Finland beats Spain to reach IFAF Women’s European Championship gold medal game

Finland claimed a place in the gold medal game of the 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships in tackle football with a 31-13 victory away to defending champion Spain. Their opponent for the final in August will be decided on Sunday when Great Britain hosts Germany.

Kuusinen leads Finland past Spain

Finland led 7-0 at halftime and after Spain leveled the contest early in the third quarter the two-time champions’ running back Tytti Kuusinen scored three rushing unanswered touchdowns to claim victory. Spain quarterback Victoria Valverde and receiver Paula Martínez Terol combined for two scores.

Finland strikes early

Finland led on the third play of the game as Kuusinen burst into the end zone from three yards out after Nea Törmänen had scrambled 43 yards to set up a first and goal situation. Annika Kyröläinen tagged on the extra point for an early 7-0 advantage.

Spain answers after halftime

Both defenses were on top and a promising Spanish drive ended with Martínez Terol agonizingly close to reeling in long passes. She did tie the score after the break with a 57-yard touchdown catch having raced beyond the secondary with Valverde patient in the pocket before passing downfield.

Finland pulls away in fourth quarter

Kuusinen’s second touchdown restored Finland’s lead and a Törmänen to Aino Joro pass added on the two-point conversion for a 15-7 advantage. Not until the fourth quarter did Finland really gain control when Kuusinen raced untouched to the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run for her hattrick and Törmänen’s keeper tagged on two more points.

Emilia Kemppi’s short scoring run and two-point conversion inside the two-minute warning put the result beyond doubt and Spain claimed a consolation touchdown as Valverde rolled out to the right to hit Martínez Terol in the end zone.

Standings

Finland 3-0
Germany 1-1
Spain 1-2
Great Britain 0-2

IFAF Women’s European Championships 2025/26 schedule

May 25, 2025: Finland 21, Germany 7
August 24, 2025: Finland 6, Great Britain 3 (OT)
August 31, 2025: Germany 22, Spain 7
October 18, 2025: Spain 26, Great Britain 22
May 30, 2026: Finland 31, Spain 13
May 31, 2026: Great Britain vs Germany
August 2026: Gold Medal Game
August 2026: Bronze Medal Game