The Italian Football League kicked off its season finale with the playoffs, the final step toward the Italian Bowl in early July. Six teams are taking to the field this hot June on the Road to Ferrara, which will determine the Italian American Football champion for the 2026 season. Four of these teams — Giaguari Torino, Dolphins Ancona, Frogs Legnano, and Aquile Ferrara — with Guelfi Firenze and Panthers Parma also looking ahead to next week's semifinals, took to the field this weekend to open the feast. Only two of these teams are continuing their journey, while the defeated teams will be left with some regrets for a season that could have gone better. Giaguari Torino vs. Aquile Ferrara: The Jaguars tear the Eagles to pieces The match between the third-place team at the end of the Regular Season, Giaguari Torino, and Aquile Ferrara, who narrowly qualified for the playoffs, seemed like a foregone conclusion. Giaguari, thanks in part to their excellent regular season results, secured third place in every tie against the Dolphins Ancona and one between the Parma Panthers and the Legnano Frogs. This secured a match against a more manageable opponent on paper, namely Aquile Ferrara. Ferrara had beaten Rhinos Milano on the final day after five consecutive losses, securing sixth place over the Lazio Marines, with whom they shared a 3-5 record. However, the Emilian team's Week 3 win put an end to any hesitation. The first half was dominated by the yellow and blacks, as expected. A 35-7 halftime victory felt like a job done for the home team against the Estense team, who have struggled against top-ranked teams this year. Giaguari kicked off with an initial offensive drive, scoring their first six points with a 5-yard run by Ethan Greenfield, one of the best runners in the 2026 IFL. The Special Teams team also showed off, recovering the ball on the ensuing kickoff. That fumble recovery led to the second touchdown of the game, by Cameron Colangelo, well found by Riccardo Duranti near the end zone. At the start of the second quarter, Tommaso Tenconi entered the end zone with a strong run to the goal line, but the Aquile responded immediately, coming on a long pass from Zack Wright to Tommaso Pozzebon, who brought home the Estense team's first points. Torino responded on their next drive with a 30-yard run from Italian QB Duranti, extending the score in his team's favor. Ferrara felt the impact and found themselves in serious trouble. After a punt on fourth down and 25 yards, Luciano Giuliani's kick return to the opposing team's halfway line set the stage for another touchdown by Greenfield, who found plenty of green in front of him and scored his second. The second half, with the score already sealed for the home team, saw the defense dominate. Very little scoring occurred, including a 36-yard field goal by Aquile’s kicker Alberto Barbaro with just seconds left in the third quarter and a reception in the end zone by Giaguari WR Luciano Giuliani, punctuated by an interception in the end zone by Paolo Lazzaretto on a long throw from Estense QB Kraft. The game ended 42-10 to the locals, who, after a long drought, returned to the top four in the league, while Ferrara completed a subdued and largely disappointing season. The offseason will serve the Emilians to get back on track, while Torino, who will face the Parma Panthers in the semifinals, continues its journey toward the Italian Bowl. P.S.: In 1991, the year of their last semifinal appearance, Giaguari Torino managed to go all the way, winning their first and only title. What if it happened again this year? Dolphins Ancona vs. Frogs Legnano: The Dolphins' Miracle Run Continues Both tied in the standings (5-3 at the end of the regular season), they were expected to face a truly evenly matched matchup, with the two teams coming from different positions in the standings. After a slow start, with two losses in their first two games, Ancona bounced back thanks in part to the rise of Cameren Grodhaus, one of the best import players the IFL has produced this year. Grodhaus took over a team struggling, partly due to injuries to two of their key players, dual-passport Henry Blackburn and american Carter Cravens. Cravens returned to the field in time for the playoffs and, alongside one of the best organizations in our league, led his team back to the big dance. Legnano, partly due to an unfavorable schedule in their last two games, where they faced both Guelfi and Panthers, has slumped significantly, and the two losses suffered in the final part of the season have significantly impacted their progress. From second place, they fell to fifth place due to the loss against Parma. Despite the black-and-silver team's strong season, two losses in their last two games forced them to make a trip to the Marche region. Unlike the game between the Giaguari and Aquile, whose outcome seemed already written, the game between the Dolphins and the Frogs was a true back-and-forth affair. The home team struck first, first with a one-yard QB run from QB Cravens, who, as previously mentioned, returned to the field after an injury-related absence, following a long offensive drive, and then with a TD from former Lions Bergamo Giovanni Zani for 73 yards, with the receiver standing ready on the other side of the rainbow. Despite the challenges of playing on the road, the Frogs were there. After a disappointing first quarter, Josh Taylor and Luke Caliendo reopened their partnership with a 23-yard touchdown pass into the end zone. The Dolphins responded immediately, with Raffaele Rotelli, starting at running back, completing the drive with a 10-yard run after a superb kick return, netting another six points. Toward the end of the first half, the Frogs completed a perfect two-minute drill, with Niccolò Pulsinelli ready in the corner of the end zone to score another touchdown. Unfortunately, both post-TD conversions were unsuccessful, so the score at halftime was 21-12. The second half opened with Legnano on offense, racking up yards and managing to score another touchdown on a Taylor-Caliendo connection, after the Ancona defense gave the American QB too much time, as he was agile in getting free and finding an open teammate. An American company on one side, an American company on the other. The Dolphins' response was immediate, coming from the Cravens-Grodhaus partnership, with the all-rounder from Ohio finding himself unmarked beyond the goal line. The second half was a back-and-forth between the two teams, evident when the Frogs scored again. This time, Andrea Postè crossed the goal line and, with the subsequent extra point, his first, put his team within three points of the opponents. The final quarter opened with another touchdown for Cameren Grodhaus, considered by experts to be the best import player of the year. It was the third touchdown of the game for the safety, who became a QB and WR during the season. The Frogs' night worsened on the next drive, when Taylor threw an arm punt to Junior De Jesus, a player of Brazilian origins but with extensive experience with Italian teams. It was the first interception of a breathtaking game. That interception led to Giovanni Zani's second touchdown of the day, a 66-yard surface-to-air missile that sealed a victory for the Dorics. Matteo Mozzanica scored an 8-yard touchdown reception to sweeten a bitter pill, with the two-point conversion failing. Matteo Dazzani's 37-yard field goal just before the two-minute warning sealed the game and Ancona's qualification for the semifinals. After a difficult start, the Dolphins managed to get back on their feet and repeat their feat, returning to the semifinals like last year, where they will face top-seeded Guelfi Firenze in a remake of the last Italian Bowl. Legnano, meanwhile, who had started the season very well and for long periods seemed to be the tournament's dark horse, exits the scene after a disappointing end to the season. Four teams remain in the Italian Football League ahead of the finals on July 4th. In addition to the Giaguari Torino and the Dolphins Ancona, who came through the Wild Card Round, the top two teams in the standings at the end of the Regular Season, Guelfi Firenze and Panthers Parma, finally take to the field. The undefeated team, at least in Italy, Guelfi Firenze took to the field during the break, losing 45-41 in a hard-fought match against the Thonon Black Panthers. This match was valid for the CEFL semifinal, which will once again see Italian teams without European titles. The game also served as a training ground for the penultimate game of the season, which will be a remake of the last Italian Bowl, as they will face the Dolphins Ancona. As during the Regular Season, when Guelfi managed to defeat the Dolphins 51-17 on May 2nd (Week 9), the match will be played at the Guelfi Sport Center. Will the result be overturned? Or rather, will we see a close matchup? On the other side of the bracket, the Parma Panthers, who qualified directly for the semifinals thanks to their 43-42 overtime home win over the Legnano Frogs on the final day, will face Giaguari Torino in a game that, on paper, is very evenly matched. During the Regular Season, the yellow-and-blacks conquered the black-and-silvers' home court 23-21 on May 10 (Week 10).

