Bratislava, October 8, 2025 (SZMF) – The Slovak Minifootball Association has successfully secured the right to host the EMF Euro 2026 tournament. The European Minifootball Federation has once again entrusted Slovakia with the honor of organizing the European Championship — four years after the country last hosted it.
The continental championship will take place from May 27 to June 4, 2026, at the TIPOS Arena in Bratislava. Slovakia last hosted the European Minifootball Championship in 2022, when the tournament was held at Košice’s Steel Arena as a replacement for the canceled 2020 edition due to the pandemic. The Slovak national team finished in fifth place on that occasion.
This time, the championship returns to the capital city, which offers convenient air and road connections and — through the support of city authorities — has reaffirmed its strong backing of the SZMF’s initiative.
“Today marks exactly 230 days until the start of next year’s most significant senior sporting event in Slovakia, and I am delighted that our Slovak Minifootball Association will be its organizer,” said Peter Králik, President of SZMF and EMF, during Wednesday’s press conference.
“The unofficial first edition of the European Championship took place here in Bratislava back in 2010, and in the nearly 16 years since, minifootball has skyrocketed not only in Slovakia but across Europe and the world. Figuratively speaking: minifootball is no longer small,” added Králik.
He further noted that up to 80 million viewers across Europe will be able to watch the tournament on TV, while the global reach, including online broadcasting of Euro 2024, reached 2.2 billion users.
“It will be great publicity for Bratislava and for Slovakia as a whole,” Králik emphasized.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak stated: “We are truly honored to take patronage of this event and to support it financially, personally, and through the media. It is absolutely vital that we do not betray this trust and that we demonstrate our organizational competence and capability.”
Cem Durul, EMF Director of Global Events and Executive Committee member, explained why Slovakia’s bid prevailed: “We had to choose between two strong candidates, and it was a difficult decision. What stood out about Slovakia was the determination, motivation, and energy radiating from its proposal. We also valued the organizers’ experience — proven recently in Košice. We were excited by Bratislava’s vision, including plans to fill the 10,000-seat arena even before the championship starts — a dream scenario for minifootball.”
Shortly before the European Championship, the arena will host the national youth finals. “We are ready to fill the arena even before the opening match of the Euro, working with elementary and secondary school students. We believe it will be an unforgettable experience,” said Králik.
Durul agreed: “The children’s event ahead of the championship is a great idea. It will perfectly embody the spirit of minifootball and carry it into the main tournament. It’s crucial that children experience this unique atmosphere.”
Minister Huliak added: “Seeing joyful children’s faces during sports is the greatest reward. We need to get kids away from their phones, and for that reason alone, the European Minifootball Championship deserves full support — even in times of fiscal consolidation.”
Lenka Antalová Plavuchová, Deputy Mayor of Bratislava for Sports, highlighted another benefit: “It’s great that we can use the Ondrej Nepela Ice Stadium outside of the hockey season. The venue is like a chameleon — easily adaptable for other sports such as handball or table tennis. We want to show all visitors that Bratislava is a friendly and safe city where they can enjoy top-level sporting competition.”
Slovak national team captain Jaroslav Repa said: “Our motivation will be enormous. Although I have mixed memories of the 2022 Euro in Košice due to an injury, I still remember how amazing that championship was. I believe this one will be successful for us, and my teammates and I will give everything for the best possible result.”
Bratislava and Torino, Italy, were the main contenders for hosting EMF Euro 2026. After evaluating both bids, the EMF Executive Committee decided the tournament would once again take place in Slovakia — a decision officially announced at Wednesday’s press conference.
Bratislava was also the host of the very first European Minifootball Championship in 2010, back when the event was still in its pilot stage. Thus, after 16 years, the championship returns to where its tradition began. Slovakia won the silver medal in that inaugural edition.
The 2026 European Championship will feature 24 national teams, divided into six groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
Ticket presales will begin by the end of this year, while the first training camp for the Slovak national team is scheduled for December 2025. The group stage draw will take place in late February 2026, with Slovakia seeded in the top pot as the host nation.
The previous European Minifootball Championship (2024) was held in Sarajevo, where Serbia won gold, Romania silver, and Kazakhstan bronze. Slovakia finished ninth, losing to Belgium in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
At this year’s World Championship in Baku, Slovakia did not advance beyond the group stage despite having beaten both eventual finalists, Azerbaijan and Hungary, during preparations.
This will make their motivation even stronger at next year’s home European Championship, played in front of a passionate fan base. In Bratislava alone, there are over 3,500 active minifootball players in 160 clubs, and the SZMF has 22,655 registered members nationwide.
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EMF Euro 2026 Logo — A Modern Tribute to Tradition, Craft, and Cultural Heritage
The EMF Euro 2026 logo was created by JB Media, a creative studio known for designing visual identities for many prestigious sports projects in Slovakia and abroad — including the IIHF Hall of Fame, the Slovak Hockey Extraliga, and farewell events such as Goodbye Game 81 (Marián Hossa) and Punto 17 (Marek Hamšík).
The Story Behind the Logo
The championship logo embodies the essence of Slovakia, transforming it into a symbol that is both modern and deeply rooted in national culture. Its foundation is the football — a universal emblem of the game that unites countries and people across the continent. On its surface are elements reflecting Slovakia’s identity, giving the logo a unique story.
Čičmany Pattern
The mosaic of the ball features a pattern inspired by the painted ornaments from the village of Čičmany — a tribute to Slovakia’s tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, authentic and timeless like the game of football itself.
Heart of Europe
At the center beats a red heart, symbolizing Slovakia’s place as the heart of Europe and expressing the openness, hospitality, and passion with which the country will welcome football teams and fans from across the continent.
The Tatras – Symbol of Strength and Courage
The majestic Tatra Mountains represent endurance and strength, reminding us that football is not only about talent but also about courage and the will to overcome challenges and reach the top.
The Danube – A River That Connects
The waves and flow motif symbolize water — the rivers that shape the land and connect its regions. The Danube, Slovakia’s greatest river, represents connection, movement, and life — the lifeblood of Europe, just as football brings emotion and dynamism.
Slovakia – The Host
Every detail within the ball tells Slovakia’s story — a country that blends tradition with modern spirit, natural beauty with sporting energy, and folklore with passion for the game.
Minifootball and Europe
The composition as a whole reflects Europe’s diversity and unity through minifootball — a dynamic, fast, and emotional game that serves as a language without borders. Slovakia not only hosts the tournament but symbolically opens the door for a shared sporting experience across the continent.
