Reigning champion Spain takes on Great Britain in the final round robin game of the year in the 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships at the Campo de fútbol Municipal “Oroel” in Jaca on Saturday, kickoff 5pm CET.
With all teams still in contention for next summer’s gold medal game, both the hosts and visitors look to bounce back from opening game defeats. Back in August, Spain lost 22-7 on the road to Germany while Great Britain slipped 6-3 in overtime at home to Finland.
“After the loss to Germany, we know exactly where we stand — and what’s at stake,” says Spain head coach Manuel Ibáñez. “This game is everything for us. It’s the kind of game that defines whether you continue dreaming about the European final or go home empty-handed. There’s no middle ground. It’s a must-win.
“We’re coming into this week with full awareness of that reality, and that’s why we’ll spend the next several days working harder than ever. Every meeting, every rep, every drill — it all matters. This group of women will prepare with absolute focus and determination, because they know what this jersey represents.”
In their loss to Finland, Great Britain took a 3-0 overtime lead, but quarterback Pia Konsonen handed off three times for teenage running back Tytti Kuusinen to earn gains to the GB five-yard mark. She then took the ball to within a yard of the end zone before powering up the middle for the winning touchdown.
Now Great Britain aims to bounce back and recapture the form that earned them the silver medal at the 2023/24 championships.
“The whole team is excited for the opportunity to compete again this weekend, especially against the reigning champions in Spain,” said interim head coach Matt Gawne. “Our mantra is always to focus on the process, and all three phases have been working hard to continue to build this program. We’re looking forward to a fast, physical showcase on Saturday.”
Spain became the IFAF Women’s European champions for the first time in 2023/24 when a thrilling 21-16 victory over 2022 IFAF World Championships silver medalists Great Britain earned them a third straight victory. Considered underdogs as newcomers to the tournament, Spain was the continent’s only unbeaten team at 3-0.
“We have an incredible group of players,” said coach Ibáñez. “Many are young, part of a new generation in Spanish tackle football, stepping up at a time of big transition. We’re going through a rebuilding cycle, not just in terms of playbook or structure, but in identity and leadership too. And despite that, or maybe because of it, they’ve shown amazing resilience, maturity, and passion.”
The tournament resumes in May 2026 when Great Britain hosts Germany (1-1) and Spain looks to inflict a first defeat on Finland (2-0). The gold and bronze medal games will be played in August 2026.
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2025/26
| Date | Home Team | Away Team |
| May 25, 2025 | Finland 21 | Germany 7 |
| August 24, 2025 | Great Britain 3 | Finland 6 (OT) |
| August 31, 2025 | Germany 22 | Spain 7 |
| 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 | |
Standings:
Finland 2-0
Germany 1-1
Great Britain 0-1
Spain 0-1
