Football Europe

Switzerland began its IFAF European Championship 2026/27 campaign with an 11–9 home win over the Czech Republic on October 10, 2026, at Stadion Obere Au in Chur. The Swiss American Football Federation (SAFV) reported that the hosts built an 11–0 lead before the Czech team rallied in the second half. Interceptions by Benaya Alerini and Timo von Bodungen ended the visitors’ final two drives and protected the lead. Quarterback Loris Lenzlinger connected with Thomas Gfeller on a long pass to set up Nils Jonkmans’s field goal for a 3–0 Swiss lead. Lenzlinger later found Gfeller in the end zone. After a failed extra-point attempt, Switzerland converted a two-point try to make it 11–0. The Czech Republic cut the deficit to 11–3 with a field goal before halftime. Rain after the break made attacking play more difficult, according to the SAFV account. A Swiss field-goal attempt hit the post, leaving the score unchanged. In the fourth quarter, the Czech Republic scored a touchdown after intercepting a Swiss pass, but its two-point conversion failed. Switzerland remained ahead 11–9, and the late interceptions by Alerini and von Bodungen stopped the visitors’ final possessions. The SAFV said Switzerland was due to play its second Group D game against Denmark in Vejle on October 17, 2026. The federation also thanked the Calanda Broncos for organizing the home game and acknowledged the volunteers, partners and fans who supported the event. The match report was published by the Swiss American Football Federation, which cited a game account by Manuel Aeberli on endzone.ch and said facts were also checked against GRHeute and the IFAF.