The road to the next generation of fistball’s global stars has officially begun. The International Fistball Association (IFA) has opened team registration for the 2026 Fistball U18 Men’s & Women’s World Championships, which will take place from 23 to 26 July 2026 in Reiden, Switzerland.
For the first time in history, Switzerland will host the U18 World Championships – and the event comes with an added highlight: the tournament will be played in parallel with the Women’s European Championship (24–25 July). This combination promises an unforgettable weekend of international fistball at the highest level.
IFA President Gastao Englert highlighted the significance of the tournament for young athletes:
“We hope for the participation of numerous national teams. For many, this U18 World Championship will be their first major international event. It will be a unique experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to accompanying many of these young athletes on their future careers.”
First U18WC in Switzerland
The event will be staged at the Sportanlage Kleinfeld in Reiden, with STV Vordemwald taking the lead in local organization. With three match courts and additional training facilities available, the venue is well-prepared to host athletes and fans from around the world.
Sönke Spille, IFA Head of Events, emphasized the importance of the upcoming championships:
“After the successful hosting of the U18 World Championships in Llanquihue 2024, we are excited to welcome the world’s best U18 teams back to Europe. Switzerland will, for the first time in history, serve as host of a U18 World Championship. The organizers began planning two years ago and are highly motivated. Many things are already in progress.”
All IFA member federations are invited to register one men’s and one women’s U18 team for the World Championships. Eligible players must be born in 2008 or later. At the most recent U18 World Championships in Llanquihue, Chile, a total of 14 teams competed on the global stage. Eight national teams took part in the men’s competition, while six teams battled in the women’s competition. The titles were won by Germany (U18 men) and Austria (U18 women).
