Recap of the Nations Games: European Powerhouses Sharpen Their Form Ahead of the WMF World Cup 2025

The events took place across three host cities — Sofia (Bulgaria), Herceg Novi (Montenegro), and most recently, Košice (Slovakia).

Sofia, Bulgaria

Having previously hosted the EMF Eurocup in both 2023 and 2024, Bulgaria welcomed two other national teams for the first event of the Nations Games 2025. The matches were played at the same stadium that will also host the EMF Champions League and Eurocup 2025. Romania, one of the World Cup favorites, confirmed their dominance with a solid victory.

Herceg Novi, Montenegro

The picturesque seaside town of Herceg Novi — host of the EMF Champions League in 2022 — was the venue for another intense chapter of the Nations Games. Azerbaijan, the upcoming World Cup host, impressed with a tournament win and showed that they are ready to have the global spotlight thrust upon them.

The hosts, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina tested their strength and hinted that the battle in Baku will be fiercely competitive.

Košice, Slovakia

The Nations Games series culminated in Košice, where intensity and commitment reached their peak. Slovakia, already making waves on the international small-sided football scene, took full advantage on home turf. The Slovak team defeated Azerbaijan in a dramatic final to claim the Nations Games title. Poland participated in the tournament as a newcomer ahead of the upcoming World Cup, showing both courage and potential. With a passionate home crowd and thrilling matches, Košice provided a perfect finale to this series of tournaments.

⚽ The Road to Baku is Set

Each Nations Games event offered teams crucial tactical and mental preparation ahead of the biggest tournament in minifootball.