After three or four weeks of competition, both the EFA and the AFLE are beginning to leave a similar impression: there is still plenty of football to be played, of course, but perhaps not quite as much mystery as we would like. The top contenders have started to separate themselves, several hopefuls have taken heavy blows, and a few projects are still searching for a competitive identity before the season slips away from them. EFA: Munich Ravens and Nordic Storm Take Command The latest European Football Alliance weekend delivered a very clear message: right now, the Munich Ravens and Nordic Storm look a step ahead of everyone else. The Munich Ravens delivered the weekend’s biggest statement, beating the previously undefeated Paris Musketeers 41-7 on the road. Paris stayed competitive early, tying the game through special teams after a blocked punt and reaching halftime only 10-7 down. But Munich completely took over after the break. The Ravens’ defense pressured Zach Edwards, forced key turnovers and turned them into points, while Russell Tabor connected repeatedly with Malik Stanley Jr., who finished with three touchdowns. Christoph Nitzlnader’s two interceptions sealed what became a dominant win between two unbeaten teams. Nordic Storm were just as convincing in their 40-14 victory over the Prague Lions. Jadrian Clark managed the offense efficiently, with Roberto Miranda, Glen Toonga, Brendan Beaulieu and Simon Føns all punishing the Prague defense. By halftime, Nordic Storm led 33-0 and the result was already decided. Prague showed some character after the break, with Ken Hike Jr. returning an interception 85 yards for a touchdown and Jaylon Henderson adding a rushing score, but the Lions remain winless. Frankfurt Galaxy also earned a much-needed first win, beating Tirol Raiders 21-5 in Innsbruck. It was not spectacular, but Frankfurt’s defense controlled the game, constantly pressuring Steven Krajewski while Ethan Garbers contributed both on the ground and as a receiver on a trick-play touchdown. Frankfurt stays alive; Tirol, now 0-3, still lacks offensive answers. AFLE: Vienna Strikes First, Berlin Takes Off and the Rams Make History The AFLE produced a more emotional and open weekend, although its own hierarchy is also beginning to take shape. The game everyone had circled was Vienna Vikings against Rhein Fire, and the Vikings delivered a major statement with a 24-10 win. Vienna Vikings’ 24-10 win over Rhein Fire was not an offensive shootout, but a classic rivalry game built on defense, mistakes and hard-earned yards. Rhein Fire struck first and even intercepted Ben Holmes, but failed to capitalize. Vienna gradually took control behind Karri Pajarinen, who rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown, giving Holmes the balance he needed. Holmes added a touchdown pass to Bierbaumer and another score on the ground, sealing a meaningful win over a direct rival. Berlin Thunder also made a strong statement with a 45-12 victory over Firenze Red Lions. Jakeb Sullivan threw for 431 yards and five touchdowns, while Jon Cole delivered the performance of the week: 12 catches, 230 yards, four touchdowns and a new single-game receiving record. Firenze competed for stretches, but could not keep pace with Berlin’s explosive offense. Panthers Wroclaw survived a late scare in their 22-14 win over Paris Lights. Jameson Wang powered Wroclaw to a 22-0 lead with two rushing touchdowns and a passing score to Juan Flores-Calderon, but Paris fought back through Evan Hillock and Jens Walter to make it a one-possession game. Wroclaw held on; Paris kept its credibility. The weekend’s emotional highlight came in London, where Alpine Rams earned their first AFLE win, beating the London Warriors 23-20. London controlled the first half, but Seth Morgan and Kevin Kaya sparked the comeback, with Kaya posting six catches, 110 yards and a touchdown. Braden Price’s key interception helped seal a historic road victory. Is It Too Early to Talk About the Finals? Maybe Not The question is becoming uncomfortable: has the European season already lost some of its punch? Not because there are no good games left, but because some trends are appearing too soon. In the EFA, Munich Ravens and Nordic Storm look clearly ahead of the rest. Both are undefeated, both have won with authority, and both have already passed meaningful tests. Munich has beaten Raiders Tirol, Frankfurt Galaxy and Paris Musketeers. Nordic Storm has dominated Prague twice and gives off a sense of control that is hard to ignore. Paris and Frankfurt can still grow, but right now they look more like dangerous challengers than true final favorites. Tirol and Prague, meanwhile, need to react urgently. In the AFLE, the picture is slightly less closed, but Vienna Vikings have taken a huge step by beating Rhein Fire. Berlin Thunder, if the Sullivan-Cole connection continues at this level, can become the league’s great disruptor. Wroclaw has valuable wins, Paris Lights has shown character, and Rhein Fire still has enough talent to return to the conversation. Even so, the feeling is that Vienna is starting to occupy the role of team to beat. The problem for both competitions is obvious: if the favorites separate themselves this early, every week risks becoming more of a confirmation than a surprise. And European football needs exactly the opposite: uncertainty, living rivalries and the sense that anyone can break the script. There is still plenty of season ahead. There will be injuries, travel, adjustments and trap games. But after three or four weeks, one thing already seems clear: the finals are beginning to have candidates that are a little too recognizable. And for the neutral fan, that can be as impressive as it is worrying.

I don’t have a lot to say except that I know you guys missed my articles. I’m glad to be back and lets get right into it. 8. RAIDERS TYROL (0-8) It’s extremely disappointing to see such a historically good team be so bad this season. Their players are consistently putting up amazing numbers that get them on leaderboards, but that’s just not enough if the whole team is bad. 7. FEHERVAR ENTHRONERS (2-6) After two wins in a row, the Enthroners got their ass beaten by the Graz Giants, who were probably angry after losing to the Danube Dragons. Something needs to change if the Enthroners want to stay relevant. It’s somewhere between changing their imports to overhauling the team entirely. 6. SALZBURG DUCKS (2-6) I’m proud that the Ducks have at least two wins under their belt this season, but they really need to do something about that defense. The AFL punishes a team hard if their offense and defense isn’t balanced and the Ducks must have noticed that by now. I crack up when I see 11 men bounce of an import RB, but its also kinda sad. 5. VIENNA VIKINGS (4-4) I can’t even begin to imagine what could have happened to make such a dominant team so irrelevant. I remember being bored at Vikings games, because I knew how they would play out once I bought the ticket and now it seems that they lost the horse they wanted to be riding on (shout out to Head Coach Sobotka for that quote. It aged like milk). 4. GRAZ GIANTS (5-3) The Giants is a really unique and interesting team. They have a homegrown QB that they can’t use like the other teams with their fancy imports, so they rely on their Runningbacks and oh boy does it sometimes pay off. They were on a RUN in Week 5 and 6 (get it?) beating the Dragons and Vikings and it wasn't even close. But the week after that the Dragons punished them for taking their win streak, because Dragons HC Michael Hönig learns from his mistakes. 3. VIENNA KNIGHTS (6-2) It’s impressive that the Knights were able to fight on the same level as the titans of the league, but its obvious that its going to take a bit more until they will also be able to beat them. With the best QB in the league and a lot of motivation after coming up into the AFL, the Knights might still have a lot to offer. I just hope their vibes aren’t to down after their loss against the Dragons. 2. PRAGUE BLACK PANTHERS (6-2) The Black Panthers were always a dominant team and it shows. Except for their two blowout losses against the Dragons and the Vikings, they have been playing really good football and I’m excited to see what they have to offer in the following weeks. 1. DANUBE DRAGONS (7-1) The Danube Dragons still have the most impressive record in the league this season and after that one ugly and unnecessary loss, they are determined to keep going all the way to the finals, where its still not set in stone who they will go up against, but you can count on it that I will definitely be at that game.

