TEHRAN – Slovenia defeated Iran 38-21 in Group I of the 2023 International Handball Federation (IHF) World Handball Championship on Wednesday.

Iran had previously defeated Chile 25-24 and lost to Montenegro 34-31, and Spain 35-22 in Group A.

Veselin Vujovic’s men are drawn in the group I along with France, Slovenia, Montenegro, Poland and Spain.

Team Melli will play France and Poland on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

Iran’s chances of progression to the quarter-finals are virtually zero now, even if they win the next two games against France and Poland.

The 28th edition of the IHF Men’s World Championship is being held in Poland and Sweden from Jan. 11 to 29.

Denmark are the two-time defending World Champions, having won the 2019 and 2021 edition.

The winners will seal an automatic spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.