After 42 games of football we came down to the most important of them all. Game 43 – The 2026 Mallorca Fives Cup Final. The two teams set to do battle for the honour and glory of victory were Ecuador 100% and RAF. The title was up for grabs and this is how we lined-up:

Ecuador 100% (Ecu)

Best appearance to date: Champions 2019, 2022 & 2023

Record today: Played 6, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 0.

Goal difference today: 26-8 (+18)

Current unbeaten run: 18 games (excluding penalty shoot-outs)

Today's top goalscorer: Estiven Lastra (13)

Clean sheets: 1

RAF (Por)

Best appearance to date: Winners - 2015 Algarve Open (Cup), 2019 & 2025 Lisbon Tournament (Plate), 2024 Mallorca Fives (Plate) and runners-up at the 2022 Lisbon Tournament (Cup)

Record today: Played 6, Won 4, Drawn 0, Lost 2.

Goal difference today: 12-11 (+1)

Current unbeaten run: 2 games.

Today's top goalscorer: Cristiano Pico (3)

Clean sheets: 1

The 2026 Mallorca Fives Final brought together two of the competition's most accomplished sides, as RAF of Portugal faced Ecuador 100% in a clash worthy of the occasion. Ecuador arrived with an outstanding pedigree, chasing a fourth title in five tournaments and having once again produced a dominant campaign. RAF, meanwhile, were looking to add a second Cup trophy to their history and end a long wait since their previous triumph, having collected several runner-up finishes (and Plate wins) in the intervening years. With both teams boasting strong attacking players and proven tournament experience, expectations were high for a decisive and high-quality contest.

The stats for Ecuador 100% were formidable. They were 18 games unbeaten in normal time dating back to the opening game of the 2023 tournament where they lost 1-0 to Polonia Limerick. Such was the size of the task facing RAF! These two teams met in the Semi-Final of the 2019 Mallorca Tournament when Ecuador 100% won 3-1.

Despite the attacking talent on display today, the final quickly developed into a tactical and disciplined battle, with both defences standing firm under sustained pressure. Clear chances were limited as the match progressed, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in normal time. Goalkeepers on both sides played key roles in maintaining the deadlock, dealing confidently with the few moments of danger that arose. At half-time and full-time, the score remained 0-0, setting up a penalty shootout to decide the destination of the trophy.

The shootout began in tense fashion, with nerves evident on both sides. Ivan Lee was unable to convert his opening attempt, while RAF also saw their goalkeeper, Diogo Arsenio, fail to score, leaving the contest finely balanced. Ecuador struck first through Kennet, only for RAF to respond immediately via Rafael Jeronimo, keeping the shootout level. Lastra then stepped up to convert confidently for 2-1, but Tiago Sousa quickly levelled at 2-2, sending the shootout into sudden death.

In the decisive moment, Ecuador 100% held their nerve as Cristiano Amaline scored to put them ahead, before Pedro Neves was denied, handing Ecuador victory from the spot. The South American side were crowned champions for the fourth time in five tournaments, completing another remarkable chapter in their history and avenging their semi-final shootout exit from the previous year. For RAF, it was another painful defeat in a final, but they once again showed their quality and resilience throughout the tournament, pushing one of the competition's great sides all the way to the very end.

For RAF, the final may have ended in disappointment, but their performance in reaching the Cup Final, particularly after playing in and winning the Plate last time out in 2024, will be remembered as a significant achievement. This was a notable step up in class. They should remember the day with pride and take confidence that they can go all the way in these events as they can beat anyone on their day.

Thank you to all the teams who competed. We hope to see you all again at a tournament very soon.

With an unbeaten record and an impressive goal difference, Ecuador 100% proved to be worthy champions. Estiven Lastra's goals will take the headlines but it was a concerted full team effort that won yet another trophy. Who would bet against them next year?