The 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships begin this weekend when last year’s third place finisher Finland welcomes Germany to the Myyrmäen jalkapallostadion in Vantaa on Sunday, May 25, kickoff 2pm local time.

 Europe’s top four nations will again compete in a round robin format, but this time the first and second placed teams in the standings will qualify for the gold medal game in August 2026, with the third and fourth placed teams contesting the bronze medal. The 2023/24 silver medalist Great Britain takes on Finland on the weekend of August 23/24 then a week later Spain begins its anticipated championship defense away to Germany.

Finland is the continent’s most decorated nation having won the inaugural IFAF Women’s European Championships in 2015, a title they defended in 2019, while Germany won bronze in 2015. The last time the side met, Finland emerged as 20-7 winners.

Heading into the competition’s opening game, Finland head coach Samu Juppo hopes to have players who represent club teams internationally available for selection and is aware of the threat posed by his team’s opponent.

“Germany has a strong offense capable of making big plays, so we need to neutralize them defensively,” said Juppo. “Germany's defense is highly mobile, and especially last year against us, they played a strong passing defense. To secure a victory, we must play without mistakes. Last year's game highlighted the importance of turnovers in determining the outcome.”

Finland welcomes a new offensive coordinator in Anssi Viiru, who will bring fresh elements to the hosts’ attack and fine-tuned his offense during a preparatory camp in Kuortane in April.

“We managed to challenge our own defense effectively,” added Juppo. “I'm eagerly looking forward to strong results from the offense.

“Our defense is anchored, as always, by solid line play, which enables us to build a robust run defense. In the secondary and linebacker positions, we have some new players who I believe will step up with impressive performances.”

Germany held tryouts in March in Cologne, which were attended by more than 60 players from across the country. Those who impressed were invited to join established players at a pre-season camp where the squad selection was finalized. To prepare for Sunday’s game, two central training camps were held in May in Saarbrücken, and Bonn, where a squad of 55 players worked together.

Sebastian Ayernschmalz, head coach of the women’s national team, believes Germany can challenge for honors at the European Championships.

“This year is marked by change, and we had to restructure our squad accordingly,” he explained. “Alongside some new players, we expanded the coaching staff and improved further. With two preparation camps and a support program, we have been able to set very good foundations.

“We are optimistic that we have taken the right measures to prepare well for the upcoming championships and to meet our own high standards."

IFAF Women’s European Championships 2025/26 Schedule

(Venues and dates to be confirmed)

* For the Championship game and the third-place game, the hosting rights will be awarded to the team that played the fewest number of homes games in the round robin stage. If the two teams played the same number of home games in the round robin, then the home field rights will be given to the highest ranked team after the round robin.

Spain became the IFAF Women’s European champions for the first time in 2023/24 when a thrilling 21-16 victory over 2022 IFAF World Championships silver medalists Great Britain earned them a third straight victory. Considered underdogs as newcomers to the tournament, Spain beat Germany and defending two-time champions Finland and were the continent’s only unbeaten team at 3-0.

Great Britain beat Finland 21-14 to claim the silver medal over the Finns on a head-to-head tiebreaker, while Germany finished fourth overall.