Canada’s women’s flag football team achieved victory over the United States to secure the world title, while the men’s team secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships held in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women’s team, after defeating top-ranked Mexico in the semifinals on Saturday with a score of 20-6, ended their flawless tournament with a 27-20 win against the American team in the final match.
Frederique Morneau made three touchdown receptions for Canada, while Quarterback Sara Parker connected with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, with a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
The Canadian men’s team will accompany the women at the 2028 Games following their 34-26 victory over Mexico in the third-place match. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the team with 294 yards and five touchdowns. Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end, contributed 149 receiving yards and caught two of O’Connor’s touchdown passes. Additionally, Daniel Petermann scored twice, and James Drysdale added another touchdown.
The top two teams from each flag event, excluding the American hosts, secured spots in the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. Canada, despite losing to Italy in the men’s semifinals, secured their Olympic spot during the third-place game when the American men also progressed to the final.
“We came to the world championships with the goal of winning, and this team achieved it,” stated Canada head coach Paul LaPolice. “Qualifying for the Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, and I am proud of their performance when it mattered the most.”
LaPolice added, “This marks an exciting period for the sport, and the qualification of both our men’s and women’s senior teams together reflects the positive direction of Canadian flag football.”
In the men’s final, the U.S team emerged victorious against Italy with a score of 42-26.