Euro Juniors 2026: France face Spain in padel final

The French junior national team has reached the final of the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup 2026. After a dramatic semi-final against host nation Portugal, Les Bleuets won 2-1, while Spain beat Italy 3-0 in the other last-four tie. That sets up the long-awaited final between two of Europe's strongest padel nations, with several potential revenge matches from recent tournament history.

Bleuets overcome Portugal in the semi-finals

France once again proved itself in a major international competition. Against Portugal, the host of the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup, the team secured a place in the final thanks to a narrow 2-1 team victory. The result reflects the character of the entire event: hard-fought battles, close sets and a squad that stays mentally strong even after falling behind.

Simeo Debroy and Gabriel Bessière opened the tie against the Portuguese pair Morales and Afonso. Both sides produced an intense match from the start, with the hosts initially holding the upper hand. Despite strong resistance from the French, Morales and Afonso won 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and put Portugal ahead early.

With their backs to the wall, Les Bleuets responded impressively. Sacha Huard de La Marre and Nathan Perrot levelled the tie and dominated Aniceto and De Almeida with clear 6-4, 6-0 scorelines. Their commanding performance kept France in the hunt and gave the team the composure needed before the decisive third match.

As on several occasions during the tournament, Olivier Guy de Chamisso and Jérémy Robert took responsibility in the key rubber. The winners of the FIP Bronze in Marnes gave Simões and Araujo no chance and won 6-2, 6-2. France would therefore play for the Junior Euro Padel Cup title.

Results: France vs Portugal semi-final

Spain sweep Italy without dropping a match

In the other semi-final, Spain beat Italy convincingly. With a clear 3-0 win, the Spanish team remained unbeaten and marched confidently into the final. While France took a hard route through a tight team battle, the Iberian side looked in top form from the very start.

Gil and Estevez opened the tie with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Filetti and Temperini. Iago Fuertes and Unax Arranz followed with a 6-2, 7-5 victory against Battilani and Menotti to extend Spain's lead. Juan Zamora and Samuel Rivas then sealed the win with a 6-2, 6-1 defeat of Riso and Laurino.

Spain therefore go into the final as favourites, having lost no match in the semi-final round and showing the depth of their junior squad. For Italy, the tournament ended in the last four after a strong run, but there was no room against the current Spanish generation on the day.

Results: Spain vs Italy semi-final

France vs Spain final promises fireworks

The final between France and Spain is already being billed as one of the highlights of the junior calendar. Both nations boast deep squads, and several match-ups from the current season could meet again in the title decider. The history between individual players adds extra edge to the showdown.

One of the most anticipated duels could pit Sacha Huard de La Marre and Nathan Perrot against Iago Fuertes and Unax Arranz. Spanish talent Fuertes had already made headlines this season at the FIP Silver in Caen, reaching the quarter-finals after beating Gonzalo Rubio and Víctor Ruiz, both top-40 players. A rematch against the French pair would be another high-level clash.

The U18 pairing could prove even more explosive. Jérémy Robert and Olivier Guy de Chamisso may face Juan Zamora and Samuel Rivas in a repeat of the FIP Bronze semi-final in Marnes, where the French won before claiming their first international title. The Spaniards will clearly be eager to take revenge in Portugal.

If the final is level before the last match, the atmosphere on the host nation's courts could become even more intense. France showed resilience after falling behind, Spain showed dominance. Together, both profiles provide all the ingredients for a top-level European junior final at the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup 2026.