The host nation secured their fifth world title when the event was staged in Qatar during 2015, but will now target success in front of a home crowd.

Their Group A match with Brazil will officially begin proceedings at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris.

No other games will be played on day one.

A show will take place before the game featuring DJ Feder, who composed the official World Championship soundtrack "Lordly".

"This World Championship is sure to be a landmark event in the history of handball," said International Handball Federation President Hassan Moustafa. 

"We are at the end of a marathon, started five years ago when we assigned the event to France.

"We expect it to be the best ever World Championship."

France will also face the challenge of Japan, Norway, Poland and Russia in Group A of the competition, with the top four advancing to the round of 16.

Group B comprises of Angola, Iceland, Macedonia, Tunisia, Slovenia and Spain, while Belarus, Chile, Croatia, Germany, Hungary and Saudi Arabia make up Group C.

The Olympic champions Denmark will face the challenge of the 2015 World Championship silver medallists Qatar in Group D.

They will also meet Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt and Sweden.

Eight venues will be used in France for the Championships, which will take place from January 11 to 29.

Handball referees will be directly involved for the first time in a new system of video replay technology at the tournament.

As well as being consulted directly over decisions, referees will have access to footage relating to incidents that have taken place outside their field of vision.