1) Carlstad Crusaders (6-0) The Crusaders took care of business last week beating the Göteborg Giants 49-21 at home. With their two remaining regular season games being Örebro and Tyresö, we will see if the reigning champions can protect their flawless record against stiffer competition. 2) Tyresö Royal Crowns (5-1) Tyresö might currently have the most explosive group of Receivers in the entire league. The addition of Alpha Jalloh has done wonders to this Royal Crowns team that has now also added back former Wide Receiver of the Year, Kevin Börszei. Their matchup with Carlstad in Week 11 will show whether or not they’ll be able to compete for it all this year. 3) Stockholm Mean Machines (4-2) The Mean Machines are slowly working their way back into Sweden’s top teams. Even with a significantly decimated roster, they managed to travel down to Limhamn and snatch away another victory. If they can win out, they’ll be looking at a very successful bounceback season already. 4) Örebro Black Knights (4-2) Örebro is only in 4th place because of all the injuries they have obtained. This Black Knights team could hang with anyone if it only came down to talent, but it seems like they are yet to be fully healthy for an entire game. With their playoff berth being already secured, they can focus on getting healthy and then going for it all in the playoffs. 5) Göteborg Giants (2-4) Göteborg remains in their spot but had a pretty strong showing against the Crusaders. With games against Kristianstad Predators and Stockholm Mean Machines coming up, they can realistically look at finishing the season 3-5 which would honestly be considered a success for a team that’s in their first season back in Superserien. 6) Limhamn Griffins (2-4) Good game but no reward against the Mean Machines for Limhamn, who’s RB Dominik Kapas has a chance to eclipse 1.000 Yards this season and is a strong contender of “RB of the Year” (if the Crusaders’ De’Anta Sipp gets MVP instead). 7) Kristianstad Predators (1-5) The Predators beat AIK 28-21 to clinch their first win of the season. Though not pretty, one can be sure that Kristianstad will be electrified after their first taste of winning this year and going to be seeking revenge against a Limhamn team that beat them 14-13 in week 1. 8) AIK (0-6) AIK has a lot of talent on their roster but hasn’t really had the chance yet to maximise it. 3 different QB’s in a year already aren’t a sign of consistency either. But, if they can sort out the QB decision early in the offseason and build around the good players they already have and will have coming up, they could be on their way back into competitiveness sooner rather than later.

The 2026 European football season is no longer warming up. Both the AFLE and the EFA are already moving at full speed, and after another packed weekend of football, the early shape of both competitions is becoming clearer. Some teams are confirming their status as contenders, others are still searching for rhythm, and several teams that looked beaten have shown enough fight to suggest that this season will not be short on drama. AFLE Week 2: Vikings Stay Perfect as Thunder, Paris and Rhein Fire Move Forward Week 2 of the American Football League Europe delivered four games and a much clearer picture of a league beginning to find its identity. The headline matchup came in Wroclaw, where the Vienna Vikings remained unbeaten with a 43-23 win over the Panthers Wroclaw. The final score suggests control, but the game itself was far tighter than that. The Panthers had chances to shift the momentum early, including a fumble on their opening drive and another costly turnover at Vienna’s five-yard line. Against a team like the Vikings, those missed opportunities are brutal. Jameson Wang still produced a strong performance for Wroclaw, completing 32 of 43 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns, while Mike Harley Jr. continued to look like one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. But Vienna had the answers. Ben Holmes was sharp, Yannick Mayr turned explosive plays into touchdowns, and the Vikings’ defense made the decisive moments count. Benjamin Straight, in particular, set the tone with forced fumbles and relentless effort. Vienna were made to work for it, but good teams know how to survive difficult afternoons. Berlin Thunder also got their first win of the season, beating the Alpine Rams 24-14 in Switzerland. After a difficult Week 1, Berlin needed a response, and they got one. Jakeb Sullivan looked much more comfortable behind an improved offensive line, spreading the ball around and giving the Thunder a more balanced attack. The running game also took a step forward, with Kai Hunter and Tomiwa Oyewo helping Berlin find more rhythm on the ground. Still, the Thunder remain a difficult team to read. The win was important, but the penalty problem is becoming impossible to ignore. Berlin have been heavily flagged in both games, and while they survived it against the Rams, that kind of self-inflicted damage will be far harder to overcome against the league’s stronger teams. For the Alpine Rams, the loss was frustrating but not hopeless. Gabriel Cunningham’s mobility caused problems, and the Rams showed they have offensive weapons. The issue was discipline. Too many penalties turned promising moments into dead ends. If they clean that up, they will be a much tougher opponent than their record currently suggests. Elsewhere, the Paris Lights earned an important win over the Firenze Red Lions, with French running back Armand Soulerot standing out as one of the key figures of the weekend. Soulerot scored both on the ground and through the air, giving Paris a versatile weapon and helping quarterback Evan Hillock settle into European football. Rhein Fire, meanwhile, handled business against the London Warriors. Their defense looks strong, their kicking game has been reliable, and linebacker Marius Kensy delivered one of the standout defensive performances of the week, including a safety-producing tackle for loss and an interception. After two weeks, the AFLE already has clear storylines. Vienna look polished. Rhein Fire look dangerous. Paris are building. Berlin have talent but must find discipline. Wroclaw have firepower but need to finish drives. London, Firenze and the Alpine Rams are still looking for their first real statement. EFA Week 3: Ravens Hold Off Galaxy’s Fightback In the European Football Alliance, Week 3 was headlined by one of the most entertaining games of the young season as the Munich Ravens moved to 2-0 with a 45-26 road win over Frankfurt Galaxy. For much of the first half, Munich looked ready to turn the game into a blowout. Bijon Harris opened the night with a 98-yard kickoff-return touchdown, giving the Ravens immediate control. From there, Munich kept building. By halftime, the visitors led 31-13 and seemed to have the game firmly in hand. But Frankfurt refused to disappear. Galaxy came out of the locker room with a completely different energy. Defensively, they adjusted to Munich’s running game and began to create more pressure on quarterback Russell Tabor. Offensively, Ethan Garbers started finding Brevin Easton, and suddenly the game had life again. Easton’s 72-yard touchdown reception brought the crowd back into it, and another scoring drive turned what had looked like a comfortable Ravens win into a real contest. Sebastian Gauthier’s spectacular interception gave Frankfurt another jolt of momentum, and for a stretch it genuinely felt as if Galaxy might drag themselves back into the game. They moved the ball, forced Munich to keep working, and showed the kind of resilience that losing teams need if they are going to turn close defeats into wins later in the season. In the end, Munich had enough control and enough answers. The Ravens never allowed Frankfurt to get within one possession, and their early advantage proved too large to erase. Still, even Munich head coach Kendral Ellison admitted afterward that his team had not played to the standard it expects. That may be the most encouraging sign for the Ravens: they are 2-0, scoring heavily, and still feel they have plenty to correct. For Frankfurt, the record remains painful, but the performance was not empty. Brevin Easton was named EFA MVP of Week 3 despite the loss, and deservedly so. He was the driving force behind Galaxy’s comeback attempt and already looks like one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. Frankfurt are still searching for their first win, but their second-half display against Munich showed they are not far away. Upcoming Games AFLE Week 3 Saturday, June 6 Panthers Wroclaw at Paris Lights 13:00 CEST — Stade Robert Barran, Athis-Mons, France Berlin Thunder at Firenze Red Lions 16:10 CEST — Guelfi Sport Center, Florence, Italy Rhein Fire at Vienna Vikings 16:45 CEST — Generali Arena, Vienna, Austria Sunday, June 7 Alpine Rams at London Warriors 15:00 CEST — Cherry Red Records Stadium, London, United Kingdom EFA Week 4 Saturday, June 6 Munich Ravens at Paris Musketeers 18:00 CEST, Stade Bauer, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France Frankfurt Galaxy at Raiders Tirol 18:00 CEST — Tivoli Stadium, Innsbruck, Austria Sunday, June 7 Nordic Storm at Prague Lions 13:00 CEST, Městský stadion Ďolíček, Prague

Biggest Takeaway Outside of Pforzheim’s head-to-head win over Ravensburg, there wasn’t much reason for major movement this week. The top five remain relatively stable, and many teams simply reinforced what we already believed about them. As GFL conference play continues and schedules become more difficult, expect larger swings in the coming weeks. 1. Potsdam Royals (=) A dominant 48-3 victory over the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes keeps the Potsdam Royals firmly at the top. Until someone proves they can challenge them consistently, there is little reason to move Potsdam from the No. 1 spot. 2. Dresden Monarchs (=) The Dresden Monarchs were off this weekend, but their body of work remains strong enough to hold the No. 2 position. 3. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (=) The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns continue to impress, adding another quality win with a victory over the Berlin Rebels. They remain the standard in the South. 4. Hildesheim Invaders (=) The Hildesheim Invaders survived a physical derby matchup against the Lions. It wasn’t always pretty, but good teams find ways to win, and Hildesheim did exactly that. 5. Berlin Rebels (=) Despite the loss, the Berlin Rebels showed they can compete with one of the GFL’s top teams. The Rebels have consistently played quality opponents tough and remain one of the league’s better squads. 6. Pforzheim Wilddogs (↑1) The biggest mover of the week. The Pforzheim Wilddogs earn a one-spot jump after defeating the IFM Ravensburg Razorbacks head-to-head. 7. IFM Ravensburg Razorbacks (↓1) The IFM Ravensburg Razorbacks slide one spot following the loss to Pforzheim. This remains a talented team, but the head-to-head result forces the adjustment. 8. Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (=) A difficult matchup against the Potsdam Royals resulted in a lopsided loss, but it doesn’t drastically change Kiel’s standing. We’ll learn more about them in the coming weeks. 9. Düsseldorf Panthers (=) The Düsseldorf Panthers had a bye week and remain in the same position heading into another important stretch of games. 10. Munich Cowboys (=) The Munich Cowboys continue to pick up results and remain one of the more difficult teams to evaluate as the season develops. 11. Saarland Hurricanes (=) The Saarland Hurricanes handled business against the Straubing Spiders and keep their position in the rankings. 12. Braunschweig Lions (=) A tough loss to the Hildesheim Invaders doesn’t change much. The Lions showed they can still compete with upper-half teams. 13. Regensburg Phoenix (=) No movement this week as the Regensburg Phoenix continue to search for consistency.But have looked better every week 14. Straubing Spiders (=) The Straubing Spiders fall to the Saarland Hurricanes 15. Allgäu Comets (=) The Allgäu Comets remain at No. 15 as they continue looking for momentum in a difficult season.

