Finland edged France 14-17 in the Lille suburb of Villeneuve d'Ascq on Sunday to join Sweden and Austria in the final stages of the 2024/25 IFAF U19 European Championships.

Both nations had already beaten Italy in Group A, so the Finnish victory sealed top spot in Group A. Sweden secured top spot in Group B and a place in the final group stages in September with a dramatic 23-22 win over Germany.

“An absolutely amazing match,” said Finland head coach Toni Uusitalo. “Despite a narrow roster, we managed to turn a close game into a victory. As expected, France was strong and challenged us very well with their physicality. However, our players rose to the challenge, and the team's mental resilience held up beautifully.”

Wide receiver Oskari Suoniemi  scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion for Finland, whose running back Tuana Bibani breached the end zone and kicker Seeti Korpi split the uprights with a field goal. Malick Djikalou and Tambo Sow each scored a touchdown for France.

Austria will join the round-robin tournament ranked #1, while the #2 team will be Sweden, last year’s silver medalists being the highest ranked nation from 2023 that qualifies as a group winner. Finland will be the #3 team ranked nation. The opening game in the bid to win the 2024/25 crown will see Finland take on Austria.

France will now host Denmark, while Italy visits Germany to set up final games that determine the fourth through seventh placings overall.

Group A Finland 2-0 France 1-1 Italy 0-2

May 11                               Italy 21 France 32 September 21                  Finland 36 Italy 16 November 10                   France 14 Finland 17 Group B Sweden                2-0 Germany             1-1 Denmark            0-2 March 30/31                    Sweden 38 Denmark 7 May 11                               Denmark 6 Germany 48 September 21                  Germany 22 Sweden 23

2025 Schedule (Dates and venues TBC)

Finland vs Austria Sweden vs Finland Austria vs Sweden The four teams that occupy the second and third places in groups A and B will meet to determine the final fourth through seventh placings. Game 1: France will host Denmark Game 2: Germany will host Italy Game 3: Winners of Game 1 vs winners of Game 2 Game 4: Runner-up of Game 1 vs runner-up of Game 2