IFAF showcases the future stars of tackle and flag football

IFAF | American Football | 12/22/2025

IFAF is counting down to 2026 by highlighting some of the memorable moments in international American football from the past twelve months.

Kicking off the look back at 2025, IFAF celebrates numerous standout performances from the world’s youth players in tackle and flag football.

In U19 tackle football Austria followed a bronze medal success at the 2024 IFAF U20 World Junior Championships in Canada by defending its European title for a third time in succession.

Austria was pushed all the way by a determined Swedish team in a thrilling title decider but eventually emerged as 34-31 winner.

Unbeaten on European soil since 2001, Austria trailed 28-24 in the fourth quarter having squandered a 17-point lead as Sweden capitalized on five turnovers. Sweden tied the game at 31-31 just before the two-minute warning, but home kicker Elija Heiss nailed a 43-yard field goal to secure victory and finally break a spirited Swedish challenge. It was a fitting end to a thrilling contest.

With Sweden settling for the silver medal, Finland claimed Europe’s bronze medal, while a resurgent Germany took fourth place with a stunning 88-0 win in Denmark. Sixth spot in the European standings went to Italy as they defeated Czechia 13-6.

In flag football, four nations – Austria, Egypt, Panama and China – hosted IFAF successful youth tournaments during 2025.

Austria welcomed 31 teams from 12 nations and more than 350 youth athletes to the Sportanlage Wiesengasse in the Tyrolean capital for the 2025 IFAF European Youth Flag Football Championships in September.