Two-time European champion Finland opened the 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships with a 21-7 home victory over Germany at the Myyrmäen Jalkapallostadion in Vantaa.
Quarterback Lea Kaszas threw two touchdown passes in the win after team MVP Oona Saarinen’s interception had edged the hosts ahead on the first play of the second quarter.
Saarinen picked off German quarterback Julia Schlatow’s pass on third down and raced 48 yards for the opening touchdown and Annika Kyröläinen tagged on the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
After Germany punted away possession, Finland doubled the lead as Kaszas found Aino Joro with a five-yard scoring toss and Kyröläinen again split the uprights with the PAT.
As the visitors sought to put points on the board before halftime, Schlatow was intercepted over the middle by Evi Laajapuro who returned the ball to just outside the red zone where she was tackled by Caroline Jankowski with four seconds remaining on the clock.
On the final play of the first half Kaszas went over the middle with a pass to Suvi Partanen for a 23-yard touchdown that established a decisive 21-0 halftime lead.
Germany’s fourth quarter rally after Maha Baltes intercepted Kaszas saw three Jankowski rushes followed by Deborah Joachim’s screen pass to Stella Martin for a 17-yard touchdown before Jennifer Gerndt tagged on the extra point.
The competition resumes in August when Finland travels to Great Britain then defending champion Spain visits Germany a week later.
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2025/26 Schedule
| Date | Home Team | Away Team |
| May 25, 2025 | Finland 21 | Germany 7 |
| August 23/24, 2025 | Great Britain | Finland |
| August 30/31, 2025 | Germany | Spain |
| October 18, 2025 | Spain | Great Britain |
| May 30/31, 2026 | Great Britain | Germany |
| May 30/31, 2026 | Spain | Finland |
| August 2026 | Gold Medal Game | |
| August 2026 | Bronze Medal Game | |