IFAF U19 Euros: Four games decide who moves on to the medal round

The 2026/27 IFAF U19 European Tackle Football Championships reach a pivotal weekend with Austria (1-0) hosting the Czech Republic (0-1), Sweden (0-1) welcoming Italy (1-0), Germany (1-0) facing Finland (1-0) and Hungary (0-1) taking on Poland (0-1) as the group stage comes down to its final four games.

Three group winners will advance to next year’s round-robin medal series, where the European championship will be decided. For several teams, the equation this weekend is simple: win and move on.

Italy (1-0) @ Sweden (0-1)

Italy heads to Bergshamra IP in Solna Saturday knowing a victory will lock up Group B.

The Italians opened their campaign with a 32-28 win over Israel, while Sweden’s scheduled opener against Israel was recorded as a 1-0 forfeit loss. That leaves the Swedes with everything still to play for at home.

A Sweden victory would throw the group into a three-way tie with Israel (1-1) and send the standings to the tiebreakers. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CET.

Finland (1-0) @ Germany (1-0)

There is no complicated math needed at Jahnstadion in Langenfeld, Germany.

Germany and Finland are both 1-0, and Saturday’s winner takes Group C and advances to the medal round.

The teams arrived here in very different ways. Finland had to grind out a 16-13 win over Poland, while Germany overwhelmed Hungary 79-7. Now those results disappear into the background. One game decides the group. Kickoff is 11 a.m. CET.

Poland (0-1) @ Hungary (0-1)

Later Saturday, Poland and Hungary meet at Székesfehérvár First Field in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, with both chasing their first victory.

Poland came within three points of Finland in its opener, while Hungary ran into a powerful Germany team. Neither can reach the medal group, but the winner will carry a victory into the next stage of the competition. Kickoff is 3 p.m. CET.

Czech Republic (0-1) @ Austria (1-0)

Defending champion Austria closes the weekend Sunday at Footballzentrum Ravelin in Vienna with a chance to punch its ticket to the medal round.

The Austrians opened with a 17-7 road victory over Spain. Czech Republic then fell 43-14 to the Spanish, leaving Austria in control of Group A.

An Austria victory wins the group outright. A Czech Republic upset would leave all three teams at 1-1 and bring point differential into play.

Kickoff is 1 p.m. CET, with Austria one win away from continuing its defense of the European U19 crown.

The games will be livestreamed. Look for full game previews and the livestream links here on AFI on game day.