Group C got underway with debutants Sudacas of the Netherlands taking on Blue Balls FC of England. Blue Balls FC made their debut at the 2025 Amsterdam Sixes just 12 months ago. They began well with a 2-1 win over Tulip Sniffers FC before suffering their first defeat to Salter's Assaulters. A 0-0 draw versus Chamakh Your Pitch Up edged them up the table before a 3-1 defeat to high-flying FC Dosko. They needed a point in their final game to qualify for the knockout phase but it would be tough against the 2024 champions, FC NoeNoe. They lost 6-1 with the margin of defeat meaning they missed out on the Plate competition on goal difference.

The first half was a cagey affair, with neither side able to find a way through. Both defences stood firm, limiting opportunities and ensuring that the teams went into the break level at 0-0. It was a competitive opening period where neither team was willing to take unnecessary risks. The second half followed a similar pattern, with both Sudacas and Blue Balls FC continuing to battle for control of the game. Chances were difficult to come by as the defensive structures remained on top, and despite both teams searching for the breakthrough, the deadlock could not be broken.

In the end, the points were shared as the match finished 0-0. While there were no goals to celebrate, both teams could take positives from a disciplined defensive display and a hard-earned point from the opening match. For Sudacas, it was a solid introduction to tournament football and for both teams it was a solid foundation to build on for their Utrecht campaign.

The second match in Group C saw an all-Dutch encounter as debutants Atay 30 faced fellow newcomers The Goats. With both teams experiencing tournament football with us for the first time, there was plenty to play for as they looked to make an early impression and start their Utrecht Sevens campaign with a positive result.

It was The Goats who settled the quicker in front of goal, taking the lead through Simon Hiemstra. His strike gave The Goats a 1-0 advantage, and they were able to take that narrow lead into the interval after a competitive opening period. Atay 30 had shown plenty of determination but found themselves behind at half-time.

The second half saw Atay 30 respond strongly as they searched for a way back into the game. Their pressure eventually paid off when Issam El Bouazzati found the equaliser, bringing the scores level at 1-1. With the momentum shifting, both teams pushed for a decisive second goal, but neither could find the breakthrough.

The points were ultimately shared as the game finished 1-1. It was a fair reflection of an evenly matched contest between two debutant sides, with The Goats able to take positives from taking the lead, while Atay 30 showed great character to recover and secure a point. Both teams had opened their Utrecht Sevens journeys with something to build on.

The final team to begin their Group C campaign was England's Purgatory FC, who faced Sudacas of the Netherlands. Sudacas had already been in action earlier in the day, opening their tournament with a goalless draw, and they were looking to build on that solid start. Purgatory FC, meanwhile, were eager to make an immediate impact on their Utrecht Sevens debut.

It was the Dutch side who made the first breakthrough as Sudacas took the lead through Mauro Monticello. His goal gave Sudacas a valuable advantage, but Purgatory FC responded quickly and showed good character to get themselves back into the contest. Ryan Winkelmann found the equaliser, bringing the score back to 1-1 before the interval.

The second half continued in the same competitive fashion, with both teams battling hard and creating opportunities without being able to find the decisive moment. Neither side was willing to give too much away, and the defences remained on top as the game remained finely balanced throughout the closing stages.

The final whistle confirmed another draw in Group C, with Purgatory FC and Sudacas sharing the points in a 1-1 draw. It was the third consecutive drawn match in the group, highlighting just how closely contested the opening fixtures had been. Both teams could take encouragement from avoiding defeat, but would know that victories would be needed in their remaining games if they were to push towards Cup qualification.

With the opening matches in Group C producing three consecutive draws, the importance of claiming a first victory in the group could not be understated. Blue Balls FC of England and Atay 30 of the Netherlands both entered the match knowing that three points would provide a huge boost in what was proving to be an extremely tight and competitive group.

The pattern of Group C continued in the opening half, with another closely fought contest where neither side was able to find a way through. Both teams defended well and cancelled each other out, meaning the game reached the interval goalless at 0-0. With every goal proving potentially decisive in such a congested group, the tension was building as the second half began.

Eventually, the deadlock was finally broken, and it was Blue Balls FC who found the breakthrough. Luke Dobson became the first player to score in the game, giving the English side a valuable 1-0 lead. The goal opened the match up, and Blue Balls FC soon doubled their advantage when Luke Hackett struck to make it 2-0 — the first time any team in Group C had managed to establish a two-goal cushion.

Atay 30 searched for a route back into the contest, but Blue Balls FC showed the same defensive resilience that had earned them a clean sheet in their opening match. They successfully protected their advantage and secured a first victory of the tournament, winning 2-0. The result lifted Blue Balls FC to the top of Group C with four points, while Atay 30 were left still searching for their first win after two closely contested matches.

With Group C proving to be one of the most tightly contested groups of the tournament, The Goats and Purgatory FC both entered this fixture knowing that a victory could transform their position in the table. Both teams had collected a point from their opening matches following draws, and with Blue Balls FC already moving onto four points, there was a huge opportunity for either side to join the early leaders.

The opening exchanges showed signs that Group C was beginning to open up after a series of cagey encounters. Purgatory FC were the team to make the breakthrough, with Ryan Winklemann continuing his excellent start to the tournament. After scoring in their opening match, Winklemann struck again to give Purgatory FC a 1-0 lead, and that was the advantage they took into the half-time interval.

In the second half, Purgatory FC continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when Winklemann found the net for the second time in the match. His brace extended their lead to 2-0 and put his side firmly in control. The goal was another sign of Winklemann's importance to Purgatory FC's attacking play, as he continued his impressive scoring form.

The Goats refused to give up and ensured there would be a nervy finish when George Anderson pulled one back late on to make it 2-1. However, despite the late pressure, Purgatory FC remained composed and managed the closing stages superbly to secure their first victory of the tournament. The 2-1 win moved Purgatory FC onto four points, level with fellow English side Blue Balls FC at the top of Group C, while The Goats were left still searching for their first win but very much alive in a tightly packed group.