Namibia’s U-18 men’s Fistball team began its 2026 IFA U-18 World Championship campaign with a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful performance, going down 3-1 to hosts Switzerland in their opening Group A match on Thursday.

The home side claimed victory with set scores of 11-7, 3-11, 11-8 and 11-3, overcoming a determined Namibian outfit that showed resilience throughout the contest.
Switzerland took the opening set 11-7 before Namibia responded impressively, dominating the second set 11-3 to level the match. The hosts, however, regained the upper hand by edging a closely contested third set 11-8 before comfortably sealing the encounter 11-3 in the fourth.

The defeat marked a challenging start for the young Namibian side, which is competing against some of the world’s strongest Fistball nations during the four-day tournament in Reiden, Switzerland.
Namibia’s opening day schedule is particularly demanding, with the team set to return to the court later on Thursday to face Germany in its second group match.

The IFA U-18 World Championships, running from 23 to 26 July, have brought together the world’s leading junior Fistball nations, while the EFA Women’s European Championships are taking place alongside the global event. Although the result leaves Namibia searching for its first victory of the tournament, the match provided the players with valuable experience against one of the sport’s traditional powerhouses. The team will be hoping to regroup quickly and produce an improved performance against Germany as it continues its quest for international honours.

Namibia’s participation at the championships highlights the continued development of fistball in the country, with the young squad gaining invaluable exposure to elite international competition while proudly representing the nation on the world stage.

By Rudi Bowe