The Canadian women’s flag football team secured a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles after defeating Mexico 20-6 in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship semifinal in Duesseldorf, Germany. Head coach Rachel Lessard expressed pride in her team’s performance, highlighting their discipline, resilience, and unity throughout the qualifying process. This achievement reflects the growing prominence of Canadian flag football, propelling them towards the Olympic stage.
In the men’s and women’s world championships, the top two teams from each category earned qualification for the 2028 Olympics, with the possibility of a third spot if the United States advanced to the finals as the host country. The Canadian women’s team is set to face the U.S. for the world title, while Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match.
Despite a 41-36 loss to Italy in the men’s semifinal, the Canadian men still have a chance to secure an Olympic ticket in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. will face Italy in the men’s gold medal match on the final day of the world championship.
Both the Canadian men and women exhibited strong performances throughout the tournament, with the women’s team clinching a thrilling victory over the U.S. during the USA Football Summer Series in June. Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, praised the team for their hard work and outstanding performance, expressing excitement for their upcoming appearance at the 2028 Olympics.
Key players in the semifinals included Sara Parker, who passed for 107 yards, and Silvia Contreras, the leading receiver with 38 yards and a touchdown. Caroline Moquin-Joubert and Alexane Fournier also made significant contributions to the women’s team, while James Drysdale and his teammates showcased their skills in the men’s competition.
Beyond this victory, countries can continue to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics through future continental championships and upcoming qualifying series, setting the stage for an exciting flag football debut at the Olympic Games.