Germany beats Great Britain 26-6, sets up IFAF Women’s European Championship Final against Finland

Germany punches its ticket to the final

Germany earned the right to face Finland for the gold medal in the 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships in tackle football with a 26-6 victory away to Great Britain on Sunday as running back Stella Martin-Zörlaut scored two touchdowns.

Finland had claimed their place in the final the previous day with a 31-13 road win against defending champion Spain as the two-time champions’ running back Tytti Kuusinen scored three rushing touchdowns.

Martin-Zörlaut sparks the offense

Martin-Zörlaut powered four yards up the middle for a second quarter touchdown to open a 6-0 lead having converted a key fourth down catch to set up Germany’s opening score. As time ticked down on the first half, quarterback Lena Burg lofted a 22-yard pass on fourth and six to find Jule Hollerbaum in the end zone to double Germany’s lead.

Jennifer Gerndt tagged on the extra point having seen her prior effort sail wide to open a 13-0 interval lead.

Germany takes control after halftime

After Great Britain went three and out to open the second half, Germany was merciless in reply and scored on the first possession of the second half. Burg and Jacqueline Kuchenbecker connected for a 31-yard gain that would have gone for a touchdown but for a timely tackle by Chloe Southard.

Martin-Zörlaut edged the visitors close to the end zone on the ground to set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from Burg to Insa Madita Schachner for a 20-point lead.

Defense seals the victory

After a trade of interceptions, Martin-Zörlaut reeled off a big gain down the left sideline to the home six-yard mark and after the Great Britain defense had twice denied running back Caroline Jankowski, Martin-Zörlaut breached the end zone again for a 26-0 lead.

Great Britain avoided a shutout with a 54-yard touchdown as Rachael Tumelty lofted a pass to wide open receiver Tuva Thorsen Strøm who won the footrace to the end zone.

Final standings

Finland 3-0

Germany 2-1

Spain 1-2

Great Britain 0-3

Results

First round

May 25, 2025: Finland 21, Germany 7

Second round

August 24, 2025: Finland 6, Great Britain 3 (OT)
August 31, 2025: Germany 22, Spain 7

Third round

October 18, 2025: Spain 26, Great Britain 22

Fourth round

May 30, 2026: Finland 31, Spain 13
May 31, 2026: Germany 26, Great Britain 6

Medal games ahead

August 2026: Gold Medal Game: Finland vs Germany *
August 2026: Bronze Medal Game: Spain vs Great Britain *

Venue TBC