The Swiss national team welcomes the Czech Republic to Stadion Obere Au in Chur, Switzerland, on Saturday, October 10, for its opening game of the 2026–27 IFAF Men’s European Championship.
The Czech Republic is looking to build on an impressive fifth-place finish in 2025, while Switzerland attempts to end a decade-long European Championship victory drought.
Czech Republic aiming higher
The Czech Republic was one of the surprises of the previous championship cycle, rallying from seven points down in the fourth quarter to stun France before defeating Sweden and Denmark to finish fifth overall.
Head coach Martin Kocián now has his sights set on the Final Four.
The 45-man roster includes 21 players from the Prague Lions and nine from the Prague Black Panthers, including quarterback Amos Ferance.
Kocián has also assembled an experienced coaching staff, with new Paris Musketeers head coach James Brooks coordinating the defense and Shazzon Mumphrey directing the offense.
Swiss searching for a breakthrough
Switzerland faces a difficult assignment after losing to Italy and Denmark in the previous championship cycle.
Head coach Geoff Buffum understands the challenge.
“Switzerland has not won a game in this competition in ten years, so our expectations are realistic,” Buffum said.
Quarterback Loris Lenzlinger, No. 17, is listed as the starter on the official Swiss depth chart and starting lineup. He faces a formidable test against a Czech Republic defense directed by Brooks.
Plenty at stake
The Czech Republic defeated Switzerland in 2023 and enters Saturday as the favorite.
For the visitors, victory would represent another step toward the Final Four. For the hosts, an upset would mark a long-awaited breakthrough and give Swiss football a significant boost on the international stage.