engagement – and to do so with responsibility and pride for the world to see,” said Torsten Laen, president of the Danish Handball Association.
Thomas & Uber Cup 2026: A Badminton Tradition Continues
Copenhagen hosted the BWF World Championships in 2014. In 2026, the city will host the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals — badminton’s major international team competition. Denmark has a long-standing badminton heritage, and the 2026 event aims to combine elite performance with fan-friendly and inclusive activities. “We’re pleased to welcome the international badminton community back to Denmark,” said Kristian Pihl, President of Badminton Denmark. “We are building on strong foundations and shared experiences.”
World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026: Running Through the City
The IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in 2014 were well received for its accessible route and for the first time ever large mass participation race. In 2026, the World Athletics Road Running Championships — an evolved format — will again take place in the Danish capital. The event merges elite racing with mass participation and aims to offer an inclusive and city-integrated running experience. “The 2014 half marathon showed how road races can activate mass participants and cities,” said Lars Werge, President of the Danish Athletics Federation. “In 2026, we’ll build on that, in close cooperation with local authorities and World Athletics.”
Sustainability as Standard Practice
Sustainability is an integral part of sporting event planning in Denmark. In 2026, all three championships will include measures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts are coordinated in collaboration with host cities and national federations. Initiatives include sustainable transport and local sourcing, focus on accessibility and participation and documentation and reporting of environmental impacts. “Environmental and social sustainability are not side projects — they’re central to how we organise events,” said Lars Lundov. “We see it as part of our responsibility.”
A Long-Term Approach to Event Hosting
Denmark’s compact geography, accessible infrastructure, and tradition of partnerships support are pragmatic and consistent approaches to international event hosting. Instead of starting from scratch with each new event, Denmark builds on existing experience and infrastructure, adapting to the needs of each federation and audience. From 2014 to 2026, sporting events in Denmark have developed in both scale and structure and shaped by local insights, international cooperation, and a focus on long-term value.
Collaborative Hosting
The upcoming events in 2026 are the result of strong collaboration between Sport Event Denmark, national federations, and the host cities Copenhagen, Herning, and Horsens. This model supports both operational stability and locally rooted engagement. Whether it’s team sports, individual competition or mass participation formats, Denmark’s approach is shaped by shared experience and open dialogue.
