Few people predicted before Euro Flag 2025 that Slovenia would be among the six nations to qualify for the women’s tournament at IFAF World Flag this summer.
Unranked heading into the Euros having not participated in previous IFAF international tournaments, Slovenia beat Switzerland, Israel and the Netherlands to finish second behind Austria in the group stages. Great Britain proved too strong in a 51-14 quarterfinals defeat, but a 19-13 win over Italy secured a place in the game for fifth place and qualification for Düsseldorf. A loss in that game to Germany failed to dampen any celebrations that Dežela was heading to the IFAF World Championships.
Slovenia won the U15 Girls tournament at the IFAF Youth Flag Football Europea Championships in Grossetto, Italy, in 2021 and four members of that squad are now with the women’s national team.
In Opposition in Düsseldorf
Group A will take no prisoners and as the lowest ranked team in the tournament at 33rd in the world, Slovenia will face world number one Mexico and will again come up against fellow Europeans Italy and Germany.
Mexico will be in opposition for the first time, while revenge for that 48-12 Euros loss to Germany will be a priority, as will a repeat of last year’s win over Italy.
Players to Watch
Astrid Kuheij, defensive back / wide receiver
IFAF World Championships Pedigree
Slovenia steps onto the world stage for the first time.
The Coach
Head coach Karsten Opraus also directs the fortunes of the Domžale Tigers club team who at the Euros last year provided all but one of the players on the national team roster. Oparus is the quarterback for the Velenje Black Miners and was named the Slovenian Flag Football League MVP in 2025.
In Preparation
The benefit of having the majority of players selected from one club team is that the Slovenia squad has been training and playing together consistently during the buildup to World Flag 2026.
Photo: Slovenian American Football Association