The DAFL season is starting to take shape, and Week 5 made one thing very clear: a gap is forming between the unbeaten and the chasing pack. While one team continues to dominate with complete performances, others are still searching for consistency as the playoff race slowly begins to define itself. 1. Wild Boars (5-0) The Wild Boars remain the only unbeaten team in the league, and once again they delivered a complete performance on both sides of the ball. QB Isaiah Green controlled the game from start to finish, distributing the ball with confidence and keeping the offense moving at a high level. Green connected early with WR Dimitrije Novakovic, before finding WR Bogdan Šundović for another touchdown through the air. TE Stefan Đurić also joined the scoring list, showing how balanced and unpredictable the Boars’ passing attack has become. The ground game added even more pressure, as RB/LB John Rincon powered his way into the endzone. Isaiah Green then added a rushing touchdown of his own, proving once again that he can beat defenses in multiple ways. On defense, DL Matija Blagojević recovered a fumble, and the unit later added a safety to cap off a dominant overall display. At this point in the season, the Wild Boars are not just winning, they are controlling games from start to finish. 2. Bucharest Titans (2-3) The Titans continue to show flashes of explosive potential, but inconsistency remains their biggest issue. QB Sam Armstrong delivered key throws throughout the game, including a touchdown pass to WR/DB Bigo Mostafa, who continues to be one of their most reliable playmakers. Special teams provided a major highlight when RB Bill Schreiber broke free for a kickoff return touchdown, shifting momentum and energizing the Titans’ sideline. Later in the game, Mostafa once again made a major impact, this time on defense, returning an interception for a pick-six. Still, despite the big moments, the Titans couldn’t finish the job, and the game slipped away. A result that continues to put pressure on their playoff positioning. 3. Sofia Bears (2-3) The Bears relied heavily on QB Hristian Chan, who was responsible for both of their most important offensive moments. His mobility was a key factor, as he rushed for two touchdowns and consistently created problems for the opposing defense when plays broke down. Defensively, DB Larry Williams provided one of the few highlights with an interception, helping the Bears stay competitive during key stretches of the game. . Sofia continues to show they can compete with anyone, but consistency on offense remains the key factor if they want to climb higher in the standings. 4. Bucharest Rebels (1-4) The Rebels finally put together a winning performance, delivering one of their most complete games of the season. QB Shazzon Mumphrey led an efficient and energetic offense, opening with a touchdown pass to WR Alex Irimia before later connecting with WR Bobo Dinca for another score. The ground game was just as important, with RB Mircea Cionoiu scoring twice and providing stability throughout the game. Defensively, DL Bogdan Tudor recovered a fumble, while DB Percy King added an interception to help secure the win. This was a much-needed result for the Rebels, showing clear improvement and giving them momentum heading deeper into the season. Upcoming Games 13.06 — Sofia Bears vs Bucharest Titans 14.06 — Wild Boars vs Bucharest Rebels The DAFL season continues to heat up as we move deeper into the final stretch. Every matchup now carries major weight in the playoff picture, with teams fighting not just for wins, but for positioning and momentum heading into the postseason. The Bears and Titans clash in a crucial game where both sides will be looking to stabilize their season and strengthen their playoff standing. Meanwhile, the unbeaten Wild Boars face the Rebels in another test as they aim to keep their perfect record alive.

The rematch between the Budapest Titans and Budapest Cowbells turned into one of the most entertaining games of the Hungarian Football League season. The Győr Sharks entered the weekend looking to solidify their place among the HFL's top contenders, while the Blue Dragons desperately needed a win to keep pace in the crowded playoff race. 1. Budapest Cowbells (5-0) For the Cowbells, the story once again was RB Richard Seay Jr. The versatile playmaker put together another spectacular performance and seemed unstoppable whenever he touched the football. Seay opened the game with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and added another before halftime. But his impact went far beyond the running game. He also caught a touchdown pass from QB Kelemen Marcell, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and even threw a touchdown pass to WR Csumán Botond in one of the most exciting plays of the game. Marcell continued his strong season by leading the offense efficiently and connecting with Botond for another touchdown through the air. The Cowbells offense consistently found answers whenever the Titans threatened to close the gap, showing why they remain the league's most dangerous unit. The defense also contributed with interceptions from Törzsök Tamás Krisztián, Saliga Norbert, and Mathias Alberto Barrientos Calello, helping secure another important victory. In a game full of points and highlight-reel plays, the Cowbells once again proved why they sit at the top of the HFL standings, while the Titans showed enough offensive firepower to make the playoff race even more interesting. 2. Budapest Wolves (3-2) The Wolves did not play this week and remained second in the power rankings. However, their spot is far from safe after some inconsistent performances in recent weeks. Their next challenge comes against the Budapest Titans, who are coming off one of their best offensive games of the season. With several hungry teams closing the gap behind them, the Wolves will need to start winning again if they want to hold onto their position near the top of the HFL standings. 3. Győr Sharks (3–2) The Sharks looked sharp from the opening quarter and consistently found ways to put pressure on the Blue Dragons. QB Nicholas Christopher Rooney once again led the offense effectively, throwing touchdown passes to Fehér Bálint Barnabás, Takács Dominik, and Dürgő Balázs. The biggest star of the game was Deyvon Butler. The dynamic playmaker impacted every phase of the game, returning a kickoff for a touchdown, adding a rushing score, recording an interception, and later returning another interception for a touchdown. Every time the Dragons tried to build momentum, Butler seemed to have an answer. The Sharks' defense also contributed with multiple takeaways, including an interception by Jakub Veber, helping Győr earn one of its most important wins of the season and move one step closer to securing a playoff spot. 4. Újpest Bulldogs (2-3) The Bulldogs did not play this week, but they hold onto their place in the top 4 for now as the playoff race continues to tighten. Their next matchup comes against the Blue Dragons Belgrade, a key opportunity to secure an important win and keep their playoff hopes alive. With several teams pushing hard behind them, Bulldogs know every game from here on out carries extra weight. 5. Budapest Titans (1-4) The Titans came into the game ready to challenge the league leaders and immediately showed they could move the ball. RB Ambrus Előd opened the scoring with a touchdown reception from Ladányi Roland, giving the Titans an early lead and setting the tone for a strong offensive performance. Once QB Johnathan Avery Bennett took ove, the Titans offense found another gear. Bennett connected with Előd for his second touchdown of the day before finding WR Myles McKatherine for a score and a successful two-point conversion. The passing attack continued to produce points in the second half, as Bennett threw touchdown passes to Gadolla Áron and Ted Windom, while both Gadolla and McKatherine finished the game with two touchdown receptions each. Bennett capped off his impressive performance with a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Although the Titans couldn't keep pace with the Cowbells on the scoreboard, this was easily one of their most productive offensive outings of the season and a positive sign heading into the final weeks. 6. Blue Dragons Belgrade (1-4) The Blue Dragons showed some encouraging moments, particularly in the first half. QB Michael Cornwell connected with Elijah Smoot and Mateja Minic for touchdown passes, while RB Varsey Tyreck Bright added a rushing touchdown to keep Belgrade within striking distance. Unfortunately for the Dragons, they struggled to slow down the Sharks' explosive playmakers and couldn't maintain their offensive rhythm as the game progressed. DB Nikola Lekic provided a defensive highlight with a fumble recovery, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. With the regular season nearing its end, the Blue Dragons are running out of opportunities. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but every remaining game becomes increasingly important if they want to stay in the hunt. Upcoming Games 07.06 — Újpest Bulldogs vs Blue Dragons Belgrade 13.06 — Budapest Cowbells vs Győr Sharks 14.06 — Budapest Wolves vs Budapest Titans Each of these matchups could have a direct impact on the final playoff standings, especially with several teams still separated by only a small margin in the rankings. The Bulldogs and Dragons will battle in a crucial matchup for survival, while the Cowbells and Sharks meet in a top-tier clash that could shape playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Wolves and Titans face off in a key game where second place in the standings could be on the line.

