World Handball Championship 2027 final may be played on a glass LED court in Cologne

Organizers of the 2027 IHF World Men's Handball Championship in Germany are exploring a striking technical innovation for the tournament final: a transparent glass playing surface fitted with embedded LED lighting that can turn the court into a giant digital screen. The proposal centers on staging the championship match in Cologne on a floor that displays dynamic images beneath the players' feet.

How the system would work

The concept relies on millions of LEDs installed under a glass layer. Those lights can project team crests, sponsor advertising, live statistics, animated sequences and broad lighting effects directly onto the playing surface while a match unfolds.

The technology has already drawn attention after being used during the German Cup final in Cologne, where organizers tested the visual possibilities and the operational procedures needed for a major event.

Mark Schober, president of the German Handball Federation, confirmed that the idea is real and said a final decision could come soon. At the same time, he and other organizers acknowledge unresolved questions about cost, logistics and access to the necessary equipment.

The 2027 World Championship will take place in Germany with the final scheduled for Cologne. If the glass LED court goes ahead, the match could become notable not only for the sport but for an unprecedented audiovisual stage that surrounds it.

Officials must still weigh technical reliability, player safety and broadcast requirements before approving what would be a major change to how high-level handball finals are presented.

Photo: press material from the event