Both the men’s and women’s Handball competitions begin with a preliminary phase: the 12 teams in each event are divided into two groups of six, and each team plays every other in their group. In this group phase, teams receive two points for a win, one for a draw and nothing for a loss.
At the end of the group phase the four best teams in each group qualify for the knockout rounds, starting with the quarter-finals. The winners of the semi-finals eventually go head-to-head for the gold medal.
In the knockout matches only, if scores are tied at the end of the match, teams can play up to two periods of extra time, each consisting of two five-minute halves. If the scores are still tied, a 7m penalty shootout is held, with five shots per team. The match then goes to sudden death shots if necessary.
The Handball competition begins at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park. All semi-finals and finals, as well as the men’s quarter-finals, will be held at the Basketball Arena in the Olympic Park.
Find out more about men's and women's Handball competitions at the Olympic Games on the International Olympic Committee website.
