Portugal and Italy are the final teams to reach the UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 play-offs

The group stage of the 2026 UEFA Futsal European Championship concluded on January 29. After earlier matches involving Spain and Belgium, the final quarter-final lineup was determined in the late games of Groups C and D, where Portugal and Italy secured their play-off spots.

Thus, the quarter-finalists are: Spain, Belgium, Portugal and Italy.

Italy hold firm in the decisive match

Everything in Group D came down to the head-to-head clash between Italy and Hungary. Hungary needed only a win and went ahead twice, but the Squadra Azzurra responded both times — 2:2.

• Balázs Ruttai opened the scoring in the 8th minute

• Júlio De Oliveira equalised on the rebound after Liberty’s shot

• Ruttai put Hungary back in front from the penalty spot

• Just 71 seconds later, Fabrizio Calderolli restored parity from a tight angle

The draw allowed Italy to finish above Hungary on goal difference and advance to the play-offs.
Player of the Match: Alex Merlim (Italy)

Notably, Italy reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2016.

Head coach Salvatore Samperi said the team expected an extremely tough game and will now focus on preparing for the quarter-final against Spain.

Portugal extend winning streak

The reigning European champions, who had already secured first place in the group, defeated Poland 3:2.

Portugal led 1:0 and 2:1, but Poland responded each time. The decisive goal came in the 39th minute, when Rúben Góis converted Pauleta’s pass at the far post.

• Tomasz Pacho opened the scoring after a counterattack

• André Coelho scored with a powerful volley

• Winning goal — Rúben Góis

Player of the Match: Michał Kałuża (Poland)

Key stat: Portugal’s winning streak at EURO final tournaments has reached 14 matches (18 including qualifiers).

Jorge Braz stressed that his team improved after the break, played more calmly in attack and deserved the win.

Quarter-final pairings

The play-off bracket now looks as follows:

Quarter-finals (CET)

31 January (Saturday)
France — Ukraine (16:00, Riga)
Armenia — Croatia (19:00, Kaunas)

1 February (Sunday)
Portugal — Belgium (16:00, Ljubljana)
Spain — Italy (19:30, Ljubljana)

The matches involving Portugal and Italy brought the group stage to a close and finalized the list of title contenders. The knockout games are ahead, where any mistake could prove decisive.