Norway, England and Poland (twice) Crowned European Champions

Team Bridge • July 7, 2026

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July 7, 2026

The 2026 European National Championships concluded in Riga after an exciting final day. Norway claimed the Open title, England came from behind to win the Women’s championship, while Poland completed a remarkable double by taking both the Seniors and Mixed titles. France achieved another important milestone by qualifying all four teams for next year’s World Championships.

Open

Norway entered the final day with a comfortable lead and never allowed their rivals back into the title race. Victories over Spain, Lithuania and France secured the championship with 386.50 VPs.

Denmark remained second throughout the day despite a difficult finish, while Israel completed the podium after another consistent performance. Sweden climbed from seventh overnight to fourth, overtaking the Netherlands, who eventually finished fifth.

The battle for the final World Championship qualification places remained open until the last session. France did enough to stay eighth after victories over Germany and Estonia before a controlled defeat against the new champions. Germany narrowly missed out in ninth despite a strong finish.

Final standings: 1. Norway, 2. Denmark, 3. Israel. Also qualified: 4. Sweden, 5. Netherlands, 6. England, 7. Iceland, 8. France.

Comments by Dennis Bilde, Denmark, on their second place:

Women

The Women’s championship produced one of the biggest reversals of the day.

The Netherlands started with an eleven-point lead, but England produced an outstanding finish, scoring 14.60, 16.88 and 19.25 VPs to overtake the leaders and claim the European title.

The Dutch had to settle for silver after losing heavily to Israel in the final round, while Sweden completed the podium. Denmark remained fourth ahead of Norway.

France enjoyed another excellent final day, defeating Iceland, Estonia and Norway to finish sixth and comfortably qualify for the World Championships.

Final standings: 1. England, 2. Netherlands, 3. Sweden. Also qualified: 4. Denmark, 5. Norway, 6. France, 7. Poland, 8. Türkiye.

Seniors

Poland successfully defended its overnight lead to become European Senior Champions.

The Poles defeated Scotland and Switzerland before overcoming Türkiye in the final match to finish on 302.65 VPs.

France mounted a determined challenge throughout the day. Victories over Croatia and Iceland kept the pressure on Poland, and although a draw with Norway prevented a last-minute comeback, the French secured an excellent silver medal. Sweden completed the podium after a dominant final victory over Latvia.

England moved into the qualifying places during the last day, while Germany climbed to seventh.

Final standings: 1. Poland, 2. France, 3. Sweden. Also qualified: 4. Denmark, 5. Netherlands, 6. Türkiye, 7. Germany, 8. Bulgaria.

Mixed

Poland completed a memorable championship by adding the Mixed Teams title to its Senior gold.

Although Romania briefly closed the gap during the day, Poland responded when it mattered most and secured first place with 322.83 VPs. Romania earned silver, while Israel climbed to bronze after a strong final day.

Behind the medal winners, Belgium slipped from second to fourth, England finished fifth, Latvia sixth and Sweden seventh.

France remained safely inside the qualification zone throughout the day and finished eighth after wins over Ireland and a close match against eventual champions Poland.

Final standings: 1. Poland, 2. Romania, 3. Israel. Also qualified: 4. Belgium, 5. England, 6. Latvia, 7. Sweden, 8. France.