The First GNC Champion will be Crowned in Bochum on Sunday Night

BOCHUM, GERMANY - A big finish to the global football year is on deck on Sunday, November 16, as Germany’s Men’s Tackle National Team (0-1) hosts Canada (1-0) in the Gridiron Nations Championship (GNC) at Lohrheidestadion, Bochum. Kickoff 6:00 p.m. CET.

The GNC is a new global series providing an annual elite competition. For Germany, facing a tradition-rich Canadian program is both a measuring stick and a key step in the team’s growth.

A German win by four or more will land the first GNC Cup ever presented. A Canadian win, or even a loss by two or less, means the silverware heads back to the Great White North. A three-point Canadian loss opens up the mathematical possibility of Canada or Italy (1-1) securing the championship on points scored.

Canada is an established force, winning the IFAF World Junior Championship the last three times, and four in total (2011, 2016, 2018 and 2024), outpacing the USA, which has won twice. Team Canada brings trademark physicality, athleticism, and experience from the NFL, CFL and US and Canadian college football. Germany is embracing that challenge to keep raising its international standard and build as a unit.

Canada is coming off a surprisingly tight 20-17 victory over a determined Team Italy in Milan on Sunday afternoon at Velodromo Vigorelli. Canada must shake off the jet lag and gel as a team throughout this week. Team Germany is searching for redemption after a disappointing fourth-place finish in Krefeld at the European Final Four, which was capped off by a 17-14 loss to Italy. The bronze medal game also served as the first game of the GNC.

Head Coach Christian Rothe on the matchup:

“We’re excited for the GNC. This game lets us evaluate more players under pressure and gives them a chance to prove themselves on an international stage. It’s an important learning step for our team—and a fitting way to close the German football year.”

GNC Chair Jim Mullin on the series:

“In the absence of an IFAF World Championship, this tournament is the answer for Global football in the Northern Hemisphere. With this competition patterned after Rugby Six Nations, I believe we can bring national programs that are committed to growth in the intercontinental arena together on a sustainable, annual basis to spur growth around the world.”

Be there to back the team and feel the atmosphere in person.

Tickets: available now.

Can’t make it? Watch live (German commentary): https://afvd.de/live/

Pre-game & in-stadium: Expect a full game-day experience with cheerleaders, in-stadium entertainment, and a flag football tournament before kickoff. A wide range of food and beverage options will be available.

Merch: Check out the merchandise stand for fresh drops, including two exclusive gameday designs. Also online at afvd.shop.

GRID BITS: The final for the GNC is being played on the same day as the CFL's Grey Cup in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The GNC finale starts three-and-a-half hours before the kickoff between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes... This is the first championship in men's football with a global scope since the IFAF World Championship in Canton, Ohio in 2015. Neither Canada nor Germany played at that event, which was on by the US 43-18 over Japan... Canada will play the first game of the 2026 GNC with a game against provisional members Mexico at IPN Stadium in Mexico City on December 13.