Canada is vying for Olympic qualification in flag football as the sport makes its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The country aims to secure spots at this week’s world championships in Germany. Two berths are available for both men’s and women’s Olympic tournaments, each comprising six teams. The United States, a dominant force in flag football, has an automatic entry, while the remaining spots will be determined through a qualifier in Montreal in June 2028.
Although not crucial for Olympic qualification, winning at the world championships would alleviate the pressure of the last-chance qualifier in the following years. Sixteen teams in each gender category are competing in Germany, with groups of four in the preliminary round leading to knockout stages. The top two teams in each group will advance, with medal games deciding the world champions and Olympic qualifiers.
The Canadian women will face Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the group stage, while the men will compete against Austria, Japan, and were awarded a win by default as Nigeria withdrew due to visa issues. The Canadian women’s team is ranked fourth globally, with past successes in the world championships. The men’s team, ranked 10th, seeks to improve their standing and earn a spot at the Olympics.
The Olympics’ inclusion of flag football for 2028 sparked speculation about potential NFL and CFL stars joining the teams. However, the differences between flag and tackle football were evident in a recent exhibition tournament, where flag football players showcased their agility and strategic prowess. Canada’s teams include former NFL and CFL players, enhancing their competitive edge.
Fans can watch the flag football world championships live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website, starting from Thursday at 2 a.m. ET.