The Canadian women’s flag football squad has secured their spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after triumphing over Mexico with a score of 20-6 in a world championship semifinal conducted by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) in Duesseldorf, Germany. Rachel Lessard, the head coach of the Canadian women’s team, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, attributing their success to the discipline, resilience, and camaraderie they have fostered throughout the journey. She emphasized that the team had rightfully earned the opportunity to participate in the 2026 IFAF Flag Football world championships and subsequently progress to the 2028 Olympics.
The top two finishers in both the men’s and women’s world championships have secured their places in the 2028 Olympics, the inaugural Olympic appearance for flag football. However, if the United States, as the host nation, advances to the final, the top three teams will qualify for the Games. The Canadian women’s team will face the U.S. in the world championship final following the U.S.’s victory over Britain. Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match.
In the men’s category, Canada faced a setback with a 41-36 loss to Italy in the semifinals. Despite this, they still have an opportunity to claim an early Olympic spot in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. emerged victorious with a 42-40 score against Mexico in the men’s semifinal and will compete against Italy for the gold medal at the world championship.
Apart from the world championships, countries can also secure berths for the Los Angeles Olympics through continental championships next year and a subsequent qualifying series. The Canadian teams showcased strong performances throughout the tournament, with the women defeating the U.S. in the USA Football Summer Series and securing their spot at the Olympics. Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the team’s dedication and remarkable performance, expressing excitement to witness their journey at the Olympic stage.
Key players like Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, Caroline Moquin-Joubert, Alexane Fournier, James Drysdale, Jackson Tachinski, and Antony Auclair played pivotal roles in their respective matches, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
