Canada’s women’s flag football team emerged victorious over the United States to claim the world title, while the men’s team secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships held in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women’s team, having secured their spot with a 20-6 victory over top-seeded Mexico in the semifinals, concluded a flawless tournament with a 27-20 triumph over the American team in the final match.
Frederique Morneau shone with three touchdown receptions for Canada, as quarterback Sara Parker connected with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for the team’s additional score. Parker, who delivered a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player in the women’s tournament.
On the men’s side, Canada’s team also secured a place at the 2028 Olympics by defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place game. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the charge 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 and James Drysdale also scored for the Canadian men’s team.
The top two teams from both flag football events, excluding the host American teams, qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will make its Olympic debut. Despite a loss to Italy in the men’s semifinals, Canada’s men’s team capitalized on their third-place game against Mexico to secure their Olympic berth, coinciding with the American men’s advancement to the final match.
Head coach Paul LaPolice commended his team’s performance, stating, “We came to the world championships to win, and this group got it done. Qualifying for the Olympics doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of a lot of hard work and dedication, and I’m proud of how our athletes competed when it mattered most.” LaPolice also expressed enthusiasm for the future of Canadian flag football, praising the qualification of both men’s and women’s senior teams as a significant milestone for the sport.
In the men’s final, the U.S. team emerged victorious over Italy with a score of 42-26, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.