Iceland’s handball team is taking the world by storm at the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. One of the men who is showing his talent on the court and helping Iceland be successful is Gisli Kristjansson. After a stunning three-goal victory over Egypt, Kristjansson sat down with the press to talk about the team’s development, how it feels to receive support from fans, and how he came into the national team.
Iceland defeated Egypt in a historic victory.
It was the match where Iceland won 34-31 against Egypt, marking a milestone in their entire campaign. Immediately after the game, Kristjansson spent some time with his friends and family in the stands, including his mother, Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who has recently been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland. The win came with the help of more than 500 Icelandic fans who witnessed the game. It was an important victory for the European side, as they proved their capabilities on the world stage.
Speaking to the media after the game, Kristjansson acknowledged the significance of the win. “It’s huge for us because we all know how good of a team Egypt is,” Kristjansson said. “To always be in a comfortable lead of four or five goals the whole game says something about us and where our standards are now.
While Kristjansson admitted that he didn’t expect the victory to come so comfortably, he credited the team’s excellent physical condition and their ability to execute strategies like their second and third-wave attacks, which were especially effective in the first half. He did, however, point out areas for improvement, specifically in defense and some offensive moments, stating, “Handball is a game of mistakes. In the end, the team which makes the fewest mistakes ends on top.”
A change in the culture of Icelandic Handball: The feeling of confidence and aura
Kristjansson has been an important figure in Icelandic handball for years, and this year he feels that something different has happened in the team. Talking about his impressions of the team’s development in the period starting after the low point in the 2021 World Championship, where Iceland took the last 20th position, and then until today.
There’s been a major tournament each year, and this time, I can tell you, it feels different for sure, the aura of the team, the presence, the cockiness,” he said. It is not arrogance, but more like we know what we can do, and we know which level we can drop onto. He said that last year, even though the team was confident, they had not yet proven themselves on the court. Now, he believes that the team has developed the right mentality and confidence to take on the best.
Kristjansson’s remarks indicate that handball in Iceland has developed, from a development stage to being fully aware of their strengths in preparation to meet the world class teams. Renewed energy and zeal have proved to be an important factor that has helped in the team to deliver strong performances, and belief in themselves was reflected both inside and outside of the court.
Gisli Kristjansson: On the Rise Star
This is Kristjansson’s fourth IHF Men’s World Championship. He has constantly developed and improved as a player in this tournament. Having first played in 2019, when Iceland ended up in the 11th position, he has been part of a squad that has experienced a rebuilding and rejuvenation period. After a disappointing 20th place in Egypt in 2021 and 12th place in 2023, Iceland is now in a position to deliver their best performance at the World Championship since more than ten years ago.
Playing for a team that has overcome injuries to play through Kristjansson now takes pride in enjoying time on court alongside his teammates. He also praised the leadership of Iceland’s skip, Aron Palmarsson. “We see the game in a similar way, and he is such a great player, leader, and captain who is huge for us,” said Kristjansson.
Despite minor injuries that come with the rigorous tournament schedule, Kristjansson remains upbeat and focused on the task at hand. “Everything is top notch, my body is feeling good, and mentally, I’m hungry for something big this year,” he shared. For Kristjansson, playing for Iceland is a special moment that represents something far greater than just a game—it’s about pride, passion, and a long-standing legacy in handball.
A Bright Future in Store for Iceland: Quarterfinals Are Their Goal
Securing six points in the 2025 World Championship main round, Iceland finds itself at the threshold of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Since 2011, they only managed to make it that far when they secured sixth place. Their recent performance indicates they can do it all again, and they are likely to be more hopeful than anyone.
Having been part of Iceland’s journey through various stages of rebuilding, Kristjansson is excited to see his team finally reach their potential. “Playing for Iceland is really special,” he said, emphasizing the importance of representing his country on the world stage. With their newfound confidence and determination, Iceland’s prospects look bright for the remainder of the tournament, and they will be a team to watch in the coming weeks.
The Resurgence of Iceland’s Handball
Gisli Kristjansson stands at the heart of his country’s revitalized national handball team as they recently make a splash in the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship. Their refreshed confidence, excellent physical conditioning, and leadership have made them perform at their best over the years. With Kristjansson in top form and the team playing with renewed purpose, this is a potential deep run from Iceland in this tournament and one that will make them continue with their legacy of being a world force in international handball.
As the tournaments progress, fans will be able to watch exciting and determined teams like this in Iceland, especially with Kristjansson and captain Aron Palmarsson at their helm.
