The U18 World Championships in Reiden reached their sporting climax with two top-class finals. In the men’s competition, Germany were crowned world champions, whilst Austria secured the title in the women’s competition. The two gold medals thus went to the major fistball nations, Germany and Austria.
Germany wins the U18 Men’s World Championship title
The final turned out to be a closely contested match. Germany won the first set 11–9 and also narrowly took the second set 12–10. Austria closed the gap with an 11–6 win in the third set, before Germany won the fourth set 13–11 to seal a 3–1 victory.
Germany thus secured the world title. Austria won the silver medal. In the bronze medal match, Brazil comfortably beat Switzerland 3–0. The Swiss U18 team therefore finished the World Championship in fourth place.
Austria’s U18 women’s team win gold
In the U18 women’s competition, the final was also between Austria and Germany. Austria had previously defeated Brazil 3–1 in the semi-final. Germany reached the final following a clear 3–0 victory over Switzerland.
In the final, Austria put in a convincing performance. Winning all three sets 11–7, 12–10 and 11–6, the Austrians secured the world title with a 3–0 victory. Germany were delighted to take the silver medal.
Switzerland also ended the tournament with a medal. In the dramatic bronze medal match, the Swiss women initially found themselves 0–2 down against Brazil. The team then staged an impressive comeback, winning the next three sets. With a 3–2 victory and a decisive 14–12 win in the fifth set, Switzerland secured the bronze medal.
Two world champions and strong performances from the Swiss
The U18 World Championships thus concluded with gold for Germany in the men’s competition and gold for Austria in the women’s. Germany also won silver in the women’s competition, whilst Austria took silver in the men’s.
The Swiss teams also put in strong performances. The women secured third place following an emotional bronze medal match. The men also reached the bronze medal match and finished the tournament in fourth place.
Medal winners at the 2026 U18 Word Championships
U18 Men: Germany ahead of Austria and Brazil
U18 Women: Austria ahead of Germany and Switzerland