SUPERB SLOVAKIA DOMINANT ON DAY ONE
The highly anticipated EMF Euro 2026 Minifootball Championship officially got underway today, transforming Bratislava into the capital of European minifootball. Returning to the city where the tournament’s history began with its inaugural edition in 2010, this year’s championship kicked off with an unforgettable opening day marked by a stunning ceremony, packed crowds, and high-intensity action at the TIPOS Aréna.
The tournament ceremony started with a spectacular Grand Opening show featuring Slovak pop diva Dara Rolins and skiing superstar Petra Vlhová, setting an energetic tone for a thrilling week of elite sport. Transformed from a historic ice hockey venue into a state-of-the-art minifootball cathedral, the 10,000-seat arena provided an electric backdrop as Europe’s best national teams began their quest for continental glory.
Perfect Start for the Hosts
The marquee matchup of Day 1 of the evening matches saw the host nation, Slovakia, make their tournament debut in front of a roaring, passionate home crowd. In a tightly contested Group A battle, Slovakia put on a strong performance to secure a vital 3-1 victory over Greece, sending the home fans into a frenzy and setting a perfect foundation for their championship campaign.
Group A action wrapped up late into the evening with a fierce Balkan derby between Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. In a highly tactical and physical encounter, neither side could find a definitive edge, resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw that leaves the race for the knockout spots wide open.
Bulgaria v Israel and Montenegro v Bosnia both ended all square in very tight encounters, the two games finished 1-1 and left all four teams unbeaten in their respective groups.
In the other game of the night, defending champions, Serbia, fought off a spirited Turkish side who were holding on for a point until late in the game, before the Serbians snatched victory.
Day two will see most teams progress or head home, for some their fate will still hang in the balance regardless of their result, so make sure you tune in to watch all the action on what promises to be a dramatic day of Minifootball.