Spain futsal players celebrate 5-3 win over Portugal in EURO final, hat-trick star Antonio Pérez with trophy.
Spain futsal players celebrate 5-3 win over Portugal in EURO final, hat-trick star Antonio Pérez with trophy.
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Spain beats Portugal 5-3 to claim eighth Futsal EURO title

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Spain secured their eighth UEFA Futsal EURO crown with a 5-3 victory over holders Portugal in the 2026 final at Arena Stožice in Ljubljana. Antonio Pérez starred with a hat-trick, earning Player of the Tournament honors as joint-top scorer with seven goals. The win ended Portugal's bid for a third straight title after a thrilling match featuring multiple comebacks.

The UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 final on 7 February pitted Iberian rivals Portugal against Spain at Arena Stožice in Ljubljana, Slovenia, drawing over 8,000 spectators. Spain struck first in the 78th second when Antonio Pérez powered home from Pablo Ramirez's pass, followed by José Raya's goal in the second minute after dispossessing Tomás Paçó and combining with Cecilio Morales, making it 2-0.

Portugal, known for comebacks, responded quickly: Afonso Jesus turned in Diogo Santos's cross in the fifth minute, and Rúben Góis equalized two minutes later with a fine turn and finish. The half remained competitive until Portugal's sixth foul led to Pérez's ten-metre penalty in the 20th minute, which spun in off the post despite Edu's save, giving Spain a 3-2 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Pany Varela set up Pauleta to level at 3-3 midway through. Spain pushed forward, with Cecilio hitting the woodwork from Pérez's run. With five minutes left, Pérez completed his hat-trick—the first in a Futsal EURO final since 1996—from Cecilio's cutback, securing the 4-3 advantage. Mario Rivillos volleyed the bar, and Adolfo added a fifth in the dying seconds as Portugal pressed.

Spain coach Jesús Velasco said: "I think it was a great match... The key to our success was, above all, our enthusiasm." Player of the Match Pérez added: "It's been ten years since we won anything so we are so happy." Portugal's Jorge Braz replied: "[I'm] very proud of what the players did... Congratulations to Spain."

This marked Spain's eighth title in ten finals across 13 editions, while Portugal's 29 goals set a tournament record. In the third-place match, Croatia edged France 5-5 aet (5-6 pens) for their first major medal.

What people are saying

X discussions celebrate Spain's eighth Futsal EURO 2026 title after a thrilling 5-3 win over Portugal, with Antonio Pérez's hat-trick and Player of the Tournament award widely praised. Portuguese users express disappointment but pride in their silver medal and strong campaign, noting the end of their two-title streak.

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