Ferran, Delgado and the others: Porto welcomes the new stars of the girl’s NextGen

Winning a title is a special achievement, but doing so while representing your national team makes it even more memorable. For the rising stars of women’s padel, the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup 2026 represents the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage. Some of the players competing in Porto, Portugal, from 27 June to 4 July have already enjoyed major success in their careers, while others are aiming for their first significant results as they look to begin their professional journey with a title.

 

Looking at the squads selected by each national team, there is little doubt that Spain are the favourites for the women’s title. Not only are they the defending champions from the 2024 edition, but they can also rely on players capable of making the difference, such as Paula Ferran and Maria Delgado. Ferran has already won four CUPRA FIP Tour titles during her career, with her first success coming in Portugal at last year’s FIP Bronze Setúbal. Delgado, meanwhile, arrives after claiming the FIP Bronze title in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in mid-May and reaching the final of last week’s FIP Bronze in Cordenons, Italy. Spain’s strength is further enhanced by the possibility of fielding a pair that has already proved its winning credentials: Martina Vera and Daniela Portilla, champions this season at the FIP Bronze in Lanzarote, Spain.

 

Among the national teams expected to play a leading role at the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup 2026 is the host nation itself. Portugal will rely on Maria Francisca Santos, who has shown consistent form this year by reaching the round of 16 at both the FIP Silver San Antonio in Portugal and the FIP Silver Timisoara in Romania. Attention will also be on one of the revelations of the 2026 season, Francisca Cravo. She has enjoyed outstanding results on home soil, with four of her five victories this season on the FIP Promises Tour coming in Portugal. Her objective in this competition will be to demonstrate that she can also make an impact in a team event.

 

After winning the silver medal at the most recent edition of the competition in Budapest, Italy will aim at least to match the result achieved two years ago. The player to watch is Matilde Minelli, winner last year of the FIP Bronze held in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. This season she has reached the semi-finals at the Italian FIP Bronze events in Montesilvano and Cordenons. Also included in Italy’s squad are Vittoria Giraldi, Emma Speziali and Lucrezia Piernera.