U18 World Championships and Women's European Championship: Reiden to become the center of the Fistball world for one week
From 23 to 26 July 2026, the international fistball community will turn its attention to Reiden, Switzerland. The Kleinfeld sports complex will host three major international championships: the IFA U18 Women’s and Men’s World Championships as well as the EFA Women’s European Championship. A total of 20 national teams from five continents will compete for world and European titles, making the Canton of Lucerne the center of international fistball for four days.
STV Vordemwald brings an International Fistball Festival to Reiden
The opening day is fast approaching and excitement is building. The organising committee, led by President Luca Flückiger, together with its many volunteers, has entered the final phase of preparations for this international highlight. Over the past months, the organising club has worked meticulously to deliver a world-class event. Three competition fields, spectator stands, an extensive side programme including a festival tent, and a free livestream from the two main courts will provide excellent conditions for teams, fans and visitors alike.
The U18 World Championships will get underway on Thursday with a Kids Day, featuring free admission for all spectators. From Friday onwards, the Women’s European Championship will also begin. The Women’s European Championship Final is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 p.m., while the U18 World Championship medal matches will take place on Sunday from 12:45 p.m. In addition to top-class fistball, visitors can look forward to a varied entertainment programme with food, drinks and evening festivities throughout the event.
International Youth Compete for World Championship Glory
Seven men’s teams and eight women’s teams will battle over four days to determine the world’s best U18 national teams. In the U18 Women’s World Championship, defending champions Austria will face Germany, hosts Switzerland, and Brazil in the Gold Group. The Silver Group features Chile, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, who will compete for places in the quarter-finals. Following the preliminary round on Thursday and Friday, the quarter-finals will be played on Saturday, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals.
In the U18 Men’s World Championship, the line-up was adjusted at short notice following the withdrawal of Kenya and India. Seven nations will now compete for the world title. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, with every team facing each opponent once before the top four qualify for the semi-finals. Alongside defending champions Germany, the participating teams are Austria, hosts Switzerland, Brazil, Chile, Namibia, and World Championship debutants New Zealand. The preliminary round concludes on Saturday morning, followed immediately by the semi-finals.