Canada’s national women’s flag football team emerged victorious over the United States to secure the world championship, while the men’s team secured their spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women’s team, having already secured a spot with a 20-6 triumph over top-seeded Mexico in the semifinals, completed their flawless performance with a 27-20 win against the Americans in the final match.
Frederique Morneau was instrumental with three touchdown receptions for Canada, with quarterback Sara Parker connecting with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, who tallied 23 touchdown passes in total, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
On the men’s side, Canada’s team will be heading to the 2028 Olympics after defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place playoff game. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the charge with 294 passing yards and five touchdowns, with former NFL tight end Antony Auclair contributing 149 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. Daniel Petermann and James Drysdale also found the end zone twice and once, respectively.
The top two teams from both flag football events, excluding the host United States, earned qualifications for the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. Although Canada lost to Italy in the men’s semifinals, they secured their Olympic berth by winning the third-place game, following the advancement of the American men to the final.
Head coach Paul LaPolice expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “We came to the world championships with the goal of winning, and this team delivered. Qualifying for the Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by our athletes when it mattered the most.”
LaPolice also highlighted the significance of both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying together, emphasizing the positive direction of Canadian flag football. In the men’s final, the United States emerged victorious over Italy with a score of 42-26.