1. Guelfi Firenze Twenty consecutive wins. This alone explains the impact the Tuscans have had on our football in recent years. Their 47-0 victory over the Warriors Bologna represents a significant milestone in our movement. Is this the birth of a new dynasty or a continuation of it? With first place in the playoffs, the Guelfi will now have to watch their backs on several fronts. Next week, they will face the Thonon Black Panthers in the CEFL, who finished 9-1 in their French league group and are among the favorites to win the tournament. This rotation between tournaments will be crucial in a very heated period of the season, both for the climate and the prizes up for grabs. 2. Panthers Parma The Panthers of great moments are back. Parma beat Legnano 43-42 to take second place in the standings, securing a spot in the semifinals. The Emilian team, despite suffering a dramatic comeback in the final quarter, remained focused and secured a decisive lead over their Lombard rivals in the standings, thus securing a one-week advantage. Although the Panthers faced numerous close calls during the regular season, they proved resilient, and given the history of the team, there's no doubt they can finally reveal their true colors during the final phase of the championship. 3. Giaguari Torino The head-to-head standings favor the Piemontese team, which, thanks to its superior head-to-head points differential in matchups against Ancona and Legnano, secured third place and a more comfortable matchup on paper. In fact, Aquile Ferrara will face the yellow-and-blacks in the Wild Card Round on the weekend of June 13-14. 4. Dolphins Ancona The Week 8 home win against Legnano sealed the Dolphins' fate, as they finished the Regular Season in fourth place. On paper, the Wild Card Round will be a close game, given their performance during the season, but preparation also matters in these games. 5. Frogs Legnano The final two games of the season against Guelfi and Panthers largely sealed the fate of the Lombardy team, who were left with a tough time at the end of this season. The overtime loss against Parma quickly dropped them from second to fifth place, not the best outcome for a team with high ambitions like Legnano, which is called upon to perform well after the major losses of the previous offseason. The match against Ancona will be almost even, but their minds must turn elsewhere in less than two weeks. 6. Aquile Ferrara Strong against the smaller teams and weak against the big teams. This is the summary of Aquile Ferrara’s 2026 season. The 19-10 victory against the Rhinos in their final league game allowed the Estense team to reach the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, securing the sixth and final seed and challenging Giaguari Torino in the Wild Card Round. After five straight losses, Aquile returned to the playoffs after a decade, but there are many, too many, doubts about the Emilian team, especially given their opponent. 7. Lazio Marines Hoping for a victory for the Rhinos Milano against the Aquile Ferrara was a last hope for the Marines, who have fallen short so many times throughout the season. Talent has not been lacking—in fact, some players will travel to Firenze for the AFLE experience with the Red Lions—but the fuel has been lacking in the most crucial moments of the season, including the Week 3 loss that decided the tiebreaker against Ferrara. 8. Warriors Bologna It's also been a year to forget for the Warriors Bologna, who continue their rebuilding with a final record of 1-7. Okay, there was no chance against the Guelfi, but this year a little more was expected from the Emilian team, which remains in the lower reaches of the standings. Christian Nobile's first year on the sidelines for the Bologna sidelines thus ends with much to learn and, above all, to improve. 9. Rhinos Milano There's no comment to make about the Rhinos' season, which concluded their 2026 campaign with an ironic Championship Banner, that of the Imperfect Season. Zero wins in eight games is the final balance of a terrible year for the Milanese team, who have encountered numerous problems over the past few months. After last year's collapse, expectations were high, and after the game lost in four overtime periods against Parma, many thought the Rhinos could compete this year. But in the end, the record speaks for itself, and that 0-8 record doesn't lie in an unlucky year like this. And now? What does the future hold for the orange-black team? We'll only find out by living, as a song from many years ago said.

With the final whistle blown and the championship trophy lifted, another thrilling inaugural season of the Northern Cyprus American Football League has come to an end. It was a year defined by tactical evolutions, fierce gridiron battles, and critical growth both on the field and in officiating standards. After a roller-coaster ride of injuries, comebacks, and internal team dynamics, it’s time to look back at the entire journey and grade all four programs based on their performance, execution, and overall season trajectory. Here is the official post-season Report Card. EMU CROWS Grade: A- Founded in 1999 as the oldest and most established program in the league, the EMU Crows proved their championship DNA once again by capturing the title with a gritty 14-7 victory in the final. Though they stumbled slightly during the regular season—including a tough loss against their arch-rivals, the NEU Brothers—they peaked at the exact right moment, showcasing a masterclass in resilience after losing both their first and second-string quarterbacks (QBs) to injuries. Shifting seamlessly into a heavy run-oriented offense, replacements Berkay Bayındır (a former RB) and Yalın Akçağ stepped up brilliantly alongside Yusuf Hamdi Çalışkan, who proved to be by far the most dominant running back in the league, to completely wear down the NEU defense in the final game. This dangerous ground attack was complemented all season by RB Cengiz Esas, who remained an unstoppable force out of the backfield, while the defense built an impenetrable wall to protect their lead. Akif Özveren, who successfully transitioned from wide receiver (WR) to cornerback (CB) this year, secured Final MVP honors after locking down opposing passing lanes with a staggering season average of 1.4 interceptions (INT) per game, while Mehmet Djemal İpedjioğlu anchored the middle of the field with a relentless 7.5 tackles per game. By maintaining their composure, tactical flexibility, and championship pedigree through heavy adversity, the Crows earned the ultimate grade. NEU BROTHERS Grade: B+ The NEU Brothers put up a tremendous fight all year, establishing themselves as a legitimate powerhouse and pushing the champions to the absolute limit in a 14-7 defensive battle in the final. They took the league by storm during the regular season, finishing with a flawless, undefeated record as the absolute title favorites, and cruised through the semifinals by defeating the GAU Eagles. The team's explosive aerial assault was spearheaded by star QB Ege Ünal, who threw for over 700 yards to become arguably the most standout offensive player in the league, while the running back duo of Taha Ege Zaman and İbrahim Şen provided fierce, unstoppable ground production that diversified the offense. Defensively, they operated as a highly disciplined cohesive unit rather than relying on a single star, with defensive captain İlke Ölmez and Yiğit Hanbey Gedik brilliantly anchoring the head of the formation all season long. However, despite their incredibly high ceiling and dominant regular-season run, minor execution mistakes in the final's clutch moments and critical flags caused by their aggressive playstyle kept them just one step away from the ultimate prize. The Brothers had a phenomenal season, but learning how to close out big finals will be their primary off-season homework. GAU EAGLES Grade: D+ The GAU Eagles experienced an up-and-down, challenging season that exposed a need for structural rebuilding, but their immense growth over the months ultimately earned them the respect of the entire Cyprus football community. Though they failed to find immediate success in the regular season and fell to the NEU Brothers in the semifinals, they refused to quit and saved their best for last, capturing their sole and most critical victory of the year against the CIU Foxes in the third-place playoff to claim a well-deserved spot on the podium. The primary architect of this developmental surge was QB Emmanuel, whose stellar progression and leadership on the field earned him the reputation of the league's Most Improved Player. Alongside him, team captain Efe Karaboğa provided elite leadership all year while playing both ways as a safety and wide receiver and Running Back, putting on a clinic in that final postseason match. Furthermore, Yusuf Enes Yalçın took home the Third-Place Match MVP honors, cementing his status as a vital cornerstone for the future of the Eagles' organization. If the Eagles can successfully translate this raw athletic potential into a consistent team scheme for four full quarters, they will be a dangerous threat next season. CIU FOXES Grade: D- A season that began with promising signs ended in significant turbulence for the , highlighting how volatile a football season can be. After finishing the regular season in third place and initially looking ahead of their rivals, the GAU Eagles, the team was derailed by internal inconsistencies and roster volatility during the mid-season stretch, which ultimately caused them to slide to the bottom of the standings after a tough defeat in the third-place playoff. The biggest turning point came at the quarterback position; after starting the year with QB Emre Orçan, injuries forced the Foxes to hand the keys to Albet for the final stretch. Making his official debut in the high-stakes environment of the third-place match—the most critical game of their season—Albet played his heart out despite his visible inexperience. On the bright side, wide receiver (WR) Hafiz showcased a sky-high ceiling by burning defenders with raw, elite speed, while the defense featured several standout individual performers. Trido and Viktor were highly reliable anchors in stopping the opponent's ground game, while defensive lineman Zef became an absolute nightmare for opposing O-lines by using his agility and rapidly improving hand-fighting techniques to disrupt plays in the backfield. If the Foxes can stabilize their roster structure and marry this young talent with a cohesive playbook, they have the pieces to bounce back strongly.

