Canada’s male and female flag football teams have progressed to the quarterfinals of the flag football world championships held in Germany. The men’s team secured second place in their group with a 2-1 record, despite a 37-28 loss to Japan. Due to Nigeria’s withdrawal from the tournament due to visa issues, Canada was awarded an automatic win against them. Japan’s quarterback, Take Taniguchi, threw five touchdown passes, while Canada’s former CFL quarterback, Michael O’Connor, threw three TD passes. The men’s team will face American Samoa in the quarterfinals following American Samoa’s upset victory against the top-ranked U.S. team.
On the other hand, the women’s team finished at the top of their group with a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Japan 34-20. They are set to play against Austria in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal match against the winner of Mexico and Spain awaiting them. Quarterback Sara Parker led the charge against Japan with four touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Caroline Moquin-Joubert. Alexane Fournier and Marianne Quirion also contributed with TD receptions, while Frederique Morneau scored a rushing touchdown, leading Canada to a comeback victory by erasing a halftime deficit.
Apart from competing for the world title, teams at the event are also vying for a chance to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. The top two teams from the world championships will secure Olympic spots. All matches from the championships are available for live streaming on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem platforms.
