Armenia Makes History With First-Ever Euro Futsal Win

Armenia opened its Euro 2026 futsal tournament with a historic 2-1 victory over Ukraine on Thursday — the country’s first-ever win at a European Championship in the sport.

The match was played at Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania, where Armenia made its debut appearance at the continental tournament. Coached by Ruben Nazaretyan, the team showed discipline, composure and efficiency to secure a result that stands as a milestone for Armenian sport.

Futsal is a fast-paced indoor version of soccer played with five players per side on a hard court. Known for its emphasis on quick passing, close ball control and tactical discipline, the sport is governed by UEFA in Europe and has grown steadily in popularity. The European Championship is one of futsal’s most competitive tournaments, featuring established powers such as Spain, Portugal and Ukraine.

Ukraine entered the match as a more experienced side, but Armenia absorbed pressure and waited for its chances. Those opportunities came through Mihran Dermenjyan, who scored Armenia’s first goal in European Championship play and later added a second to give his team a two-goal cushion.

Ukraine pulled one goal back late, increasing the pressure in the final minutes, but Armenia defended compactly and held on until the final whistle. The result secured a memorable victory for the tournament debutants.

The Armenian Football Federation described the result as historic.

“We begin the European Championship with a historic victory,” the federation said in a statement. “Mihran Dermenjyan scored a double. We move forward in search of new victories.”

The win gives Armenia an early boost in group play and strengthens its chances of advancing. Armenia will face the Czech Republic on Jan. 25 in its second group-stage match, a key test as the team looks to build on a breakthrough performance.

For Armenia, the victory represents more than three points. It signals the country’s arrival on the European futsal stage and highlights the progress of a program competing at the highest level for the first time.

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