Italian football isn't just about the Italian Football League. The two lower divisions have provided just as much entertainment and plenty of surprises in the three months of the regular season just concluded. Between the movement's fallen nobles, developing local projects, and countless hidden talents, the two leagues have kept pace with the main league, successfully providing thrills to both insiders and fans across the country. In this article, we explore the journeys of the teams that have made it, those who haven't, and those with great ambitions. After all, the Road to Ferrara applies to them too. IFL2 – Six Teams with an IFL Vision After some roster changes, ten teams ultimately took part in this year's championship, divided into two groups of five teams each. In Group A, the match was a head-to-head between the Seamen Milano, one of the most successful teams in Italy, returning to the FIDAF-sanctioned leagues after a disappointing experience in the European League of Football with a new roster and many young players, and the Thunders Trento, champions of the Nine Football League in 2024 and the sole representative of Trentino Alto-Adige after the closure of a great team, the Giants Bolzano, which had been inactive for some time and closed its doors in 2025. Both teams finished the season with a 6-2 record, but the Seamen reached the semifinals thanks to the superior points difference in their head-to-head matches. The first leg was played on March 7th during Week 3, with the Seamen beating the Thunders 14-0 at home, while the Trentino team took revenge on April 18th, during Week 8, with a 21-14 victory in Trento. Despite this, Seamen secured first place thanks to a 28-21 overall record between the two matches. The final playoff spot went to Reapers Torino, who finished the regular season with a 3-5 record, matching the Pirates Albisola Superiore, who participated in the IFL last year but decided to return to the Second Division this year. Of the three wins achieved by Riccardo Merola's team this year, two of them came against the Ligurian team: a 24-7 away win on the first day of the season, on February 22nd, and a 13-10 overtime victory on the seventh week of the season, on April 11th. Bengals Brescia rounded out the first group standings, finishing the year with two wins and six losses, beating the Reapers and Pirates during the season. In Group B, and in the entire IFL2, there's still one team in contention for a Perfect Season: the Daemons Monza & Brianza, who won all eight of their games in the first half of the season and will have the privilege, along with the Seamen, of skipping the first round and playing directly in the semifinals. The two teams that will begin their journey toward the finals in early July are the Saints Padova, last year’s runner up, who confirmed this year's high expectations by finishing the year with six wins and two losses, and the Trappers Cecina, who feature some of Italy's football talents, such as Sergio Marzullo, the future QB of the Italian national team, and others who will complete the backbone of the AFLE Firenze Red Lions, whose General Manager Bart Iaccarino is also Head Coach of the Pisan team. They finished the year with a 4-4 record and third place in their group. The defending champions, Elephants Catania, had a disappointing season. After bringing the title back to Southern Italy for the first time in years and breaking a more than twenty-year curse of losing only finals, they failed to repeat their feat in 2026, finishing with a 2-6 record, still better than the Blue Storms Busto Arsizio, in their second year in the second division, which, however, ended winless in eight games. The IFL2 playoffs will begin on June 6-7 with the Wild Card Round, which will pit the second-place team in Group A, Thunders Trento, against the third-place team in Group B, Trappers Cecina. The first game will see a semifinal against Daemons Monza e Brianza, while the second game will see Saints Padova, second in Group B, take on Reapers Torino, third in Group A. The winner of this match will travel to Milan to face the Seamen. IFL2 2026 – Standings and Bracket Group A 1. Seamen Milano 6-2* 2. Thunders Trento 6-2 3. Reapers Torino 3-5* 4. Pirates Albisola Superiore 3-5 5. Bengals Brescia 2-6 Group B 1. Daemons Monza e Brianza 8-0 2. Saints Padova 6-2 3. Trappers Cecina 4-4 4. Elephants Catania 2-6 5. Blue Storms Busto Arsizio 0-8 Wild Card Round (June 6-7) Thunders Trento (2A) vs. Trappers Cecina (3B) Saints Padova (2B) vs. Reapers Torino (3A) Semifinals (June 13-14) Seamen Milano vs. Saints Padova/Reapers Torino Daemons Monza e Brianza vs. Thunders Trento/Trappers Cecina Silver Bowl 2026 – July 4 (Paolo Mazza Stadium – Ferrara) Nine Football League – Emotions Across the Country Unlike the second division, the third, which is played in 9-on-9 format, features 26 teams from across Italy, divided into groups of four (B-C-D-E) or five (A-F) teams based on geographic proximity. At the end of the regular season, three teams are aiming for a Perfect Season. First up are Navy Seals Bari, first in Group B. After representing the South Conference in last year's final, losing 40-0 to the Cavaliers Castelfranco, they're back with interest, seeking revenge for the heavy defeat that derailed their perfect season last year. Another undefeated team is Crusaders Cagliari, placed in Group C along with the teams from Rome. Joe Tricario, former head coach of the Lazio Marines, and Lorenzo Piva, former QB of the reigning league champions, the Cavaliers Castelfranco, were among the key guys of the Sardinian team's season. The team recently participated in the unveiling of Cagliari Calcio's away jersey for next season, inspired by American football jerseys. The third and final team to remain perfect is the Honey Badgers Formigine, a major surprise, having gone from 3-3 last year to 6-0 for the 2026 season, which will see them among the protagonists of the upcoming postseason. As for the situation in the other groups, where only the top two advance to the playoffs, the final standings have provided several surprises and thrills. In Group A, Wolverines Piacenza, a repeat performance (5-1 last year), and Gorillas Varese (1-5 in 2025), another surprise, advanced. Blitz Ciriè, who lost to the Wolverines on the final day, were knocked out at the last minute. In Group B, the same as the Navy Seals, United Palermo prevailed over Eagles Salerno thanks to head-to-head records despite both teams finishing with a 3-3 record. The 27-0 first-leg scoreline on March 22nd affected the long-distance clash between the two teams, as the 26-20 win on May 17th wasn't enough for the Campania team. The debutants Mavericks Roma, born from the ashes of the Grizzlies, a historic team that also played in the IFL and which was formed not without much controversy in the environment, made it through Group C, the same as the Crusaders Cagliari, who with their 3-3 final record beat both Gladiatori Roma (2-4), who returned to the field after nine years, and Legionari Roma, finalists of the South Conference last year and who ended the season with a disappointing 1-5. Speaking of the Mavericks, eleven of their players have been suspended by the FIDAF due to an illegal transfer from their former team, Grizzlies Roma. The hearing, which was scheduled for June 22nd, has been moved up to May 28th, just before the roman team's away game against Chiefs