Barça seeks its seventh world title against Veszprem in Egypt

This Thursday (8:00 p.m.) in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, Barça will seek its seventh world crown, the second in a row, against Veszprem, in the reissue of last year's final, and with the participation of former Barça player Emil Nielsen in doubt due to a stomach ailment.

The Danish goalkeeper, recognized by the European Handball Federation as the best goalkeeper of the last two seasons, did not play in the last match of the group stage, in which the Magyar team defeated Kuwaiti Burgan (44-19), in an inconsequential match for the Hungarians, already qualified for the final.

Nielsen suffers from a stomach ailment and fever, so his progress will determine whether he can be available. His absence would be a major setback for the team led by Xavi Pascual, since the Nordic player was decisive in last year's final, in which he made 27 saves to contribute to the victory of his then team, Barça.

A year ago, the Barça team regained the world throne six years after its last title, won in 2019, and gave Carlos Ortega his first international championship at the head of the Barcelona bench after dethroning Veszprem in a final resolved after two overtimes (30-31).

That duel fueled a rivalry that will experience a new chapter this Thursday. Both teams have reached the final undefeated and with full victories. Barça beat the Brazilian Pinheiros (33-44), the Egyptian Zamalek (39-29) and the Moroccan Montada Derb Sultan (51-15).

Veszprem, for its part, defeated the host Al Ahly in its debut (23-31), beat the current European runners-up, Füchse Berlin, thanks to a goal from Nedim Remili six seconds from the end (33-34), and closed the group stage with a resounding victory against Burgan (44-19).

The difference in level of some of their rivals has allowed Carlos Ortega to distribute minutes among the less common and dose efforts, so Barça will face the final in the best physical condition and with all its players available.

The Barça team, which has six titles, seeks to extend its advantage at the top of the competition's record, in which Magdeburg appears as the second most successful team, with three. Veszprem, champion in 2024, aspires to win its second Club World Cup.