The 2001 World Men's Handball Championship took place in France from 23 January to 4 February 2001.

It was the 17th edition of the World Championship in team handball and the hosts won the championship.

The final match took place in the capital Paris.

The first four teams of each group qualify for the round of 16.

For places 9–16 the criterion was the number of points gained against the teams ranked first to fourth in the preliminary round in their group.