Ravenna. In Group D, alongside Honey Badgers Formigine, TFU Pisa, a very active team in Tuscany, can aspire to a spot in the Ferrara final thanks to their 4-2 final record. Muli Trieste, another team that has improved significantly, going from 2-4 last year to 5-1 in the recently concluded regular season, advance to Group E. Joining them are the reigning Nine Football League champions, Cavaliers Castelfranco, who will be in the playoffs thanks to two head-to-head wins against Kraken FVG (a combination of two Friuli-Venezia Giulia teams, Sentinels Isonzo and Leoni Basiliano, two teams that have won the 9FL in the past), despite their shared 3-3 record at the end of the year. In the final group, Chiefs Ravenna finish top of the table with a final record of 5-1, while Redskins Verona, who finished the year 4-2 along with Doves Bologna, will move to the Playoffs. Their 20-7 win on April 11 (Week 7), the only game played between the two teams, will decide their final standings. At the end of the Regular Season, the twelve remaining teams are divided into two Conferences (North and South) of six, with the two best teams decided based on their record and the weight of their group, a coefficient established by FIDAF based on the overall final ranking of the previous season. The two best teams will advance directly to the semifinals, while the teams ranked third through sixth will begin their campaign in the Wild Card Round. The top two seeds in the North Conference are Crusaders Cagliari and Muli Trieste, who qualified directly for the semifinals, while the two Wild Card Round games will be Gorillas Varese vs. Redskins Verona and Wolverines Piacenza vs. Cavaliers Castelfranco. In the South Conference, the top two seeds are Honey Badgers Formigine and Navy Seals Bari, respectively, and the conference semifinals feature two games: TFU Pisa vs. United Palermo and Chiefs Ravenna vs. Mavericks Roma. Nine Football League 2026 - Standings and Bracket Group A 1. Wolverines Piacenza 5-1* 2. Gorillas Varese 5-1 3. Blitz Cirié 4-2 4. Rams Milano 1-5 5. Rebels Lugano 0-6 Group B 1. Navy Seals Bari 6-0 2. United Palermo 3-3* 3. Eagles Salerno 3-3 4. Achei Crotone 0-6 Group C 1. Crusaders Cagliari 6-0 2. Mavericks Roma 3-3 3. Gladiatori Roma 2-4 4. Legionari Roma 1-5 Group D 1. Honey Badgers Formigine 6-0 2. TFU Pisa 4-2 3. Red Jackets Sarzana 2-4 4. White Tigers Massa 0-6 Group E 1. Muli Trieste 5-1 2. Cavaliers Castelfranco 3-3* 3. Kraken FVG 3-3 4. Cocai TerraFerma 1-5 Group F 1. Chiefs Ravenna 5-1 2. Redskins Verona 4-2* 3. Doves Bologna 4-2 4. Titans Romagna 2-4 5. Hurricanes Vicenza 0-6 Wild Card Round – June 6-7 North Conference Gorillas Varese vs Redskins Verona Wolverines Piacenza vs Cavaliers Castelfranco South Conference TFU Pisa vs United Palermo Chiefs Ravenna vs Mavericks Roma Conference Semifinals – June 13-14 North Conference Cagliari Crusaders vs. Gorillas Varese/Redskins Verona Muli Trieste vs. Wolverines Piacenza/Cavaliers Castelfranco South Conference Honey Badgers Formigine vs. TFU Pisa/United Palermo Navy Seals Bary vs. Chiefs Ravenna/Mavericks Roma Conference Finals – June 20-21 … Nine Bowl 2026 – July 5 (Paolo Mazza Stadium – Ferrara) ...

Disclaimer Early season rankings in the German Football League are always difficult to evaluate due to limited film, uneven schedules, and the overall volatility of the league from week to week. Because of that, these rankings are based on a combination of early performance. These rankings are expected to shift significantly as competition levels increase over the coming weeks. 1. Potsdam Royals The Potsdam Royals remain firmly at the top spot after a convincing win over the Braunschweig Lions. They’re beginning to fully resemble the championship- evel group many expected entering the season, and their overall execution continues to stand out across the GFL. Until another team proves capable of knocking them off, they comfortably stay at No. 1. 2. Dresden Monarchs The Dresden Monarchs continue to look like one of the most complete title contenders in the GFL this season. Their balance on both sides of the ball, combined with their consistency and explosiveness, keeps them securely inside the league’s top tier heading into another important stretch of games. 3. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns continue trending upward and are quietly building momentum each week. This looks like a team fully capable of challenging both the Dresden Monarchs and Potsdam Royals later in the season, and they’ve clearly earned their place inside the top three. 4. Hildesheim Invaders ▲1 The Hildesheim Invaders move up after a strong overall performance against the Düsseldorf Panther. Right now, they look sharp, physical, and well-connected on both sides of the ball. Their current form and growing confidence give them the edge moving forward. 5. Berlin Rebels ▼1 The Berlin Rebels slide back one spot just because of how the Invaders played . They still remain a dangerous and talented team within the GFL, but at the moment the Hildesheim Invaders appear to have slightly more momentum. 6. IFM Razorbacks The IFM Razorbacks stay put this week. They’ve looked solid overall so far, but there still hasn’t been enough top-level competition to fully evaluate exactly where they stack up against the true elite teams in the GFL. 7. Pforzheim Wilddogs ▲1 The Pforzheim Wilddogs continue to impress with the way they’ve competed in recent weeks. Playing well against the Berlin Rebels showed they belong firmly in the middle tier of these rankings, and they continue to trend upward with each performance. 8. Kiel Baltic Hurricanes ▲1 Even in the loss to the Dresden Monarchs, the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes showed enough to move up a spot. They look a bit more cohesive then the Panther do right now. 9. Düsseldorf Panther ▼2 The Düsseldorf Panther drop after two difficult losses to tough teams in a row. There’s still clear talent on this roster, but with so much roster movement and transition throughout the team, it may take additional time before everything fully clicks into place. 10. Munich Cowboys The Munich Cowboys stay where they are for now in the rankings. There are still flashes of potential throughout the roster, but it remains a little too early to get a complete and accurate read on this group overall. 11. Saarland Hurricanes The Saarland Hurricanes remain in the same spot as they continue adjusting and working toward establishing more consistency on both sides of the ball throughout the season. 12. Regensburg Phoenix ▲1 The Regensburg Phoenix move up one spot this week after showing encouraging signs of progress. They’ve looked more competitive and currently deserve a slight edge in this section of the rankings. 13. Braunschweig Lions ▼1 The Braunschweig Lions fall back after a tough outing against the Potsdam Royals. How they respond over the next few weeks will say a lot about where this team ultimately lands within the bigger picture of the GFL this season. 14. Straubing Spiders The Straubing Spiders remain a team many are still waiting on. There’s definite potential on the roster, but they need to start putting together more complete and consistent performances before they can realistically move upward. 15. Allgäu Comets The Allgäu Comets are in a very similar situation right now. Overall execution still need noticeable improvement before they can climb higher in the rankings.

