The Serbian handball team narrowly defeated Hungary with a score of 31:29 in the first leg of their qualifier for the World Championship in Germany. The match took place in Čaia, Serbia, and the return leg will be played in Veszprém, Hungary, on Sunday starting at 17:30 local time.

The World Championship will be held in Germany from January 13 to January 31, 2027. The match started with both teams switching the lead. In the 18th minute, Serbia established its first significant advantage, leading 12:9. Dejan Milosavljev was brilliant in defense, shutting down Hungary's attacks and maintaining Serbia's lead, which reached a maximum of +6, 17:11, in the 28th minute. The halftime score was 18:12.

The second half saw a dramatic turnaround. Hungary tightened their defense and quickly reduced the deficit to -2, 22:20, by the 30th minute. Dejan Milosavljev continued to be the backbone of Serbia's defense, and Dragan Pešmalbek's consistent scoring helped Serbia maintain a maximum lead of +7, 29:22, in the 48th minute. However, Hungary mounted a strong comeback, and the score was 30:27 in the 52nd minute. Hungary managed to reduce the gap to 30:28 in the 56th minute, thanks to Gergo Fazekaš.

The final score was 31:29, and it can be said that Serbia missed an opportunity for a more decisive victory before the return match in three days.

Dragan Pešmalbek was the top scorer for Serbia with eight goals, while Darko Đukić added seven. For Hungary, Bence Imre scored seven goals, and Gergo Fazekaš added five. Dejan Milosavljev was exceptional in goal, recording 11 saves.

The return leg will be crucial for both teams to secure a spot in the World Championship.