The Canadian women’s flag football team has secured a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games 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 her pride in the team’s discipline, resilience, and trust that led to this qualification. Canada’s success reflects the growing prominence of flag football in the country.
The top two countries in both the men’s and women’s world championships have earned qualification for the 2028 Olympics, with the possibility of a third spot if the United States, as the host nation, reaches the final. The Canadian women will face the U.S. in the world title match, while Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic spot in the bronze-medal game.
In the men’s competition, Canada lost to Italy 41-36 in the semifinal but still has a chance to secure an Olympic berth by competing against Mexico in the bronze-medal match. The U.S. will play Italy in the men’s final on Sunday at the world championship.
Next year’s continental championships and a qualifying series the following year also offer opportunities for countries to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics. Canada’s women’s team had notable victories, including a 34-33 win over the U.S. at the USA Football Summer Series. Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the team for their hard work and performance, expressing excitement for their upcoming Olympic journey.
In the semifinal matches, standout performances included Sara Parker passing for 107 yards and Silvia Contreras leading in receiving yards with 38 on six catches. Caroline Moquin-Joubert and Alexane Fournier scored touchdowns for the women’s team, while James Drysdale, Jackson Tachinski, and Antony Auclair found the end zone for the men’s team.