The French D1 playoffs opened with a clear message from two contenders: when the stakes rise, so does their level. In wild card weekend action, the Flash de La Courneuve and the Blue Stars de Marseille delivered statement victories to punch their tickets to the semifinals. At La Courneuve, the scoreline eventually became brutal, but the game did not begin that way. Facing the Grizzlys Catalans for the second straight postseason, the Flash were surprisingly shaken early. A botched punt snap gave the home side an early safety before the Catalans answered through Mandane after an efficient drive led by Badis Grami and De Wavrechin. For a few minutes, the underdogs looked capable of creating doubt. That feeling disappeared quickly. Once the Flash offense found its rhythm, the game turned into a showcase of explosiveness. Quarterback Jaylen Tregle connected deep with DeAndre Mister for a long touchdown that completely shifted momentum. From there, La Courneuve never looked back. Tregle added a rushing score, Mister found the end zone again, and the French champions-elect overwhelmed the Catalan defense before halftime. By the break, the contest already felt out of reach. The second half only reinforced the gap between the two teams. Constantly pressured by the Flash defensive front, Grami struggled to establish consistency and finished with four interceptions. Defensive back Raphael Fourlin capitalized on one of them by returning it all the way for a defensive touchdown, symbolizing a dominant all-around performance from the Paris-area side. The Grizzlys managed a late consolation touchdown, but the outcome had long been decided as the Flash cruised to a commanding 61-15 win. A few hundred kilometers south, Marseille produced another convincing playoff performance. The Molosses d’Asnières-sur-Seine arrived at Stade Delort with momentum and the reputation of being one of the league’s most balanced teams over recent weeks. Instead, the Blue Stars de Marseille controlled the evening almost from start to finish. The tone was set early by Jemal Williams, who first intercepted Marquez McCray before later punching in the opening touchdown himself. Marseille’s defense repeatedly disrupted the Molosses offense, while the home team’s attack, sometimes inconsistent during the regular season, suddenly looked sharp and efficient. Hadrien Lynda and Reda Laamiri combined for another touchdown as Marseille steadily widened the gap. Asnières briefly responded through a quick strike from Gian Fratus, but the Blue Stars answered immediately before halftime to maintain full control. Leading by two touchdowns at the break, Marseille never allowed the visitors back into the game. The second half became a demonstration of maturity and discipline. Defensively, the Blue Stars shut the door completely, conceding no points after halftime. Offensively, Lynda added another trademark touchdown before Lucas Poutier sealed the result late in the game. The only negative note for Marseille came with Erwan Gentric’s injury near the end of the contest. With dominant victories on both sides of the bracket, the wild card round ultimately confirmed what many suspected entering the postseason: the Flash and the Blue Stars are peaking at exactly the right moment. Next up, La Courneuve travels to face the Iron Mask de Cannes, while Marseille now prepares for a heavyweight semifinal against the Black Panthers de Thonon-les-Bains.

AFLE Finally Gets Underway After months of speculation, heated exchanges between fans and even franchise owners, and, above all, serious doubts about their long-term viability, the AFLE finally kicked off this weekend. With that, both European leagues are now officially underway, as the EFA had already opened its season just one week earlier. Most of the uncertainty surrounded the London Warriors, the British AFLE franchise that had only revealed its name and logo a few days before hosting the Wrocław Panthers. Sources within the Polish organization had reportedly expressed concern in the days leading up to the game about the possibility of making the trip for nothing. In the end, the team led by quarterback Kare Lyles fell to a Panthers side powered by an outstanding performance from Jameson Wang. The Wrocław quarterback threw four touchdown passes, two of them to Harley Jr., and added another score on the ground. The Polish team controlled the game throughout, although 14 fourth-quarter points from the British side helped soften the final scoreline, which ended 41–21 in favor of the Panthers. The other game of the weekend, and the one that officially opened the AFLE season, saw the Vienna Vikings put on a show against Berlin Thunder. In front of just over 3,500 spectators, and with none other than Marshawn Lynch taking part in the opening coin toss, Vienna dominated Berlin from start to finish. The Vikings imposed themselves with a powerful running game and a standout defensive performance from Alejandro Fernández. The Spanish defender once again showed his best form and became a nightmare for Jake Sullivan’s offense. The final score, 49–7, with Vienna’s backup quarterback already running the offense, underlined the Austrians’ overwhelming superiority. In short, the early predictions were confirmed. The Vienna Vikings appear to be operating on a completely different level in a league where Rhein Fire are expected to be their only real challenger. Wrocław Panthers, as the third “veteran” team in the competition, also seem to be one step ahead of most of the other franchises. We still need to see the Firenze Red Lions and Paris Lights in action before we can form a complete and realistic picture of the AFLE’s overall level. EFA Contenders Begin to Emerge The EFA, meanwhile, was already playing its second week of competition. Its opening weekend had seen the Paris Musketeers, Nordic Storm and Munich Ravens defeat Frankfurt Galaxy, Prague Lions and Tirol Raiders respectively. The Musketeers’ win over Galaxy came in a thrilling game that remained tight until the end, while the other two matchups were dominated from start to finish by the Nordic and Bavarian sides. Week 2 brought further victories for Zach Edwards’ Musketeers and Jadrian Clark’s Storm. The veteran quarterbacks, both familiar faces from the now-defunct ELF, led their teams to relatively comfortable wins. Paris overcame a spirited Prague Lions team that started brightly and threatened an early upset, only to eventually surrender to the superior strength of the French side. The final score was 30–9 for the Musketeers. Nordic Storm, meanwhile, defeated a young and talented Tirol Raiders squad that continues to find ways to put points on the board but is still conceding far too many. Storm took the win, 39–16. For Nordic Storm, Toonga, Beaulieu and Miranda each found the end zone twice, while for the Raiders it was once again the running back duo of Bonatti and Haslwanter who provided the scores. In Paris, Edwards continued to be a threat with his legs, while Hugo Tekedam once again proved to be a reliable and dangerous target. With these results, Nordic Storm and Paris Musketeers have firmly stated their case as serious title contenders in what looks like a four-team race. Munich Ravens and Frankfurt Galaxy appear to be the other two teams to beat. Prague Lions and Tirol Raiders, at least for now, seem to be a step behind those four. In that sense, the EFA already looks like a more open and competitive league than the AFLE, where only the Vikings and Rhein Fire seem ready to have a real say in the championship race. Promising Starts, Familiar Concerns High-level European football has finally returned to the field, and that is undoubtedly the best news of all. With teams playing across almost the entire continent (the unfortunate exception being Spain) both leagues have cleared their first major hurdle: simply getting started. And, broadly speaking, they have done so successfully. The broadcasts have been professional, the level of talent on the field is undeniable, and the product already feels credible. Still, familiar concerns remain. Low attendance continues to cast a shadow over the project, with only a few honorable exceptions, and some franchises still appear to be below the competitive standard required at this level. Those issues temper what is otherwise a bright and encouraging picture for European football. Now, all that remains is to see what the rest of the season has in store.

1. Bern Grizzlies (6-0) +1 Bern has won every difficult game on its schedule: one game against Calanda and two against Basel. They should easily finish the regular season undefeated and are a 90% lock for the Swiss Bowl. Ellis is the frontrunner for the MVP title. O‘Leary and Studer are the most explosive receiver duo this season. 2. Calanda Broncos (6-1) -1 The Broncos’ unbeaten streak in Switzerland came to an end after losing in Bern. They are still the heavy favorites, alongside Bern, to win the Swiss Bowl. 3. Basel Gladiators (3-3) +1 The Gladiators lost two close games against Bern and Calanda, both by just one score. Right now, it’s basically Bern, Calanda, Basel, and then everyone else. They are absolutely capable of winning the Swiss Bowl. 4. Winterthur Warriors (4-2) -1 Winti lost against Basel, which is why I have them moving down despite still having a winning record. However, their 21-20 comeback win against Geneva could be crucial for securing the 4th seed in the long run. 5. Geneva Seahawks (3-3) Geneva has improved massively! Clark Evans is still Clark Evans, and despite their thin roster, they look competitive. The loss against the Warriors hurts their playoff chances drastically. They likely need to upset Basel or Bern. 6. St. Gallen Bears (2-4) The Bears are in a rebuilding year but still show flashes, especially on offense, sweeping Zurich and consistently scoring against stronger opponents. 7. Thun Tigers (1-5) Thun has only won one game, but it seems like Leibundgut is back! Because of that, I could see them upsetting a few teams with their longtime QB returning. 8. Zurich Renegades (0-7) Zurich most likely won’t win a game in 2026, and at this point, they should consider relegating to the NLB in order to rebuild properly, just like they did last time before eventually making the Swiss Bowl in 2024. Zurich and the Swiss Bowl should not be mentioned in the same sentence in 2026.