Both semi-finalists from Group I were determined on Friday, with one match to go in the main round, and now France and Spain, who have secured their progression, will fight for the top spot in the group.
Four other teams will play their last game at Poland/Sweden 2023 on Sunday, and each hopes to finish the tournament on a high.
France and Spain, who had reached the main round with the maximum of four points, added two more points in their opening matches in Group I. And if both European sides win again on Friday, they will seal their quarter-final berths ahead of their mutual encounter, which is scheduled for Sunday.
However, Slovenia, who have four points, also hope to go through, and their match with Spain should play a crucial role for both opponents.
Three best teams from Group A (Spain, Montenegro and Islamic Republic of Iran) and just as many from Group B (France, Slovenia and Poland) have progressed to the main round Group I, where they will fight for two quarter-final spots.
Islamic Republic of Iran, who opened the tournament with a win, hope to make another impressive performance against Montenegro, while Spain will be heavily favoured against Chile.
18:00 CET: Montenegro vs Islamic Republic of Iran
Iran's coach Veselin Vujovic will be in the spotlight in this match, as the experienced Montenegrin will face the national team of his home country.
Montenegro recorded their first preliminary group win at an IHF Men’s World Championship, handing Islamic Republic of Iran a three-goal defeat at the TAURON Arena in Krakow.
Two days ago, Iran made history with their first-ever preliminary group win too. Still, it was not to be for them on Saturday (14 January) as Iran coach Veselin Vujovic could not get the better of the country of his birth.