Germany have been crowned the 2026 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 champions.
They defeated France by a goal to nil in the WU17 Euro 2026 final at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park this evening to win the trophy for a ninth time.
A first half goal from Marie Kleemann proved decisive in the decider, which attracted 1230 spectators.
Germany’s success was built on solid defence, described by head coach Sabine Loderer as their “superpower”.
The French, who had a 100 per cent record in the tournament going in to today’s final, having won their three games in Group B and their semi-final, had the first chance of the game, midfielder Elise Dhalluin testing Germany keeper Mirja Kropp with a low drive.
Germany’s Victoria Saring swept a cross wide of the far post before France midfielder Lea Motyka teed up striker Mehisane Zidi, who put her shot wide. Minutes later Zidi raced into the area and steered another shot past the upright.
France dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes, however Germany then enjoyed a period in the ascendancy.
French keeper Clelia Ducreux was forced into action to save a Saring strike with her feet. And Ducreux did well to clutch the ball after some head tennis ensued from the resulting corner.
Germany defender Laura Ernst produced a fine covering tackle to thwart France striker Rachael Adedini as she closed in on goal.
The Germans took the lead on 29 minutes. Ducreux superbly pushed out a close-range snapshot from Clara Choisy, however fellow attacker Marie Kleemann was first to the loose ball and swept it into the back of the net.
France responded by pushing forward. Germany keeper Mirja Kropp got down well to keep out a low drive from Mayra Bento. Bento fired the rebound goalwards but the ball was blocked by Muriel Durr.
As half-time approached Kropp pushed out a crisp strike from Adedini.
The French pressed once more after the interval, however the Germany defence stood firm and it was the Germans who had the first chance of the second half when Saring scooped a shot wide.
France captain Emma Motyka steered an effort off target and then had to be on her toes down the other end to block Germany substitute Johanna Putzer.
Both Germany and France had to navigate penalty shootouts to reach the final. France got past Norway in the last four, while Germany edged past Spain. And France continued to press, streaming forward at any given opportunity, in the hope of setting up another shootout at the very least.
But right across the park the Germans worked tirelessly to close them down. And in the closing stages Loderer’s side could have added to their lead.
On 77 minutes Kleemann floated in a free-kick which was met by Ernst. Her header dropped well wide. Ten minutes later Durr’s effort from distance was off target.
In added time Germany substitute Lena Joy Martens found Putzer in space inside the area and her shot went inches over the top.
Although Northern Ireland were eliminated in the group stages, they have the consolation of being the only team to beat Germany in the eight-team tournament. They defeated the new European champions 1-0 in a Group A game at Inver Park in Larne.
Germany: Mirja Kropp, Eva Hell, Muriel Durr, Laura Dafinger, Laura Ernst, Fiona Itgenshorst, Victoria Saring, Johanna Hebben (captain), Clara Choisy, Marie Kleemann, Mia Giesen.
Substitutes: (used) Johanna Putzer, Lena Joy Martens, Lynn Feiertag, Dana Kessler, Mia Kuhn; (unused) Annika Dubel (GK), Laura Fuhler, Valentina Lutz, Greta Hohensee.
France: Clelia Ducreux, Sharlie Yerro, Angeline Girardot, Emma Motyka (captain), Rosie Olando, Odelia Tae, Lea Motyka, Elise Dhalluin, Rachael Adedini, Mehisane Zidi, Mayra Bento.
Substitutes: (used) Margot Collin, Dienebou Niakite, Maelys Ane, Candice Thomas, Elsa Prezelin; (unused) Garance Dekyndt (GK), Noelie Chovin, Elen Roux, Lisa Mabolin.
Action from WU17 Euros final
