Canada’s women’s flag football team secured the world championship title by defeating the United States, while the men’s team secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women, who had already secured a spot with a 20-6 victory over top-ranked Mexico in the semifinals, concluded a flawless tournament by triumphing 27-20 over the Americans in the final match.
Frederique Morneau made three touchdown receptions for Canada, with quarterback Sara Parker finding Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, who completed a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
In the men’s competition, Canada secured a place at the 2028 Olympics following a 34-26 triumph over Mexico in the third-place playoff. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led Canada with 294 yards and five touchdowns, with former NFL tight end Antony Auclair contributing 149 receiving yards and catching two of O’Connor’s touchdown passes. Daniel Petermann scored twice, and James Drysdale added another touchdown.
The top two teams from both flag football events, excluding the host Americans, qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. Despite losing to Italy in the men’s semifinals, Canada’s third-place game against Mexico became crucial for Olympic qualification after the American men also progressed to the final.
Canada’s head coach, Paul LaPolice, praised the team’s performance, stating, “We came to the world championships with the intention to win, and this group delivered. Qualifying for the Olympics is a result of hard work and commitment, and I’m proud of how our athletes performed under pressure.” LaPolice also expressed excitement about the future of Canadian flag football, emphasizing the significance of both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying together.
The U.S emerged victorious in the men’s final, defeating Italy 42-26.