The Easter weekend will be a time when nations either new to the IFAF U19 European Championships or less experienced in the established competition hope to spring a surprise on more illustrious opponents.
Returning Spain has defending champion Austria in their sights at home in Calatayud in Group A, while in Group C, newcomer Poland travels to take on the might of Finland and another debut nation Hungary faces three-time U19s winner Germany.
Germany has conceded home field advantage to visit Hungary who hope to upset the odds on their own patch at Enthroners Field in Szekesfehervar.
“They’re a tough team to match up with and I’m positive that we’ll have to give our very best to be able to beat them on home turf,” said Hungary head coach László Pacuk. “My players and my coaching staff are motivated and have work hard to prepare for the game.
“I’m quite sure that the players will enter the field with the right mindset and will give their best to achieve a good result in Székesfehérvár. Even though we are considered as underdogs in this matchup, we’re seeking to secure a win against Europe’s finest.”
Germany’s storied history at the Under 19s level began as beaten finalists in the second tournament back in 1994 when the hosts lost to Finland. A bronze medal followed two years later then with home field advantage, Germany won the gold medal in 1998 and 2000.
Germany had to settle for three straight silver medals as Russia (2002) and France (2004, 2006) claimed the championship, then were crowned European champions for a third time in Spain in 2008, outlasting Sweden 9-6 in the searing heat of Sevilla. Austria has since dominated on the European stage and after a period away from competition, Germany finished in fourth place in 2024/25.
“We are very excited for the upcoming cycle of the IFAF European Championships,” said Germany head coach Peter Daletzki. “We will take it one step at a time with our focus set entirely on playing Hungary on Easter Saturday.
“Our team is ready to compete and we have a great group of players that will be heading into team camp for the full week prior to the game. Our standards are high and so are our goals. I am thankful for our staff dedicating their time to get our team where they need to be.”
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 Group A Spain vs Austria Group B Israel 1 Sweden 0 (Sweden forfeit) Group C Finland vs Poland Germany vs Hungary (hosted by Hungary), 3pm
May 9/10 Group A: Czechia vs Spain Group B: Italy vs Israel
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
Photo: AFVD
