2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne: Match Schedule, LANXESS Arena and Tips for Your Stay
The 2027 Handball World Championship takes place in Germany from 13 to 31 January 2027. Cologne will host the main round from 20 January; from the quarter-finals through to the medal matches on 31 January, the decisive matches will be played at the LANXESS Arena.
Anyone travelling to Cologne for the World Championship should therefore plan more than just the individual match day. Travel to the arena, the choice of accommodation and possible activities between matches can also be combined sensibly.
When will the 2027 Handball World Championship take place in Cologne?
The preliminary round begins on 13 January 2027 and will be played in Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel and Magdeburg. Cologne comes into play from the main round onwards.
| Tournament stage | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary round | 13–19 January 2027 | Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel and Magdeburg |
| Main round | 20–25 January 2027 | Cologne and Hanover |
| Quarter-finals | 26 and 27 January 2027 | Cologne |
| Semi-finals and placement matches | 29 January 2027 | Cologne |
| Medal and placement matches | 31 January 2027 | Cologne |
This means that the second half of the tournament is particularly relevant for a World Championship stay in Cologne. From the quarter-finals onwards, the tournament is concentrated at the LANXESS Arena.
Where will the 2027 Handball World Championship be played in Cologne?
The venue is the LANXESS Arena in Cologne-Deutz. Main Round Groups I and II will be played there. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, placement matches and medal matches will also take place there afterwards.
The final is scheduled for 31 January 2027.
When will Germany play at the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne?
Germany will start in Munich. The German team will face Tunisia in the preliminary round on 13 January, Uruguay on 15 January and Serbia on 17 January.
If Germany reaches the main round, the team will continue its World Championship campaign in Cologne.
For fans who specifically want to attend matches involving the German team, this distinction is important: participation in later knockout rounds in Cologne depends on how the tournament unfolds for the team.
As match schedules and throw-off times may change, the current official match schedule should be checked again immediately before travelling.
How fans can get to the LANXESS Arena
The LANXESS Arena is located in Cologne-Deutz and can be reached by public transport. Important stops in the surrounding area include:
- Köln Messe/Deutz railway station
- Bf Deutz/LANXESS arena
- Deutz Technische Hochschule
Tram lines 1, 3, 4 and 9 are among the services operating there. Köln Messe/Deutz is also connected to S-Bahn, regional and long-distance rail services.
Especially on busy match days, it is advisable to check the current connection shortly before departure. Temporary changes, construction work or larger visitor numbers may affect individual travel plans.
Does the World Championship ticket count as a public transport ticket?
Not automatically.
An event ticket is only valid as a ticket within the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg public transport network if the relevant travel entitlement is shown on the ticket. Fans should therefore check whether, for example, a VRS logo appears on their ticket.
Where to stay for the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne?
Which location makes sense depends on how the overall stay is planned.
| Location | May suit you if … | Things to consider when planning |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne-Deutz / arena area | the World Championship matches are the main focus | check individual routes to the city centre and other planned activities |
| Cologne city centre | you want to combine handball with the cathedral, Rhine, Old Town and sightseeing | include the journey to the LANXESS Arena in your daily planning |
Visitors travelling to Cologne for just one match may have different priorities from guests staying for several nights. For a longer stay, a city-centre location can make sense if there is also time to explore Cologne alongside the handball.
Classik Hotel Antonius as a city-centre option
One possible place to stay for such a trip is the Classik Hotel Antonius at Dagobertstraße 32. The boutique hotel is centrally located in Cologne between the main railway station and the Rhine promenade and has 54 rooms and apartments.
In addition to classic rooms, apartments are also available for longer stays. The hotel’s facilities include Wi-Fi, self-check-in/out, a sauna with relaxation area and the Augustin Restaurant.
Parking is available subject to availability for guests arriving by car.
The hotel can therefore be considered particularly by travellers who want to combine their World Championship visit with a stay in central Cologne.
What can you do in Cologne between World Championship matches?
Anyone spending several days in Cologne can use the time between matches for sightseeing.
Several well-known Cologne sights are relatively close together around the cathedral, Old Town and Rhine. A walk through the Old Town, for example, can be combined with the Rhine promenade and the area around Cologne Cathedral.
Anyone planning a museum visit can also consider the Museum Ludwig, which is located directly in the central city area.
How much you should plan depends on the individual match day. With a late throw-off or several matches in succession, it may be more comfortable to schedule fewer activities and allow sufficient time for the journey to Deutz.
Tips for planning your trip to the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne
- Check the current match schedule: Check throw-off times and possible changes immediately before travelling.
- Buy tickets through official channels: Check current availability via the official World Championship channels.
- Choose accommodation based on your entire stay: Proximity to the arena and a city-centre location meet different needs.
- Check public transport on match day: Check the current connection to the LANXESS Arena before departure.
- Check travel entitlement: An admission ticket is not automatically a VRS public transport ticket.
- Allow extra time: Avoid scheduling sightseeing and an arena visit too close together.
Conclusion: Enjoy the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne well prepared
The 2027 Handball World Championship makes Cologne an important destination for handball fans, particularly during the decisive stages of the tournament. Anyone planning to attend matches at the LANXESS Arena should check the match schedule, tickets and current public transport connections shortly before travelling and allow sufficient time for the journey.
For a stay of several days, it is also worth coordinating the choice of accommodation with your personal Cologne itinerary. Anyone who wants to combine the World Championship with the cathedral, Rhine, Old Town and other city-centre attractions can include the Classik Hotel Antonius as a possible accommodation option in their plans.
This makes it possible to combine a visit to the Handball World Championship with a stay in Cologne rather than limiting the trip to match day alone.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne
When is the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne?
The matches in Cologne begin with the main round on 20 January 2027. The knockout phase starts on 26 January, with the medal matches scheduled for 31 January.
Where will the 2027 Handball World Championship take place in Cologne?
The matches will be played at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne-Deutz.
When is the final of the 2027 Handball World Championship?
The final is scheduled for Sunday, 31 January 2027, in Cologne.
Will Germany play at the 2027 Handball World Championship in Cologne?
Germany will first play its preliminary round in Munich. If the team reaches the main round, it will continue the tournament in Cologne.
How do I get to the LANXESS Arena by public transport?
Important stops include Köln Messe/Deutz and Bf Deutz/LANXESS arena. Tram lines 1, 3, 4 and 9 are among the services serving the area around the arena.
Does my World Championship ticket also count as a public transport ticket?
Only if the relevant travel entitlement is shown on the ticket, for example by means of a VRS logo.
Which area is suitable for a hotel stay during the Handball World Championship in Cologne?
That depends on how you plan to spend your stay. Cologne-Deutz may be of interest if your main focus is the arena. If you want to combine the World Championship with Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, the Rhine and a stay of several days in Cologne, you can also consider accommodation in the city centre.