Canada’s national women’s flag football team secured the world championship title by triumphing over the United States at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships in Düsseldorf, Germany. Meanwhile, the men’s team also secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The women’s team, having secured their spot with a 20-6 win against top-seeded Mexico in the semifinals, concluded a flawless tournament with a 27-20 victory over the American team in the final match. Frederique Morneau made three touchdown receptions for Canada, with quarterback Sara Parker connecting with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, who threw a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
In the men’s competition, Canada clinched their spot in the Olympics by defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place game. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the Canadian team with 294 passing yards and five touchdowns. Former NFL tight end Antony Auclair contributed 149 receiving yards and caught two of O’Connor’s touchdown passes, while Daniel Petermann and James Drysdale each scored twice.
The top two teams from both the men’s and women’s flag football events, excluding the host United States, qualified for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. Despite Canada’s loss to Italy in the men’s semifinals, their victory in the third-place match against Mexico earned them the coveted Olympic berth.
Head coach Paul LaPolice expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to their success. He highlighted the significance of both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying for the Olympics, indicating a promising future for Canadian flag football.
In the men’s final, the United States emerged victorious over Italy with a score of 42-26.