The opening weekend of the IFAF U19 European Championships features three established nations with winning pedigrees taking on newcomers to the continental junior scene with Poland’s visit to Finland among the most daunting.
Spain and Hungary both hold home field advantage against reigning champion Austria and a resurgent Germany respectfully. The Poles, making a first foray into unchartered waters, head to the MUP-Stadion in Vantaa to face a Finland team aiming to improve on bronze medal finishes at the past two championships, kickoff 2pm local time.
Finland’s proud history includes a run of three successive European championships when the competition was first introduced, with wins in 1992, 1994 and 1996. That inaugural tournament held in France saw Finland beat the hosts 16-7, then two years later it was again the home nation, this time Germany, that was beaten 37-16. The Germans played host again in 1996 where Finland beat Sweden 24-7 to cap an impressive triple triumph.
In 1998 Finland won bronze then finished fourth in 2000. Not until 2023 were they back among the medals, beating Denmark 28-22 and two years ago they finished third in the playoff finals group featuring Austria and Sweden, narrowly losing in overtime to Sweden.
The 2026/27 campaign provides an opportunity to return to the summit of the IFAF European Championships with familiar foes Austria and Sweden again likely to lie in wait. But first come Group C games against Germany, Hungary and Poland.
“Poland is a new team and there is little information about their playing style,” explained Finland assistant head coach J-P Kuusisto. “I expect physical and tough game.
“Due to the scarcity of scouting information, the focus in our preparation has been on developing our own game, and we have not started guessing what the opponent will do. Our team is good at adapting to different opponents, so we will continue our preparation with this perspective.”
IFAF U19 European Championships
Group A: Austria (1 seed), Czechia (6), Spain (7) Group B: Sweden (2), Italy (5), Israel (8) Group C: Finland (3), Germany (4), Hungary (9), Poland (10) * The serpentine method was used to determine groups based on 2024/25 finish and nations that did not enter in 2024/25 were drawn into random ranking spots.
IFAF U19 European Championships Schedule
Saturday, April 4
All kickoff times local Group A Spain vs Austria, 5pm Municipal Football Field, Calatayud, Zaragoza, Group B Israel 1 Sweden 0 (Sweden forfeit) Group C Finland vs Poland, 2pm MUP-Stadion, Vantaa Germany vs Hungary (hosted by Hungary), 3pm Enthroners Field, Szekesfehervar,
Saturday, May 10 All kickoff times local Group A Czechia vs Spain, 1pm UNYP Arena, Libeň Group B Italy vs Israel, 2pm Firenze
September 19/20 Group A: Austria vs Czechia Group B: Sweden vs Italy Group C: Winner vs Winner / Loser vs Loser
2027
March 27/28/29 Group 1-3: C1 vs A1 Group 4-6: A2 vs C2 Group 7-10: SF1 / SF2
May 8/9 Group 1-3: B1 vs C1 Group 4-6: B2 vs A2
September 18/19 Group 1-3: A1 vs B1 Group 4-6: C2 vs B2 Group 7-10: 7th-8th Place / 9th-10th Place
